At LexJet, we’ve got you covered with a three-pronged approach of service to help you get the tools you need to get the job done — and take your business to the next level. We provide knowledgeable support, supply you with proven and cutting-edge products, and dedicate ourselves to helping you succeed.

LexJet has updated its line of laminates to provide a practical way for you to produce and sell laminated large format inkjet solutions to your customers, and provide added value for increased profits.

Conveniently grouped into three basic product categories – Thermal, Liquid and Pressure Sensitive – you have a simple yet diverse choice of superior laminates not available elsewhere, in a variety of thicknesses, base materials, textures and widths.


 

LexJet’s thermal laminates provide high clarity, increased bond strength, superior resistance to abrasion, water, oil, acid and alkali and are perfect for high-production runs on bond inkjet paper, microporous-coated inkjet paper, electrostatic and continuous tone photographic prints.

Compatibility:

  • When thermal laminating, you want to use a dimensionally stable media
  • Thermal laminates will not stick consistently to swellable coatings
  • Thermal laminates work perfectly on any microporous coated paper/polyester
  • Thermal laminates will work on hybrid coatings, but not as good as microporous
  • Thermal laminates will work on macroporous coatings, but many macroporous coated products are not good to thermal laminate as they are vinyl

Suggested Settings:

  • Pressure — 20-40 psi
  • Speed — 2-3 feet/min
  • Tension — Yes (no slack in film)
  • Heat — 205° F
  • Heat Seal Initiation — 170° F (78° C) ½ sec. dwell @ 40 psi


ClearShield™ 3 Mil Luster UV Standard Low Melt

ClearShield™ 3 Mil Luster UV Standard Low Melt Laminating Film is a clear polyester film with a pleasing, lustrous finish. It provides an economical way to protect maps, photos, drawings, posters, presentations and other prints that will be handled frequently or displayed in rooms where they might be exposed to sunlight, fluorescent lights, water, airborne chemicals or cleaning solvents.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 3 Mil Matte UV Standard Low Melt

ClearShield™ 3 Mil Matte UV Standard Low Melt Laminating Film is a clear polyester film with a non-reflective matte finish. It provides an economical way to protect maps, photos, drawings, posters, presentations and other prints that will be handled frequently or displayed in rooms where they might be exposed to sunlight, fluorescent lights, water, airborne chemicals or cleaning solvents.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Gloss UV Standard Low Melt

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Gloss UV Standard Low Melt Laminating Film is a clear polyester film with a glossy finish that makes colors really pop.

This laminating film provides an economical way to protect maps, photos, drawings, posters, presentations and other prints that will be handled frequently or displayed in rooms where they might be exposed to sunlight, fluorescent lights, water, airborne chemicals or cleaning solvents.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Luster UV Standard Low Melt

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Luster UV Standard Low Melt Laminating Film is a clear polyester film with a pleasing, lustrous finish.

This laminating film provides an economical way to protect maps, photos, drawings, posters, presentations and other prints that will be handled frequently or displayed in rooms where they might be exposed to sunlight, fluorescent lights, water, airborne chemicals or cleaning solvents.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 10 Mil Gloss UV Standard Low Melt

ClearShield™ 10 Mil Gloss UV Standard Low Melt Laminating Film is a clear polyester film with a high-gloss finish that makes colors pop.

This laminating film provides an economical way to protect maps, photos, drawings, posters, presentations and other prints that will be handled frequently or displayed in rooms where they might be exposed to sunlight, fluorescent lights, water, airborne chemicals or cleaning solvents.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 3 Mil Gloss UV Premium Low Melt

ClearShield™ 3 Mil Gloss UV Premium Low Melt laminating film provides the clarity and adhesive strength needed to protect inkjet prints on bond papers or inkjet photo papers with microporous coatings. This film is also good for protecting photographs processed through photo imagers such as the Durst Lambda, Lightjet or Chromira or graphics printed on electrographic (toner-based) printers.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Gloss UV Premium Low Melt

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Gloss UV Premium Low Melt laminating film provides the clarity and adhesive strength needed to protect inkjet prints on bond papers or inkjet photo papers with microporous coatings. This film is also good for protecting photographs processed through photo imagers such as the Durst Lambda, Lightjet, or Chromira or graphics printed on electrographic (toner-based) printers.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 10 Mil Gloss UV Premium Low Melt

ClearShield™ 10 Mil Gloss UV Premium Low Melt Laminating Film is a clear polyester film with a high-gloss finish that makes colors pop.

