Do I need to laminate my graphic design?
Any printed graphic installed in an environment in which the final product will be washed, walked on, or exposed to dirt and debris should be laminated. With aqueous inkjet prints, an overlaminate can also protect from UV exposure and extend the outdoor life of the ink.
What is the best way to laminate large format prints?
The most efficient way to laminate large format prints is with a motorized laminator like a Daige Solo cold laminator. Well designed laminators can quickly and smoothly apply a sheet of overlaminate film to large graphics like vehicle wrap panels.
What is liquid laminate used for?
Liquid laminates are ideal for protecting prints on textured surfaces where a complete seal between an overlaminate film and the print is impossible to attain. Scrim banner and canvas are the two most commonly used print media that would require liquid laminates instead of adhesive backed film. Film: Cast or Calendered .
What type of clear coat do you use for laminates?
Liquid: Solvent or Aqueous. Just as there are two options in film, there are two choices for liquid laminates. But this choice is a lot simpler. There are solvent based and water based clearcoats. Use the one opposite of the composition of your ink.
Should I laminate my prints?
Laminating has three great purposes. First, it makes your printed piece last longer. Second, it makes your piece stain-resistant (from coffee spills, for example). Third, it makes your piece look really cool!
Does printed vinyl need to be laminated?
Lamination is an important thing to consider for any vinyl project. It is a good idea to laminate any items such as decals or stickers that will be exposed to outside elements such as wind, rain, heat and cold. That being said, it is absolutely essential when considering vehicle wraps.
Do you need to laminate eco-solvent prints?
Eco-Solvent Inks These ink types do not require lamination. While eco-solvent inks are not quite as robust as solvent inks, they are expected to survive outdoors for 3-5 years without being laminated. Always keep in mind that the more extreme the climate, the shorter the lifespan of a print.
Does latex ink fade?
Prints produced with inks that contain pigments, such as HP Latex Inks, tend to last longer than prints produced with inks that contain dyes, but nonetheless they will start to fade over time depending on the intensity of UV light exposure.
Do I need to seal printable vinyl?
2:3623:58How To Seal Print Then Cut Vinyl Decals - Sealing Cricut Printable VinylYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you want to but it is not necessary.MoreIf you want to but it is not necessary.
How do I make my printable vinyl waterproof?
Because of the nature of printable sticker products, with them being paper-backed or cardstock-based, you technically can't waterproof stickers. We can, however, make them highly water-resistant by adding a laminate or a water-impermeable product like a polyurethane spray.
Do you need to laminate eco-solvent stickers?
New Member. Eco-Solvent is not highly scratch resistant without laminating. Printing on Vinyl with water-based pigment ink is not highly scratch resistant too, and the vinyl for this printers is more expensive.
How long does eco-solvent ink last?
about two to three yearsEco-solvent inks are fade-resistant, waterproof and resistant to wear, but only for about two to three years. Eco-solvent ink can print on many uncoated materials, but it takes longer to dry out than solvent ink.
Can you laminate inkjet prints?
Even bond inkjet paper looks quite glossy when laminated with 3, 5, 7 or 10 mil gloss laminate, and a thicker laminate will make up for any loss in rigidity. Try printing the same image on a variety of papers, laminating all of them with the same laminate, and comparing the results.
How long do latex prints last?
HP, the manufacturer of Latex inks, makes the bold claim that indoor latex print displays will resist fading, up to 200 years, and outdoor latex prints can achieve up to 5 years of display permanence, un-laminated.
Is latex ink waterproof?
Latex Inks Like solvent inks, latex ink is waterproof, waterfast and can be applied to a range of media such as uncoated vinyl and PVC.
Are latex inks UV resistant?
Prints produced with inks that contain pigments, such as HP Latex Inks, tend to last longer than prints produced with inks that contain dyes, but nonetheless they will start to fade over time depending on the intensity of UV light exposure. exposure to direct sunlight and water.
How do you seal a printable vinyl shirt?
9:3013:57CRICUT HACK! How To Seal Printable HTV 2 Ways! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipArea but you'll just take your polyurethane. And shake it up really good and then apply a thin coatMoreArea but you'll just take your polyurethane. And shake it up really good and then apply a thin coat to it so we're just going to put a thin layer of this modge podge on here.
How do you laminate vinyl prints?
0:265:35Why You Need Laminating for Your Vinyl Print and How to Use Rollman ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIs very important to clear off any foreign article particles on it for example if it did have aMoreIs very important to clear off any foreign article particles on it for example if it did have a paint on laminate before use a water paper and some water and sand it off prepare.
Is printable vinyl permanent?
Printable vinyl is a permanent craft vinyl that you can print on using your home printer.
Is Cricut printable vinyl waterproof?
Cricut printable vinyl is not only waterproof and tear resistant, but printable vinyl cricut can also be fully customized and compatible with Cricut, Silhouette Cameo and all other mechanical cutting machines on the market.
Why laminate digital graphics?
