Ask a wide-format printer whether they prefer film or liquid lamination, and the answer is likely to be film. If they’ve tried liquid lamination at all, they usually complain that it’s messy, tricky to apply, and requires a lot of space for drying.
But the narrative is changing thanks to a new generation of equipment and coatings as well as a more attractive cost structure.
“I think more awareness in the industry about liquid laminates [is needed],” said Syd Northup, vice president of Sales, Digital US, Digital Inks for Marabu North America, which offers liquid laminates, as well as StarLam and Buerkle liquid laminating machines. “Just mind share. Just understanding that it’s available.”
We spoke with three companies among the vendors who offer liquid laminate products to learn more about the process and the new products promising to change how the wide-format industry thinks about liquid lamination.
What is Liquid Lamination?
First appearing on the wide format printing scene in the late 1990s, liquid lamination is a protective, clear coating applied to printed materials to provide durability, enhance the image, and protect against UV rays, abrasion, and moisture. Many laminates now also include an anti-graffiti element, which allows graffiti to be wiped off the surface.
Read the rest of this article on Wide-Format Impressions, a publication of PRINTING United Alliance, ASI’s strategic partner.