This laminating film provides an economical way to protect maps, photos, drawings, posters, presentations and other prints that will be handled frequently or displayed in rooms where they might be exposed to sunlight, fluorescent lights, water, airborne chemicals or cleaning solvents.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Textured Hard Coat Low Melt

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Textured Hard Coat Low Melt laminating film provides a fast, cost-effective option for converting output from digital photo imagers and toner-based presses into durable mural panels and headers for trade-show booth graphics. Resembling polycarbonate and Lexan, ArmorGuard features a textured finish that minimizes glare and the appearance of fingerprints.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 10 Mil Textured Hard Coat Low Melt

ClearShield™ 10 Mil Textured Hard Coat Low Melt laminating film provides a fast, cost-effective option for converting output from digital photo imagers and toner-based presses into durable mural panels and headers for trade-show booth graphics. Resembling polycarbonate and Lexan, ArmorGuard features a textured finish that minimizes glare and the appearance of fingerprints.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Smooth Hard Coat Low Melt

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Smooth Hard Coat Low Melt is a low-melt thermal laminating film that can help convert silver-halide-processed photo prints and prints from electrographic (toner-based) presses into indestructible graphics for trade-show and exhibit graphics.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 10 Mil Smooth Hard Coat Low Melt

ClearShield™ 10 Mil Smooth Hard Coat Low Melt is a low-melt thermal laminating film that can help convert silver-halide-processed photo prints and prints from electrographic (toner-based) presses into indestructible graphics for trade-show and exhibit graphics.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 1.7 Mil Standard Gloss Low Melt

ClearShield™ 1.7 Mil Standard Gloss Low Melt Laminating Film is a clear polyester film with a high-gloss finish that makes colors pop.

This laminating film provides an economical way to protect maps, photos, drawings, posters, presentations, and other prints that will be handled frequently or displayed in rooms where they might be exposed to sunlight, fluorescent lights, water, airborne chemicals, or cleaning solvents.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 5 Mil White Backer Low Melt

ClearShield™ 5 Mil White Backer Low Melt is a white, polyester film designed to be applied to the back of a display graphic to add rigidity and opacity. The extra rigidity makes graphics easier to handle and install. The whiteness of the film provides the opacity needed to ensure that graphics remain readable in a wide range of lighting conditions.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 10 Mil White Backer Low Melt

ClearShield™ 10 Mil White Backer Low Melt is a white, polyester film designed to be applied to the back of a display graphic to add rigidity and opacity. The extra rigidity makes graphics easier to handle and install. The whiteness of the film provides the opacity needed to ensure that graphics remain readable in a wide range of lighting conditions.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Opaque Backer Low Melt

ClearShield™ 5 Mil Opaque Backer Low Melt is a 100% opaque, white, polyester film designed to be applied to the back of a trade show graphic. It is flexible enough to allow graphics to be rolled into shipping containers, but provides enough rigidity and lay-flat memory to enable the graphics to remain flat and curl-free when mounted. The light-blocking capability and lay-flat memory of this film make it a good choice to use with ArmorGuard or DisplayGuard to encapsulate images that will be mounted in pop-up booths.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 10 Mil Opaque Backer Low Melt

ClearShield™ 10 Mil Opaque Backer Low Melt is a 100% opaque, white, polyester film designed to be applied to the back of a trade-show graphic. It is flexible enough to allow graphics to be rolled into shipping containers, but provides enough rigidity and lay-flat memory to enable the graphics to remain flat and curl-free when mounted. The light-blocking capability and lay-flat memory of this film make it a good choice to use with ArmorGuard or DisplayGuard to encapsulate images that will be mounted in pop-up booths.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 15 Mil Opaque Backer Low Melt

ClearShield™ 15 Mil Opaque Backer Low Melt is a 100% opaque, white, polyester film designed to be applied to the back of a trade show graphic. It is flexible enough to allow graphics to be rolled into shipping containers, but provides enough rigidity and lay-flat memory to enable the graphics to remain flat and curl-free when mounted.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 3 Mil SoftFeel Low Melt

ClearShield™ 3 Mil SoftFeel Low Melt thermal laminating film has a unique tactile finish and an extra matte look. This is a specialty laminate designed to add elegance to your graphic.