Overlaminate film and liquid laminates protect your graphics from abrasion, chemicals, and UV exposure. With solvent, ecosolvent, and thermal resin prints, UV exposure isn’t the main problem because the resins are engineered to last for three to five years outdoors without lamination. However, abrasion and detergents can rub or wash the pigment off of the prints. They’re like a gang of hoodlums that roam the country looking for unprotected graphics. They sneak in while you’re not looking and rub ‘em out. You need protection. Any printed graphic installed in an environment in which the final product will be washed, walked on, or exposed to dirt and debris should be laminated.#N#With aqueous inkjet prints, an overlaminate can also protect from UV exposure and extend the outdoor life of the ink. Depending on the quality of the overlaminate, an aqueous inkjet print can last up to eight times longer than it would without protection. ORAGUARD 290 for instance, can stretch the life of a pigment inkjet image from six months to four years.
What is liquid laminate?
Liquid laminates are ideal for protecting prints on textured surfaces where a complete seal between an overlaminate film and the print is impossible to attain. Scrim banner and canvas are the two most commonly used print media that would require liquid laminates instead of adhesive backed film. Film: Cast or Calendered .
How to apply liquid overlaminate?
How to apply: Liquid overlaminates can be applied by spraying, brushing them on, rolling or via a mechanical liquid laminator. Small aqueous inkjet prints can be coated with a simple aerosol spray can of ClearJET. The size of the prints and number of pieces in the production run will determine the best method.
What is overlaminate film used for?
Overlaminate films are more commonly used in commercial sign making because they’re easy to apply quickly. Film is great for protecting prints with smooth surfaces: vinyl, paper, backlit film, semi rigid exhibition graphics, and super smooth banner media.
How long does a resin print last?
With solvent, ecosolvent, and thermal resin prints, UV exposure isn’t the main problem because the resins are engineered to last for three to five years outdoors without lamination. However, abrasion and detergents can rub or wash the pigment off of the prints.
Where to put a large format trimmer?
If you do a lot of jobs that require trimming, a large format trimmer such as the EnduraTRIM is a no-brainer. They can be placed at the end of your shop table for easy feeding of the media and are easy to move to the side when not in use.
Can you cut a graphic before laminating?
Cautions about trimming and cutting: Just as there is a waiting period before laminating, there is an ideal time to cut or trim a freshly printed graphic. If you’re using solvent based inks, there is a possibility that cutting too early can cause edge curling. The ORACAL Practical Information Production Procedures Guide puts it this way.
What type of printer do you use for perforated windows?
A summary for perforated window graphics: For the strongest window perf: Print using a latex printer and laminate with “optically clear”. For the most visibility out of your window perf: Print using a latex printer and do not laminate. Always use your best judgment!
Is laminated signage matte or gloss?
Lamination of substrates provides added protection and life to prints. All of our signage naturally comes laminated in either gloss or matte unless specified. However, perforated window material is a specifically interesting case with a few variables that makes itself a unique substrate.
Can you laminate a window in gloss?
If window perf is laminated in gloss, the artwork on the perf will “pop” well, but it is near impossible to allow for visibility in or out with gloss laminated window perf. Generally not the best idea unless specifications call for these needs.
Can PSPs be laminated?
Most vendors concede that a PSP doing a lot of vehicle wrapping and needing to turn jobs around quickly would be better off with latex. However, Donoghue points out that some users have found that some cast vinyls can be laminated straightawayexplaining: “With some media, the backing sheet is capable of allowing the gas to escape through the back of the media rather than through the front.” He warns that this isn't recommended by the ink manufacturers though it is allowing some PSPs to earn higher profit margins by turning jobs around faster.
Is latex better than solvent?
Rixon argues that one of the main advantages of latex is that it is a greener technology than solvent, pointing out that 60% of the ink is water. She adds: “Whereas solvent penetrates into the media, latex sits on top and doesn't react in the same way, which is better for recyclability.”
Why put UV laminate on top half?
with UV aqueous inks. I put the UV laminate on the top half to test the longevity of the inks and substrate.
Is UV cured ink more expensive than solvent?
UV Cured ink is much like solvent and latex but the printers are more expensive than solvent and bulb maintenance can be expensive from what I read a couple years ago - so not as common. where the uv cured is popular is in areas that require a product made with less toxic materials than solvent.
How long does a banner last without lamination?
These do not require lamination. Solvent inks are highly resistant to external elements. A sign or a banner printed with solvent inks can last 3-5 years outdoors without lamination. If you choose to laminate, it will extend the life of your print.
Can you use dye ink on canvas?
We highly recommend that you laminate or use a protective spray on canvas and other media printed with dye inks. Without lamination or spray protection, dye base inks will fade at a rapid rate due to exposure. Ultra Violet light, dust and moisture are just a few factors that will cause vibrant colors and crisp images to deteriorate within just a few weeks or less. Prints, made with inkjet printers using dye inks, should be displayed indoors. In a pinch, a print that has been finished can survive for a short period outside.
Can UV pigment ink be laminated?
We highly recommend that you laminate or use a protective spray when you print on any media with UV Pigmented Inks. UV Pigmented inks, while more stable than dye inks, still need to be finished. They are said to be able to survive a few weeks without lamination, but for long-term displays the inks should be protected. With lamination and optimal display conditions prints are estimated to survive the better part of a century or longer. Outdoor and window displays, if finished with a laminate or protective spray, have a life expectancy of 6 months.
Do you need to laminate latex ink?
These do not require lamination. Latex inks are new to the inkjet community, introduced in 2008. They perform similarly to eco-solvent inks. While lamination is not required for them to last several years, lamination will increase their longevity.
