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Gloss & Matt Lamination – protective and tactile

We’ve already written about our favourite laminate – we just couldn’t resist! The soft-touch has taken the industry by storm and is adored the world over.

But there are other laminates around that are just as popular… and some even more exotic!

First though, let’s have a quick look at the two most common types of lamination because that’s what you’re most likely to be able to relate to. Gloss lamination and Matt lamination does pretty much what it says on the tin but it’s more than just a high-gloss or high-matt (should that be low-matt?) surface.

Lamination was originally invented to protect the paper or card – take a book cover as a good example. The life of the book would be extended by protecting the cover from rips, tears and coffee splashes.

There’s also a popular anti-scuff laminate which offers the ultimate protection against scuffs (obviously), scratches, finger prints and so on. It has a matt appearance and is so practical – ideal if you’re looking to protect an important print piece.

But we like to push the boundaries beyond mere functionality. We think even humble gloss lamination or matt lamination printing can be used in uber-creative ways, especially with the addition of other print finishes.

And if those aren’t good enough for you, you’ve also got some pretty wacky creative laminating options to choose from too. Textured laminates such as linen, leather and brush stroke add a massive wow-factor to a piece of print.

PS – if this has given you a massive taste for creative laminating, just drop us a line through the button on your right.

CREATIVE LAMINATION PRINTING FOR YOU

How can you find out which lamination suits you best?

  • Book, brochure and catalogue covers
  • For very dark brochure covers, use anti-scuff lamination to protect from marks
  • Try a textured laminate such as leather to give a top-notch appeal
  • Combine matt lamination printing with spot gloss UV to highlight areas of contrast, or for a twist:
  • Try a matt foil block on top of gloss lamination printing to be really different!

Our creatives expand on that traditional twist:

“Spot UV on top of matt lamination is always effective, but it’s pretty common. We’ve tried turning that on its head, using a matt foil block on top of a gloss lamination. This gives the opposite effect and we must say that it’s pretty stunning! So, if you want to stand out, give that a try.”

Our print craft gurus have a word of warning though:

“If you’re looking to laminate over the top of a large area of dark colour (such as a black brochure cover, or a very dark image) then please PLEASE don’t use a standard matt laminate. If the brochure manages to arrive in your customer’s hands without picking up marks, it will soon show fingerprints and all sorts of other scuffs and scratches. So, if you’re in this situation, go for an anti-scuff laminate. Drop us a line if you want to see what we mean.”

SWOT SPOT

Laminated printing is essentially an ultra-thin sheet of plastic that’s heat-sealed to the surface of the paper once it’s printed. This has the effect of protecting the print from water droplets, scratches and those wretched dog-ears.

If you want more, where you’ll see soft touch lamination printing in action. We’d love to show you more too, so keep an eye out for our next monthly spotlight.

If you want to compare the different laminates for yourself, take a look at the July (matt lamination with Spot UV) and November (gloss lamination) leaves in our 2016 calendar. If you don’t have one to hand, just ask and we’ll post one to you right away.


You’re reading an article from the Newton Print Marketer Pro Hub. We’re trying to do our bit to help marketers’ lives easier. It’s been confirmed that marketing and design departments are the most overworked of all so it’s time that was recognised. We use our experience to help you transform mediocre marketing with an injection of creativity and 30 years of know-how.

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Simon Besley

Author Simon Besley

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