LEARN MORE

ClearShield™ 5 Mil SoftFeel Low Melt

ClearShield™ 5 Mil SoftFeel Low Melt thermal laminating film has a unique tactile finish and an extra matte look. This is a specialty laminate designed to add elegance to your graphic.

LEARN MORE

A liquid laminate can be a great alternative to thermal or pressure sensitive adhesive and is effective for protecting digital prints, fine art, signs, banners and other products from the elements. Liquid laminates produce little waste and are extremely economical when machine-applied. The coating process offers as much or more UV-and abrasion-protection as film laminates. They also stretch and conform to uneven surfaces.

Suggested Settings:

  • Speed — 3 feet/min
  • Heat — 100° F


Sunset Gloss Coating

Sunset Gloss Coating is a non-yellowing, fast-drying, water-based acrylic coating that adds a tough, flexible glossy layer of protection to inkjet prints on canvas and art papers. It can be applied with brushes, high-density foam rollers, or an HPLV paint-sprayer.

LEARN MORE

Sunset Satin Coating

Sunset Satin Coating is a non-yellowing, fast-drying, water-based acrylic coating that adds a tough, flexible layer of protection and a soft luster finish to inkjet prints on canvas and art papers. It can be applied with brushes, high-density foam rollers, or an HPLV paint-sprayer.

LEARN MORE

Marabu ClearShield Classic

A high-viscosity water-based liquid coating for enhanced UV-protection, chemical and abrasion resistance. For use on most non-water sensitive materials. Can be hand applied with a brush or roller. Marabu ClearShield Classic offers the highest film build of all of the formulations. It is perfect for vinyl, banners, andsuitable for vertical applications.

LEARN MORE

Marabu ClearShield Classic Lite

A low-viscosity water-based liquid coating for enhanced UV-protection, chemical and abrasion resistance. Can be hand applied by hand with a brush, roller or with automated spray equipment. Classic Lite offers the same great protection as Marabu ClearShield Classic but is an option for those seeking a laminate with a lower viscosity.

LEARN MORE

Marabu ClearShield Wall Armor

Our Type II Certfied solution specifically formulated for wall covering applications. Wall Armor is compatible with latex, eco-solvent, and UV inks and is both scratch & stain resistant. Wall Armor can be applied by hand in a brush or roll application, by automated spray equipment or with a liquid laminator such as the StarLam 1600R.

LEARN MORE

Marabu ClearShield StarLam

Marabu ClearShield for the StarLam is specifically designed for use on our StarLam roll-to-roll laminator and it also works on other liquid laminators with the same great results. Marabu ClearShield for the StarLam provides enhanced UV-protection, as well as chemical and abrasion resistance.

LEARN MORE

Marabu ClearShield Canvas Guard

Marabu ClearShield Canvas Guard is specifically formulated for use over water-resistant canvas and Gicleé applications. Canvas Guard is highly flexible allowing the user to stretch their canvas after coating. Canvas Guard is the ultimate protection for canvas.

LEARN MORE

Marabu ClearShield Canvas Guard StarLam

Marabu ClearShield Canvas Guard for the StarLam is formulated for use over water-resistant canvas and Gicleé applications that are coated on the StarLam roll-to-roll laminator or other automated liquid laminators. Canvas Guard for the StarLam is highly flexible allowing the user to stretch the canvas after coating.

LEARN MORE

Marabu ClearShield Production Clear

Originally formulated for use over eco-solvent inks, Production Clear has proven it's versatility over time as the only water-based laminate recommended for use over UV-inks as well.

LEARN MORE

Marabu ClearShield Anti-Graffiti

Marabu ClearShield Anti-Graffiti is highly flexible and highly chemical and UV resistant. Anti-Graffiti is perfect for applications in high traffic areas, and makes the surface easy to clean.

LEARN MORE

Marabu ClearJet A2000 Solvent-Based

Marabu ClearJet is a solvent-based laminate for use on water-sensitive inks and substrates. ClearJet A2000 is highly flexible and easy to apply. Consider ClearJet for applications where ClearShield is not an option due to the water-sensitivity of the materials being coated.

LEARN MORE

Marabu ClearJet Fine Art

Marabu ClearJet Fine Art Version is our solvent-based option for fine art applications that are water-sensitive. It is highly flexible and will not cause discoloration or react with the ink jet receptive layer of fine art substrates.

