Lamination Services in Calgary
Protect your documents with smooth, professional, and durable lamination.
Say goodbye to flimsy printing.
Lamination refers to the process of overlaying a thin protective film onto a surface, typically paper or cardstock, to enhance its durability, appearance, or functionality. There are several types of lamination, each offering unique benefits. Here are the most common types:
Thermal Lamination:
This method involves the use of heat to bond the laminate film to the material. The laminate film has a heat-activated adhesive on one side. During lamination, the film is placed over the document, and heat is applied using a laminating machine. The heat activates the adhesive, which then binds the film to the paper. Thermal lamination provides a clear, glossy finish and is commonly used for items such as ID cards, posters, photographs, and menus.
Benefits of thermal lamination:
- Enhances durability: Protects documents from wear and tear, moisture, and fading.
- Improves appearance: Adds a glossy finish, making colors more vibrant and text more readable.
- Easy to clean: The laminated surface can be wiped clean without damaging the document.
- Long-lasting: Provides long-term protection against damage, extending the document’s lifespan.
Cold Lamination:
Unlike thermal lamination, cold lamination does not require heat. It utilizes a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the laminate film, which bonds when pressure is applied. Cold lamination is often used for heat-sensitive materials, such as vinyl, delicate papers, or items that cannot withstand high temperatures.
Benefits of cold lamination:
- Heat-sensitive materials: Suitable for items that may warp or melt under high temperatures.
- Quick and safe: Does not require warm-up time or pose the risk of burns.
- Versatility: Can be used on a wide range of materials, including photos, artwork, and maps.
- Reversible: Cold lamination allows for easy removal and repositioning of the laminate film.
Encapsulation:
Encapsulation involves enclosing an item between two sheets of laminate film, creating a sealed edge around the document. It provides protection from water, dirt, and other contaminants. Encapsulation is commonly used for large posters, maps, and outdoor signage.
Benefits of encapsulation:
- Superior protection: This creates a complete seal around the document, shielding it from moisture, UV rays, and physical damage.
- Durability: Provides long-term protection against tearing, creasing, and fading.
- Suitable for large items: Can be used for large-format documents that require added sturdiness.
- Easy to clean: The encapsulated surface can be wiped clean without damaging the document.
These are the primary types of lamination commonly used to protect and enhance various printed materials. The choice of lamination depends on the specific requirements of the document, the desired finish, and the intended use.
What are the benefits of laminating?
Quality
Print media with laminating will have a thicker, smoother, and overall higher quality feel to it. Leagues ahead of just standard printing with no overlaminate.
Durability
Lamination acts as another layer of protection. It protects from dirt, water, and sunlight, and other harmful elements that can damage your printing.
Longevity
Print media protected with lamination will maintain a higher condition for a longer period of time. Signs, posters, menus, and other items will look newer, for longer.
What are my options?
Color Right Now has four basic laminate options to choose from:
Matte Laminate:
A thick laminate with a dull, unpolished finish. Ideal for preventing reflection/glare from the sun.
Gloss Laminate:
A thick laminate with a shiny and reflective appearance is commonly used on magazines.
Soft Touch Laminate:
A somewhat thinner, but still highly durable laminate with a velvet finish. Literally soft-to-the-touch, and ideal for business cards, or other smaller print media.
Dry-Erase Laminate:
have us laminate your product with dry-erase, and you’ll effectively turn in into a whiteboard. Draw all over it with a marker, and wipe it off just as easily.
The choice of lamination depends on the material you want to protect and it’s always consulted with our clients before making a decision. We guarantee that whichever method you choose, your materials will be thoroughly protected. Don’t hesitate and order lamination now so that you can enjoy your printed materials for a long time to come.
How much does laminating cost?
Prices vary based on size and laminate type. To receive an accurate price, use our Request an Estimate page.
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Are you not sure what questions to ask when inquiring about having your next project printed? Our Frequently Asked Questions page answers all the most common questions people ask us.