Like sunscreen for your skin or a screen cover for your cell phone, laminates are here to protect your prints from sun and scratches.

But, what kind of laminate should you choose? From film laminates for different conformability needs, to spray on films for small projects, there are a few options out there. Options that might save you some money on larger projects. Or, options for small projects for the startup business just getting things kicked off. So, if you have ever scrolled through your trusty neighborhood vinyl sales’ website, wondering what on earth all the varying options are good for, then pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the newest novel from your favourite author, Express Sign Products. Or, just read this short blog. It would probably be less tedious.

Film Laminates

To get things started, we’ve got our film laminates. These are by far the most popular. Like the printable adhesive films, these are a vinyl product with an adhesive backing. They are applied on top of your printed material, creating a layer that will protect the print from UV fading and from all those scratches inflicted by customers leaning their bike handles against your freshly installed advertisement, extending the life of the vinyl underneath. They are long lasting, tough, and come in a variety of options that will meet all your life span and conformability needs. Just like the printable vinyl, the laminate may have a shorter or longer life span and will be designed for different levels of conformability. You don’t have to buy a pricey, long lasting, super conformable laminate for a short-term flat installation. Some high-end products are even self-healing, so the hood of your car can look pristine for years to come. Often, film laminates can be applied to the printed vinyl with a roll-to-roll laminator machine, saving you the hassle of applying the film by hand.

One tip though. As much as possible, use the same brand and grade of laminate as the printable material. They are formulated to shrink and expand at similar rates. If you mix and match, you may find them interacting in ways that diminish the look of your project.

Liquid Laminates

Our next laminate comes to you in liquid form. They can be applied by hand with a roller, by hand with a spray gun or, with the right machine, automation can take care of the job for you. Machine laminators create a clean and consistent application.

One benefit of liquid laminates is that they tend to be cheaper per square foot than film laminates. However, liquid laminates don’t typically compete directly with film laminates. Liquid laminates have two advantages over film laminates. First, they are suitable for textured surfaces such as banner, canvas, fabric, or textured prints. Second, they can be applied after the print or graphic has been installed. For example, a hand painted mural on concrete is an easy application for liquid laminate but an impossible application for film laminate.

Aerosol Laminates

Next we have aerosol laminates. Like that “cool” teenager tagging the train car with elementary-school-level art skills, this laminate is sprayed on. Hopefully with more skill, though. This laminate really shines for small projects. While it won’t save you money by volume, it will save you money in time, equipment, and preparation. It is simpler to apply than the liquid laminate, making it easier to create a clean, smooth finish that will keep your prints looking fresh and sharp for years.

So, there you are. Whether you need Otterbox level protection for your vibrant, new vinyl print, or you just need something to keep the fingerprints off your at-home sticker business, there should be a laminate here for you.

Get started today with laminating films, liquid laminates, or aerosols.