Even less accident-prone graphics need their own level of protection through lamination, especially during transportation. Reflective signs, in particular, need to be properly laminated and shipped standing upright with liners in between them or they would risk picking up impressions from each other.
These and other outdoor graphics also need lamination to protect them against the elements. The Canadian market does not tend to demand customized laminates for its climate, though, as heat and sunlight can do far more damage to digitally printed vinyl graphics than cold temperatures can. Ultraviolet-inhibiting (UV-inhibiting) agents are incorporated into overlaminates for vehicle graphics, pole banners and other outdoor applications for this reason. The materials also tend to be tested for resistance to humidity, wind, rain and particulate-based abrasion.
As signs shops begin to wrap fast boats and other vehicles that are prone to impact, they need tougher laminates.
Indoor protection
Indoor graphics, too, can benefit from specialty laminates. Some retailers are finishing their cosmetics display cabinets with ‘chrome’ overlamination films, for example, both to reflect the products’ colours and to prevent the odd makeup smudge from staining the cabinet walls. These and other ‘metallized’ polyester films are also popular for esthetic effects, as they can add the appearance of stainless steel, brushed metal, pewter and other materials.
Floor graphics are generally applied to pretreated, clean and smooth surfaces like tiles or slightly textured materials like wood or concrete, but casinos and other businesses have also started to mount them on low-pile carpeted areas. These applications require a special floor laminate with a permanent adhesive.
Trade show and exhibit graphics, especially, must stand up to the rigours of long-distance transportation.
Checking compatibility
As durable as a printable pressure-sensitive film and its matching overlaminate might be, the Achilles’ heel of many graphics is the ink. With this in mind, not every inkjet printer can be warranted for performance with every film and overlaminate. So, as much as lamination offers versatility, signmakers must still keep coverage in mind and check application guides for compatibility between products. A product mismatch could lead to adhesion failure, such as delamination or lifting.
Ken Halford is a technical service representative for Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions. For more information, contact him via e-mail at ken.halford@averydennison.com.
