Liquid laminates can be extremely profitable for a sign business. Their special characteristics can add significant value to a printed graphic, while themselves costing as little as four cents per square foot. Also, offering the option of liquid lamination can set a sign shop apart from most of its competitors.
Liquid laminates can also be applied by a roll-to-roll device.
Liquid laminates can be applied through a variety of methods, including by hand with a roller, brush or mop, with a high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer or via a roll-to-roll liquid coater. They are perfect for standard cut-vinyl signs and printed graphics, especially when there is a need to change an existing finish from matte to gloss or vice versa.
Not all liquid laminates are created equal, however. It is important to check how much protection they will offer graphics, if they are fortified with UV radiation absorbers and light stabilizers, and how long they will take to dry. Some newer liquid laminates will be dry to the touch in less than 30 minutes, while others may take hours.
Odours must also be evaluated. Liquids that are high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not only likely to drive customers out of a sign shop in the first place, but also may not be permitted in some customers’ installation sites, such as food-service environments, hospitals and daycares. It is increasingly important to find a supplier of low-VOC liquids who can back up any claims with data.
A winning combination
In today’s sign industry, it is all the more important to become smarter, better and faster than the competition. This means taking time to analyze market trends and then to decide how to respond to them, whether through roll-to-roll lamination, face-mounting graphics, a wider range of non-traditional and/or specialty laminates, finishes for UV-cured graphics, custom window films or liquid lamination. A winning combination of equipment and consumables will help a sign shop continue to succeed today and tomorrow.
Jerry Hill is vice-president (VP) of new market business development and Luigi Cristicini is business development manager for Drytac Canada in Concord, Ont., which manufactures pressure-sensitive and thermal overlamination films and supplies mounting adhesives, backing films, inkjet media, finishing equipment, liquid laminating systems, related accessories and banner stands. For more information, visit www.drytac.ca.