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat Transit Gloss

EnduraCoat Transit Gloss is a flexible, stable coating for outdoor and fleet graphic applications’ compatible with (eco) solvent, UV and latex printers; outdoor durable.

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat Sign & Banner Gloss

EnduraCoat Sign & Banner is a flexible, low VOC acrylic aqueous clear coat specially formulated for use on digitally printed PVC’s used for signs and banners.

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat Photo Lustre

EnduraCoat Photo Lustre is a photo coating that provide UV and scratch protection; can be used with Accu18XE coater

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat UltraMural

EnduraCoat UltraMural is a flat matte, fade and mold-resistant coating for digitally printed wall coverings; outdoor durable.

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat UltraFlex Gloss

EnduraCoat UltraFlex Gloss is a flexible, highly stable coating for vehicle wrap applications; outdoor durable. Recommended for the latex inks.

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat Transit Matte

EnduraCoat Transit Matte is a flexible, stable coating for outdoor and fleet graphic applications’ compatible with (eco) solvent, UV and latex printers; outdoor durable.

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat Color Capture Gloss

EnduraCoat Color Capture Gloss is highly flexible, super fast drying acrylic aqueous clear coat for use on digitally printed, water resistant canvas.

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat Color Capture Matte

EnduraCoat Color Capture Matte is highly flexible, super fast drying acrylic aqueous clear coat for use on digitally printed, water resistant canvas.

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat Color Capture Wallpaper Matte

Specific for digitally printed wallpaper, this matte finish acrylic aqueous clear coat is highly flexible and offers a super fast drying time.

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat Photo Gloss

EnduraCoat Photo Gloss is photo coatings that provide UV and scratch protection; can be used with Accu18XE coater.

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat Intego Matte

EnduraCoat Intego Matte is quick dry, low cost coating designed for hand or mop-on application; outdoor durable.

LEARN MORE

EnduraCoat Intego Gloss

EnduraCoat Intego Gloss is quick dry, low cost coating designed for hand or mop-on application; outdoor durable.

LEARN MORE

LexJet’s line of PSA laminates are applied by pressure and do not require heat and create a mechanical bond. We’ve got you covered with our extensive line that includes Premium Elite Laminates, Performance Laminates, Floor & Specialty Laminates and PSA Backers.

Suggested Settings:

  • Pressure – 40-60 psi
  • Speed – 2-3 feet per minute
  • Tension – 0 (keep a little slack in the film)
  • Heat – 80°-100° F


Optically Clear Cast Gloss Laminate

LexJet Optically Clear Cast Gloss Laminate is a 2 Mil gloss optically clear vinyl laminate that partners well with perforated vinyl for window graphics. It has a permanent pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive.

LEARN MORE

Elite Textured Coex Laminate (5 Mil)

LexJet Elite Textured Coex Laminate 5 Mil with PreLume® technology is a rigid, co-polymer laminating film that is easier-to-trim than polycarbonate or Lexan. It can be used to economically produce shorter-term durable graphics for pop-up booths or be combined with a LexJet pressure-sensitive adhesive to produce, durable mounted graphics.

LEARN MORE

Elite Textured Coex Laminate (10 Mil)

LexJet Elite Textured Coex Laminate 10 Mil with PreLume® technology is a rigid, medium-gauge, co-polymer laminating film that can enhance both the look and durability of graphics that will be repeatedly be hung with Velcro® hook-and-loop tape to the fabric panels of pop-up trade-show booths. This film is easier-to-trim and handle than polycarbonate or Lexan.

LEARN MORE

Elite Textured Coex Laminate (15 Mil)

LexJet Elite Textured Coex Laminate 15 Mil with PreLume® technology is a thick, rigid co-polymer laminating film for the production of trade-show graphics that can be hung with magnets directly to a metal frame of a booth. This film is easier-to-trim and handle than polycarbonate or Lexan, which is particularly important when laminating and hanging booth graphics that are 60-in. wide.

LEARN MORE

Elite Luster UV Vinyl Laminate (3.2 Mil)

LexJet's Elite Luster UV Vinyl pressure-sensitive laminate with PreLume technology is designed for long-term graphics where image fidelity, color pop, and brightness are paramount. This laminate is ideal for detailed and discerning end users who demand the best possible representation of their images, such as those found in the corporate and fashion markets where branding is everything. PreLume technology improves color accuracy by eliminating color casts in printable papers and films. PreLume prevents graphics from yellowing over time, extending the life of the image. Previously named - LexJet 3.2 Mil GraphicsGuard™ UV Luster w/ PreLume®.

