What's Happening in Alberton, Gauteng…

Lamination can help to preserve your printed items and projects for longer; it protects your documents from moisture, stains, tearing and damage. Laminated papers will also be more attractive, vibrant and clean.  Even though this process is pretty straightforward, there are still some things that you need to know about lamination before you decide to laminate important items. 

The Thickness of The Laminated Film

Lamination comes in a variety of thicknesses. The thickness that you choose depends on how rigid you require your document to be. For example, if you want to laminate something to be used long-term as signage, you may choose thick rigid laminate. If you want to laminate something that has to be folded afterwards, you may need to select a thinner, more flexible lamination.

Remember: Your document will be placed between two films of laminate sheets. This means that your printed piece will be twice the thickness of the laminate you choose.

Gloss or Matte Finish

Laminate comes in several different degrees of shininess. This means that you can choose how matte or gloss your printed product will be depending on the laminate finish you require. 

• Gloss Finish will give your printed materials a glass-like finish that will enhance the vibrancy and colour of the finished product. 
• Matte Finish will give your finished product a softer appearance that reduces glare. This makes your printed materials easier to read.

Make sure you know how you would like your finished product to look before asking for lamination from your printing company.

Sealed Edge or Flush Edge

There are two types of edges that you can choose for your laminated pieces. The kind of edge you choose can make a big difference to the look, feel and quality of your finished product.

1. Sealed edges occur when the lamination extends past the edge of the Print marketing piece. This type of edge is perfect for items such as Menus that may come in contact with fluids/food as it prevents debris and fluid from ever touching the printed piece.
2. Flushed edges are more aesthetically pleasing and are usually used when contact with fluids or contaminants is not an issue. 

Square or Rounded Edges

The shape of your edges might depend on more than just your personal preferences. There are several reasons, other than aesthetics, that may require you to use rounded edges, such as:

• The thickness of your laminate. If your laminate is too thick, square edges may be dangerously sharp.
• The age of users. Since rounded edges are less of a safety concern, it is better always to use rounded edges for children, no matter the thickness.
• The use of the finished product. If the laminated product will only be used as a sign, it is okay to leave the edges round as this object will not be handled regularly.

If you have any more questions that you would like answered before laminating your next printed piece, be sure to contact Minuteman Press Alberton to speak to a member of our expert team.