Uv coating and lamination are both popular options for protecting and preserving printed documents such as business cards.
Aqueous coating vs lamination.
Polypropylene lamination is the most popular and least expensive laminate available today.
As the number one advantage of aqueous coatings is the cost savings a major deterrent to the use of film lamination is the price.
Although aq coating provides several benefits the chances of chemical burning with aqueous coating and uv coating is higher than other finishing such as varnish.
Laminating is the process of applying a film of plastic on the surface of labels.
The most popular coating for printed material is aqueous coating.
As the number one advantage of aqueous coatings is the cost savings a major deterrent to the use of film lamination is the price.
Lamination does offer the advantage of creating a waterproof barrier whereas coating typically only offers water resistance.
The solvent resistance of aqueous coating is lower than that of uv coating and thermal lamination.
Both processes can greatly extend the lifespan and durability of a printed product as well as provide a different feel and texture for the product.
Aqueous is a clear water based coating that is environmentally friendly.
Lamination offers good protection but the lamination process requires edge trimming which can increase production costs.
When plastic coating is added to any item it becomes tear proof and waterproof since the laminating film encapsulates the item completely by bonding it to both sides.
Nevertheless aq coating is still the most popular choice for print finish options.
Film lamination is available in several matte and gloss finishes and can even be applied with a special embossed roller that leaves a textured pattern over the laminated sheet.
To make the best possible investment in utilizing lamination in a printing shop one would be to have not only a laminator but also a cutting machine.