What to Know About Lamination in Printing and Packaging

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When thinking of ways to protect your packaging and increase its aesthetic, lamination is the way to go. It’s a popular process that provides numerous benefits and customization options, making your packaging more functional and attractive.

But what is lamination in printing and packaging? Furthermore, what are the benefits it offers, and what types of lamination can you choose from?

We answer all your questions below, so read on!

What is Lamination Printing and Its Process?

Lamination printing refers to the process of applying a thin layer of plastic to packaging, which enhances and protects the printed matter. You can usually find lamination done on the packaging, brochures, book covers, business cards, among other items.

We apply laminate for all sides of the packaging with a protective shield. There are different laminating machinery, which is classified according to the bonding agent used for producing laminates.

For instance, there is wet lamination, where the bonding agent is still in liquid state, or dry lamination, where the bonding agent is dissolved in liquid then applied to webs before evaporating in a drying oven. You can also consider wax lamination, where the bonding agent is a hot melt or wax, or solventless lamination, which has no solvents and requires no drying.

Types of Lamination

Film lamination enhances packaging by giving it a more luxurious finishing touch. Furthermore, it reinforces paperboard, this extending the packaging’s lifespan. Besides film lamination and the different types of machinery this uses, there are different types of film lamination to use, enhancing your packaging uniquely.

These are the most common ones:

Gloss Lamination

Gloss lamination is one of the more common applications using a clear and lustrous film, thus enriching the printing result. This kind of lamination lets your packaging stand out, giving it a richer depth of color. As a result, the lamination will intensify the color scheme, improving image contrast.

We recommend using gloss lamination if you want more of a clean look to draw attention to packaging. This lamination type is also common when adding embossed texture, minimizing scratches and fingerprint smudges. It will also prevent early deterioration of your packaging’s finish.

We recommend using gloss lamination if you believe the packaging will go through a lot of handling and want your colors to stand out without caring for the glare. Gloss lamination offers more protection from dust, dirt, fingerprints, and grime. Furthermore, gloss is usually cheaper than lamination, so if budget is in mind, then gloss lamination is the best choice.

Matte Lamination

Matte lamination will provide a subtler finish. It’s non-reflective and will reduce color shifts, making it more faithful to the design and colors were chosen for the packaging. It won’t enhance or intensify the packaging’s design colors.

We recommend matte lamination if you plan to place your packaging under direct lighting, as it prevents harsh glares. People will be able to read the package from a distance. It’s also best when using muted or subtle colors and if you want the product to appear elegant and professional.

Also, note that you can write over matte laminate and not on gloss laminate.

Anti-Scratch Lamination

Fingerprints and scratches are easy to appear on matte lamination, especially if you have a dark background like black, dark blue, and the like. If you have a darker packaging, we recommend using anti-scratch lamination.

This lamination type is scratch-resistant and eliminates any fingerprint smudges and the like. It’s also more durable than the other kinds of lamination techniques while still providing a more elegant feel for your packaging.

Soft-Touch Lamination

Soft-touch lamination will provide a velvety, brushed hand-feel to your packaging, along with a smooth and silky look. Unlike gloss or matte lamination, soft-touch lamination will give your packaging more of a feeling of depth. It’s also unique in how it stimulates a sense of touch.

With this lamination’s tactile appearance, your packaging received a more refined and luxurious appearance, perfect for luxury brands. Also, similar to matte lamination, soft-touch will provide a subtle surface with minimal sheen.

We recommend soft-touch lamination to pique interest in your packaging and brand, mainly thanks to its unique and unexpected feel!

The Benefits of Lamination in Packaging

There are different benefits lamination printing offers to businesses and individuals, such as:

Better protection

Lamination is tear-resistant and water-resistant, made with strength in mind. When you laminate your packaging, it can withstand more handling during the shipment process.

It will also prevent your packaging from experiencing wear and tear from everyday practices, like sun exposure, staining, and creasing. It will also protect your packaging from smudges and cuffs!

More aesthetic design

Your packaging will be protected throughout the entire shipment process. When customers receive it, the packaging will appear fresh and attractive. Furthermore, lamination helps packaging colors and design pop more, making it more attractive and garnering attention.

Many people also prefer laminated packages as they feel sturdier and more premium than other techniques. The packaging feels less flimsy thanks to the laminate’s extra thickness and content between layers.

Locks ink between layers

Laminates will allow businesses to “lock-up” their packaging design’s inks between layers. When using other materials, you’ll usually have to print your design on the outer layer, but this will make your print vulnerable, as parts of it can get wet or scratched, damaging the design by the time it reaches customers.

Laminated packaging allows producers to print between layers, so it’s safe from outside without reaching your products inside.

Customize your packaging!

As mentioned, there are many types of lamination printing techniques to choose from, all with their benefits to make your design look unique and aesthetic to customers. Regardless of your packaging design, there’s a lamination printing technique that will suit it best and surpass expectations.

If you’re considering to avail lamination printing & packaging services, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we can discuss your options.

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