Top 5 reasons to use a substrate laminate

by carly_mchugh | 31 August 2022 5:20 pm

By Ritchie Daize

Most premium commercial graphics are produced with some type of protective coating. Print houses and sign shops that produce graphics by printing on pressure-sensitive films (PSF) typically use one of two methods as protection: substrate or liquid-coated laminates. Substrate laminates offer benefits that liquid laminates do not, which go far beyond surface protection.

Laminates are often thought to have only one function—protect the image printed on the base film from abrasion and ultraviolet (UV) exposure in the field. However, laminates begin their usefulness from the moment they are applied and continue to add functionality throughout the entire service life of the graphic.

Here are the top five reasons to use a substrate laminate:

1. They provide additional protection through production, shipping, and application

Applying a laminate soon after the graphics leave the printing press is an excellent way to preserve your images from being damaged as they pass through each production process, which includes shipping and application. Substrate laminates are applied on a roll-to-roll laminator similar in principle to most digital print presses. The most efficient way to process roll-to-roll graphics is to maintain roll length through as many procedures as possible. Liquid-coated laminates require sheeting immediately after they are printed, causing losses in productivity to your downstream processes.

2. Their added dimensional stability makes graphics easier to handle and apply

Substrate laminates typically match the thickness of the pressure-sensitive films they are applied to. This added thickness offers body and flexibility, which makes handling and applying these graphics much easier, especially in extreme temperatures or when solvent inks are used. Liquid clearcoats are very thin and make the printed film brittle and difficult to apply and require application tape to maintain dimensional stability.

3. They protect your graphics from the elements and help to extend their service life

Since substrate laminates are thicker than liquid clearcoats, they offer much more protection throughout their service life from abrasion caused by cleaning practices, human traffic, and accidental contact. Outdoor printed graphics are not resistant to fading and premature material degradation that is caused by the UV rays of the sun. Substrate laminates offer a high level of UV protection. Non-PVC substrate laminates can provide vertical UV protection for as long as 10 years.

4. The large selection of finishes and effects can make your graphics really pop

Another benefit substrate laminates provide is a wide choice of surface finishes and effects. The most common options are based on gloss levels, such as ultra-matte, matte, satin, lustre, and high gloss. Some manufacturers produce laminates that feature patterns like wood grain, leather, canvas, and carbon fibre or additives like metal flakes, pearlescence, and tint. These options add unique effects to your printed graphics that can make your designs really stand out.

5. Your graphics will be easier to remove when it is time to take them down

Almost every printed pressure-sensitive graphic produced will need to be removed at the end of its service life. Graphics that are liquid clearcoated, or not laminated at all, break apart, making them difficult to remove. The added body and dimensional stability substrate laminates add to your printed graphics allow them to be removed in large pieces, which is much easier and causes less damage to the substrate they were applied to.

All premium commercial graphics printed on pressure-sensitive film can benefit from the many practical features substrate laminates offer. The product you deliver needs to be flawless, colourfast, and cost-effective through all phases of its service life, which is attainable with the utilization of a substrate laminate.

Ritchie Daize is the senior technical solutions manager for Arlon Graphics, a global company which produces cast and calendered films for the graphics industry. For more information, visit www.arlon.com.

Source URL: https://www.signmedia.ca/top-5-reasons-use-substrate-laminate/

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