LEARN MORE

Elite Matte UV Vinyl Laminate (3.2 Mil)

LexJet Elite Matte UV Vinyl Laminate 3.2 Mil with PreLume® technology can help you produce graphics that instantly look whiter and brighter. The PreLume technology in this flexible, calendered PVC film provides a quick way to dramatically improve the look of your prints without tweaking printer settings or color profiles. LexJet’s patented PreLume technology improves color accuracy by eliminating color casts in printable papers and films, and extends the useful life of the printed image by preventing the graphic from yellowing over time.

LEARN MORE

Performance Textured Polypropylene Laminate (5 Mil)

LexJet Performance Textured Polypropylene Laminate 5 Mil is a versatile, pressure-sensitive, laminating film that can be used to economically produce a wide range of graphics on less costly cold-roll laminators. Made from a proprietary co-polymer film, it is more rigid and has less curl than vinyl films. It also doesn’t yellow, and may appeal to environmentally-conscious customers who prefer avoiding the use of vinyl materials. This laminate is UL certified for slip resistance for floor surfaces.

LEARN MORE

Performance Satin UV Vinyl Laminate (3 Mil)

LexJet Performance Satin UV Vinyl Laminate 3 Mil is a thin, economical vinyl laminating film that adds an extra layer of protection to short-term graphics. It is good way to add value and functionality to projects such as construction barricades, event graphics, legal and corporation presentations, and promotional signage.

LEARN MORE

Performance Matte UV Vinyl Laminate (3 Mil)

LexJet Performance Matte UV Vinyl Laminate 3 Mil, combines quality, value, economy, and performance for all types of interior graphics. The 3 mil matte-finish laminate is designed to add significant profit for applications like event graphics, legal and corporate presentations, point-of-purchase, and more.

LEARN MORE

Performance Gloss Vinyl Laminate (3 Mil)

LexJet Performance Gloss Vinyl Laminate 3 Mil, combines quality, value, economy, and performance for all types of interior graphics. The 3-mil high gloss-finish laminate is designed to add significant profit for applications like event graphics, legal and corporate presentations, point-of-purchase, and more.

LEARN MORE

Simple Flo Wrap Gloss UV Laminate (2.4 Mil)

LexJet Simple Flo Wrap Gloss UV Laminate 2.4 Mil pressure sensitive laminate is a gloss ultra-conformable calendared vinyl. This premium laminate is designed to be partnered with LexJet Simple Flo Wrap Vinyl for conformable wrap applications and other applications where a long term gloss finish is desired. It offers seven years of durability.

LEARN MORE

Gloss Polyester Laminate (2 Mil)

LexJet Gloss Polyester Laminate 2 Mil is a very thin, ultra-clear, high-quality laminating film that is ideal for protecting high-end photographic and inkjet prints from abrasion, humidity, fingerprints, and exposure to chemicals. It is a popular choice for laminating photographic prints that won’t be displayed behind glass in frames, such as prints displayed at exhibitions, competitions, and art fairs.

LEARN MORE

Dry Erasable Gloss Laminate (2 Mil)

LexJet Dry Erasable Gloss Laminate 2 Mil enables prints to be converted into write- on/wipe-off boards that have the changeability of a chalkboard, but with much less mess.

Buyers of these types of graphics can use dry-erase markers from any office-supply stores to write daily specials on colorfully printed signs, call attention to important details in photographs enlarged for courtroom graphics, or keep everyone in the office, classroom, or home apprised about the activities and goals for the week.

LEARN MORE

Elite Polycarbonate Laminate (5 Mil)

LexJet Elite Polycarbonate Laminate 5 Mil with PreLume® technology is a flexible, versatile polycarbonate laminating film. It can be used to economically produce shorter-term durable graphics for pop-up booths or be combined with a LexJet pressure-sensitive adhesive to produce, extra-durable mounted graphics.

