Decal Lamination Options

Decal Lamination And Why You May Need It

Below are some frequently asked questions on what lamination does and why you may or may not need it.

What is decal lamination?

Lamination is a clear top coat that goes over the top of the decal to protect the ink from UV rays, scratches and harsh chemicals.

Does my decal need lamination?

While our decals are outdoor rated without it, there are several reasons you may wish to add lamination:

If you need your decal to be the most durable it can be.
If the decal will be exposed to sun frequently. This is even more so if the decal is facing the sun daily or placed on a horizontal surface. Without lamination inks will fade in the sun at a much faster pace than without.
If the decal will be used on an item that will be touched a lot. Something like a laptop or phone will absolutely require lamination due to constant touching and the friction of the device in your pocket or bag. Ink will eventually rub off without lamination covering it.
Similarly you will want lamination if the decal will be prone to getting scratched. Something like an off-road vehicle, camping gear, etc. would require lamination.
Harsh chemical can ruin the ink without lamination. Degreasers, fuel, etc. can instantly cause the ink to discolor. Lamination protect the ink from the damage.
Or simply maybe you want a different finish than what the vinyl is offering. Even if we print on glossy material, adding gloss lamination on top will make it extra glossy. Or maybe maybe you'd prefer a matte or metallic finish as we offer those as well.

So is there any reason I wouldn't want lamination?

Sometimes you just need a cost effective decal that doesn't need to last a long time. Having no lamination will be the cheapest option. Our decals will still last several years without it as long as the reasons mentioned above don't apply to you.
If you plan on clear-coating over the decal yourself you will not want lamination. The clear coat will be doing the same thing as the lamination and will just make the decal thicker. So there would be no need for the added expense or thickness if you are applying your own top coat over the decal.
Single color transfer decals don't require lamination as the color is impregnated into the vinyl and they already have chemicals in them that protect the color from being ruined by UV rays or chemicals.

What are my options for lamination?

Not all of our lamination is available on all decals due to compatibly issues. Other material requires lamination as it does not perform well without it. But for the most part we offer 4 lamination options:

Glossy - This is extra shiny like a clear coat.

Matte - This tones down the gloss so it has a more muted finish

Metallic Silver - This has tiny silver metal flakes in the lamination to make it shimmer in the light. Glossy clear finish. *Not available on all material.

Metallic Gold - This has tiny gold metal flakes in the lamination to make it shimmer in the light. Glossy finish with a slight gold tint. *Not available on all material.