Print Lamination
Lamination is a finishing process used to apply a thin protective film—usually plastic—over printed materials. This additional layer enhances the durability, appearance, and lifespan of the item. Depending on the lamination type, it can offer:
- Protection from scratches, moisture, dirt, grease and general wear-and-tear
- Improved strength and rigidity (especially on thinner stocks)
- Enhanced visual finish – glossy, matte, textured or tactile
- Added functionality, such as the ability to write and wipe, or prevent vandalism
Laminating involves bonding the laminate film to the printed surface using heat, pressure, or both. It is commonly used on business cards, brochures, menus, book covers, signage, packaging, posters, and more.
- Lamination protects and enhances print — improving durability, appearance, and lifespan.
- Gloss is the most vibrant and cost-effective, ideal for bold, colourful designs.
- Matt offers a premium, non-glare finish for a refined and professional look.
- Silk provides a smooth, subtle sheen—a perfect middle ground between matt and soft-touch.
- Soft-Touch creates a velvety, luxury feel and strong brand impact, but at a higher cost.
- Anti-Graffiti laminate allows ink and spray paint to be wiped clean, making it ideal for public signage.
- Dry-Wipe laminates let you write on and erase repeatedly, making them great for planners and reusable boards.
- Large-format laminations offer added UV, weather and scratch protection for indoor and outdoor displays.
Tip: If you want your colours to pop, choose gloss. If you want a premium, subtle finish, go matt or soft-touch.
Core Lamination Finishes
Gloss Lamination
Gloss lamination provides a shiny, highly reflective finish that enhances contrast and colour vibrancy. It makes images appear sharper and brighter, delivering a polished, eye-catching result.
Benefits
- Maximises colour depth and contrast
- Cost-effective and widely available
- Offers good protection against scratches and dust
- Can be wiped clean
Considerations
- Reflective surface can cause glare under bright light
- Fingerprints, scuffs, or scratches show more readily
- Not ideal for designs where subtlety or minimalism is preferred
Best for: brochures, catalogues, flyers, packaging, presentation folders, photo-heavy designs.
Matt Lamination
A matt lamination provides a non-reflective, smooth finish that creates a subdued, sophisticated, and premium look. It offers a soft, tactile feel, making it popular for corporate and luxury branding.
Benefits
- Elegant, high-end appearance
- Soft texture with low sheen
- Minimises glare and marks compared to gloss
- Ideal for readability and text-heavy designs
Considerations
- Slightly mutes colours and reduces contrast
- Can show scratches more than gloss (although less noticeably)
Best for: luxury brochures, business cards, books, premium packaging, corporate print.
Silk Lamination
Silk lamination sits between matt and soft-touch finishes, offering a subtle sheen with a silky, smooth feel. It balances elegance and practicality, delivering a refined finish without the high cost of soft-touch.
Benefits
- Soft, silk-like texture
- Premium look without strong shine
- More durable and cost-efficient than soft-touch
- Resistant to fingerprints
Considerations
- Less matt than true matt lamination
- Slightly dulls very bright colours
Best for: business cards, premium menus, folders, invitations, luxury brand collateral.
Soft-Touch Lamination
Soft-touch lamination creates a velvety, suede-like tactile feel that instantly communicates luxury. It shares the low-gloss visual style of matt but with a unique, indulgent finish.
Benefits
- Velvety soft, premium texture
- Strong luxury perception and excellent brand impact
- Non-reflective, elegant appearance
Considerations
- Often the most expensive lamination option
- Colours appear more muted than gloss
- Can mark slightly more easily if handled frequently
Best for: luxury packaging, exclusive brochures, high-end business cards, wedding or premium invitations.
Specialist Functional Laminations
Anti-Graffiti Lamination
Anti-graffiti lamination is a protective film designed to resist vandalism. Marker pen, spray paint, and other contaminants can be easily removed from the surface without damaging the print.
Benefits
- Highly durable and easy to clean
- Protects against spray paint, solvents, and ink
- Extend the lifespan of signs in public areas
Ideal for: external signage, public-facing graphics, school or hospital signs, transport signs, safety and compliance boards.
Dry-Wipe (Write-On / Wipe-Off) Lamination
Dry-wipe lamination allows writing with dry-erase markers that can be wiped clean repeatedly. It includes a specialist coating to prevent ink ghosting and staining.
Benefits
- Reusable writing surface
- Repels ink, grease, and dirt
- Easy to clean and maintain
Considerations
- Typically available only for large-format prints
- Works best with non-permanent dry-wipe markers
Ideal for: whiteboards, wall planners, menus, educational boards, re-usable charts, charity cheques.
Large Format Lamination
Large-format laminating films are engineered for displays, signage, and printed graphics where practicality and durability matter above aesthetics.
Large-format laminates can provide:
- UV protection to prevent colour fading
- Water resistance for indoor/outdoor use
- Tear and weather resistance
- Anti-graffiti or anti-scratch variants
Used for: posters, exhibition graphics, POS displays, shop signage, vehicle graphics, window displays.
Choosing the Right Lamination: Quick Comparison
| Lamination Type | Finish | Touch | Colour Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gloss | Shiny, reflective | Smooth | Bright & vivid | Photos, brochures, packaging |
| Matt | Non-reflective | Soft | Muted & subtle | Luxury branding, readability |
| Silk | Soft sheen | Silky | Balanced | Premium print without high cost |
| Soft-Touch | Velvety matt | Ultra-soft | Muted & luxurious | High-end branding & packaging |
| Anti-Graffiti | Clear protective | Smooth | No colour change | Public signage |
| Dry-Wipe | Gloss functional | Smooth | Neutral | Reusable surfaces & planners |
Frequently Asked Questions
No—lamination bonds a film to the surface of the printed piece, keeping the original sheet edges exposed. Encapsulation fully seals the document by wrapping the laminate around the edges, creating a waterproof border. Encapsulation is usually used for menus, safety instructions, and reusable documents that require complete protection.
Standard lamination makes recycling difficult because the plastic film is fused to the paper. If recyclability is a priority, ask about eco-friendly laminate options, such as biodegradable or recyclable films—or consider aqueous coatings as an alternative.
Yes. Lamination adds extra thickness to the material, improving rigidity and durability. The amount varies based on film weight (measured in microns). Thicker films provide more protection but may affect the flexibility and feel of the product.
You can write on most laminated surfaces with certain pens, but only dry-wipe / write-on laminates are designed for repeated writing and erasing. On standard lamination, writing may not wipe off fully and could stain.
Lamination is water-resistant, but not always fully waterproof unless encapsulated or produced using certain outdoor-grade films. For outdoor or high-moisture environments, ask for weatherproof or encapsulated solutions.
Most paper stocks can be laminated, but very textured or porous materials may not bond well. Very thin paper may also wrinkle under heat or pressure. We recommend a minimum weight (e.g., 150gsm+) for best results.