LEARN MORE

Elite Polycarbonate Laminate (10 Mil)

LexJet Elite Polycarbonate Laminate 10 Mil with PreLume® technology is a rugged, medium-gauge, polycarbonate laminating film designed to enhance both the look and durability of graphics that will be repeatedly be hung with Velcro® hook-and-loop tape to the fabric panels of pop-up trade-show booths. This laminate works particularly well with graphics printed on LexJet's White DuPont Melinex Polyester Film.

LEARN MORE

Elite Polycarbonate Laminate (15 Mil)

LexJet Elite Polycarbonate Laminate 15 Mil with PreLume® technology is a thick, rigid polycarbonate laminating film for the production of trade-show graphics that can be hung with magnets directly to a metal frame of a booth. This film works particularly well with graphics printed on LexJet’s White DuPont Melinex Polyester Film.

LEARN MORE

Floor Velvet Laminate (5 Mil)

LexJet Floor Velvet Laminate 5 Mil is a velvet textured overlaminate perfect for floor graphics, display graphics, counter mats, mouse pads, decals and more. This laminate is UL certified for slip resistance for floor surfaces.

LEARN MORE

A laminate is a film with either a thermal or PSA activated adhesive, designed to go on top or back (or both) of the graphic and serves 4 functions:

  • Protect the Graphic
  • Enhance the appearance or finish
  • Add body, thickness, or rigidity
  • Specialty Applications

The three main reasons to use a laminate are to protect the graphic, enhance the appearance, and to add rigidity.

Protecting the graphic

  • Moisture resistance
  • UV inhibitors (in adhesive)
  • Fading
  • Scratching
  • Climatic radiation (rain, hail, snow, etc)
  • Fingerprints
  • Graffiti
  • Vandalism

Enhancing the Appearance

  • 4 basic finishes:
    • Gloss
    • Luster (satin, semi-matte or semi-gloss)
    • Matte
    • Velvet/Textured
  • The finish depends on the application
  • Luster is the most widely used, followed by matte, then gloss
  • Velvet/Textured are used because of their non-glare properties, as well as hiding fingerprints and scratches

Adding Rigidity

  • Increase rigidity for handling, mounting, and shipping
  • Rigidity is required when making tradeshow graphics because the graphic needs body to hang properly
  • Flexibility is required because the graphics need to be rolled and unrolled
  • For graphics that will be rolled, the laminate, and backing film combination are critical

  • Ink Drying Time
    • It’s important for the inks to be completely dry before laminating. A good way to know if the print is ready to be laminated is to make sure it is dry to the touch. If the ink is still tacky, allow more dry time. Printer manufacturers recommend waiting 24 hours.
  • Adhesive Cure Time
    • It is important to allow ample time for your adhesives to cure before trimming and rolling your graphics. Insufficient cure time can lead to poor bond strength, causing tunneling, delaminating, and edge lift. We recommend allowing at least 2 hours for the adhesive to cure before trimming and rolling your graphics. A full 24 hours of cure time will yield the best bond.
  • Cutting & Trimming
    • When trimming graphics, if possible, you should always cut through the softer material first. Be sure to use a freshly sharpened blade and trim the graphics with a straight edge on tempered glass. This will yield the most consistent results.
  • The base film is critical when selecting a laminate to work properly with your printable media.
  • The most common types of base films are:
    • Polyester
      • Rigid, dimensionally stable
      • Regular and hard coat
    • Vinyl
      • Softer, more flexible, less dimensionally stable
    • Polycarbonate
      • Tough, very expensive, generally thicker
      • Known by GE brand name Lexan
    • Polypropylene
      • Inexpensive, more stable than vinyl
      • Poor performance with UV light and severe temps compared to vinyl
    • Coex
      • A mixture of vinyl and polyester, resulting in a stable film that is soft to cut, yet durable to scratching
  • Referred to as cold laminates (80+ degrees preferred)
  • Applied by pressure and do not require heat
  • Consist of many different film types, many different types of adhesives
  • Release liner
  • Like tape – It’s sticky to the touch and the more pressure, the better it sticks
  • PSAs are less durable, except for certain ink jet applications
  • Create a mechanical bond rather than a chemical bond
  • Initial cost of product is more expensive than thermal
  • Heat activated and applied by pressure
  • Bond occurs during the cooling process
  • Creates a chemical bond
  • Consists of polyester or PVC film with a co-polymer adhesive such as polyethylene
  • Temperature range is 165° to 290° F
  • No release liner
  • Initial cost of product is least expensive

Questions, or need help with anything? Give us a call…