Printers and sign makers often make the mistake of using incorrect laminate film on printed film.
We at Seldenrod want to make sure our customers are fully informed and feel confident about application. We got our sales team to share their stories, experience and knowledge with the marketing department.
Laminates are excellent for protecting prints with smooth surfaces: vinyl, paper, back-lit film, semi rigid exhibition graphics and even super smooth banners / flexible PVC media” – Deon Lenders CPT branch.
KZN sales team agree that lamination has a better finish, as it enhances colour effect for the desired appearance of the surface, provide excellent protection against the UV rays of the sun, humidity and abrasion. Soiling can be easily removed by using normal cleaning agents.
Our expert sales team suggest sign makers/printers to allow the solvents from the printed inks to flash off the vinyl for at least 48 hours, before applying the laminate. Although according to instructions from Orafol it is said to be spread out and dry the film for 72 hours (laying flat or hanging). This allows the residual solvent to evaporate. If freshly printed vinyls are plotted in the printed areas the vinyl might shrink.
“Another important factor to consider is the weather, in winter the chances of delamination is possible when applied on a cold surface.” – Michelle van Tonder JHB Branch.
It is also advised to use lamination from the same “family” as the base product. “Use monomeric laminate with a monomeric print film, and polymeric laminate with a polymeric print, and the same goes for cast film. Covering a cast print film polymeric laminate, risks a failure as the over laminate shrinks faster than the cast film, causing film to pull away from the surface when applied.” – Deon Lenders CPT branch.
Storage of the rolls should at all times be suspended (with end caps) or standing on end of the roll blocks, never lying flat. Should be kept in a cool dry place, protected from daylight. Relative air humidity between 50% and 60% and a temperature between +18°C and + 22°C. Direct sunlight , storage beside radiators etc. should be avoided by all means.
Always check the specifications of the digital printing materials and the inks for their respective applications (indoor/outdoor) and durability, and match them accordingly. Make sure you use the product within its lifespan. We cannot cover all variations on application methods. Specialized or occupational knowledge and competence of a professional printer and sign maker is presupposed. We recommend customers who wish to use the laminating films for special applications to make their own tests of our products.
You can view our products on our website. https://www.seldenrod.co.za/products…
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