Laminate, or not laminate...that is the question!

Do I need to laminate my sign?

In the world of digital printing there are many elements to completing a successful sign that fits the needs of the customer. One of the components of a successful sign is assessing whether the sign will need a laminate or if the digital print can stand alone without a laminate.

Determining whether a sign truly needs lamination is a fairly simple science that directly depends on the environment that it will be installed in; how the sign will be used; and lastly, how long the print needs to last.

WHY LAMINATE?
Lamination, in and of itself, serves as a protectant for digital prints. When you laminate a digital print you create a barrier that helps preserve and guard the print underneath against scratching, abrasion, cleaning chemicals and the environment. Lamination also has a protective UV coating, which helps increase the life span of a digital print by a year or two (maybe more), by blocking out harmful light that can fade the ink on the print. Laminating a digital print also gives the product a heavier overall thickness making the finished product easier to apply on smooth surfaces. So when you ask "why laminate"? The answer is...for the digital prints own protection!

WHEN TO LAMINATE?
Most digitally printed signs don't really require or need lamination because they will not be in harsh environments or situations that require that extra added protective element. But, there are certain situations, when it is highly recommended to laminate a digital print. For instance...if your sign will endure a lot of direct sunlight; needs to endure harsh environments; will be commercially washed on a normal basis (example: vehicle graphics); be in contact with mild cleaners; or in a high traffic area that can be damaged by any human interaction, all are prime examples of when to laminate.

In general, lamination, is an optional feature for digital printing, from window decals to magnetic signs to vehicle graphics. And with any product upgrade there is usually a higher dollar amount attached to the base price of a product. When considering adding lamination to your digital prints, just keep in mind the information stated above, and if you really don't need lamination, then save yourself a buck or two and opt for no lamination. And when surfing the internet for online pricing, don't automatically make the assumption that you need lamination. And as always, when in doubt, talk it out...give the company a call and ask a knowledgeable sales person if lamination is right for your digitally printed project.