One of the factors considered by clients when using vinyl, is of course, how long it will last.
No one wants to invest in something that is not sustainable.
An excellent way to preserve a wrap or a graphic is to use an overlaminating film or liquid.
“One uses overlaminates to protect the print from scratches and to prevent it from fading in the sun,” says our Durban Sales Manager, Trevor Govender.
Of course investing in an overlaminate will be an additional expense to your clients, however, it has an array of benefits which will ensure that their vinyl lasts relatively longer and looks the part as well.
Arlon notes that by adding a substrate laminate to a graphic, it will be easier to apply as it will be thicker and easier to handle.
“The added layer makes the original graphic more stable (and feel more repositionable) making it easier to reposition without distorting the image,” says Chad Russel in the company’s 2015 article.
As aforementioned, another benefit of using an overlaminate is that adding a laminate to your substrate will protect your image from constant abrasion, protecting it from any scratches obtained as a result of transportation or use.
Your clients should also consider using overlaminates to enhance their graphics. With overlaminates, you can choose the gloss level of the final product, which leads to a more beautiful finish.
Many protective films are specially formulated to provide printed graphics with UV protection which will keep the image looking vibrant and clear for a longer period, as highlighted by our sales manager.
When you add another layer to the graphic, the same thickness and stability that made the overlaminate easy to install will make it easy to remove as well. The extra layer allows you to apply more heat and facilitates the removal of the graphic or wrap, leaving less adhesive behind.
Both film and liquid laminates serve the same function, however the applications differ.
“With vinyl lamination you can only apply laminate with a laminating machine, whereas with liquid laminate, it can be ‘painted on’,” adds Govender.
While regarding the array of benefits that these types of films have, it’s important that you encourage your clients to use the correct film if they choose to invest in the overlaminate.
“You get different grades of laminate. For each type of printing vinyl, you should use a corresponding laminate. For example, use a one-year laminate with a one-year film, and a monomeric laminate with a monomeric film,” our sales expert says.