Gloss Lamination
On this page, we’ll explore gloss lamination, how it compares to matte lamination, and the key benefits of laminating your printed materials. We’ll also highlight the best and most popular uses of gloss lamination across various print projects to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.
Gloss lamination is a process by which we apply a thin layer of transparent gloss surface plastic film to a paper sheet and adhere to it using pressure and heat. We can apply the laminate to just one side of the paper or to both sides, depending on the requirements of a specific project. The laminate film comes in a range of thicknesses from almost rigid to extremely thin and flexible.
Manufacturers usually make thicker laminates of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) while they usually make the thinner films from Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA). PET is recyclable and often made from recycled plastic products, so it has a low carbon footprint and is considered one of the most environmentally friendly plastics. EVA is recyclable in some districts, but is not considered as a recyclable plastic, although new biodegradable forms of EVA are just coming into the market.
Manufacturers make gloss laminates to give the printed surface a smooth, glassy look. They enhance full color reproduction and give the page a bright and attractive sheen. Aside from the aesthetic value, all laminates also provide a degree of added protection to the paper and ink, guarding against fading, scuffing, stains, tearing and other signs of wear. One important factor to bear in mind, however, is that we can only do gloss lamination on paper that's thicker than 105 gsm. With thinner paper, it doesn't work.
The Advantages of Gloss Lamination
Gloss lamination is neither better nor worse than any other form of lamination, such as matte or soft-touch. Which is the best option all depends on your product and the consumer for whom it's designed. That said, let's look at some of the key advantages of gloss lamination.
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The “glassy” surface that gloss lamination gives enhances color prints and makes the page bright and attractive.
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It adds a protective layer to the surface of your project, helping to protect it against moisture, scratching, soiling, and other kinds of damage.
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Gloss lamination makes the surface more resistant to wear-and-tear during associated processing, such as folding, binding, boxing, or adding special finishes such as foil stamping.
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If you're printing a long book with a wide spine, gloss lamination is an effective guard against splitting.
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It's resistant to light spillages and you can wipe it clean with a cloth.
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Products which have been gloss laminated are more durable all round and so have a longer useful life than unlaminated products.
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Gloss lamination gives your product a slick, professional look.
Gloss lamination with foil stamping
The benefits of gloss lamination make it ideal for a wide range of print projects, including hardcover and softcover books, board games, cards, custom paper boxes, and more. However, gloss lamination isn’t the only option available. Let’s compare it to another popular choice: matte lamination.
Both gloss and matte lamination provide excellent protection for your printed surfaces, but they differ significantly in their visual and tactile qualities. Gloss lamination creates a shiny, reflective surface that enhances brightness and vibrancy, making colors and graphics pop. In contrast, matte lamination offers a softer, more subdued finish with a silky, non-reflective sheen, giving a sophisticated and understated look to your prints.
Gloss Lamination
Matte Lamination
Matte lamination is often associated with a more luxurious and high-end look and feel, making it an excellent choice for premium products. On the other hand, gloss lamination is perfect for projects where vibrant, eye-catching colors are essential—such as children’s picture books, product catalogs, packaging, and board games. Additionally, gloss lamination provides enhanced durability, making it ideal for items that will see frequent handling.
Deciding between gloss and matte lamination is a critical step, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on several factors, including the type of print product, your target audience, market trends, budget considerations, and more. To help you make an informed decision, let’s explore some of the most popular applications of gloss lamination in printing.
Understanding the Practical Applications of Gloss Lamination
Now that you’re familiar with the properties and benefits of gloss lamination, let’s explore some of the most common print projects where our customers find gloss lamination particularly useful. While these examples provide practical guidance, remember that your final decision depends on your specific goals and preferences.
Common Applications of Gloss Lamination
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Children’s Picture Books
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Children’s books often feature vibrant, full-page illustrations that benefit from the bright, reflective finish of gloss lamination.
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Gloss also adds durability, protecting against the wear and tear of frequent handling, bending, and spills, making it an ideal choice for young readers.
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Product Catalogs
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While matte or soft-touch lamination offers a sophisticated feel, gloss lamination is typically preferred for product catalogs.
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It enhances the clarity and vibrancy of product images, making them more appealing, and withstands repeated browsing during sales or promotions.
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Custom Printed Boxes
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Gloss lamination is a popular choice for the outer surface of custom packaging.
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It provides a sleek, attractive finish that makes products stand out while offering protection during storage, handling, and display.
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Hardcover Books
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Many hardcover books, especially those with high page counts, benefit from gloss lamination on their covers.
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This finish works well for frequently used books like school textbooks, coffee-table books, atlases, photographic portfolios, and reference works. The decision should consider the genre, intended audience, and desired aesthetic.
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Other Applications
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Board Books: Adds visual appeal and durability for young readers.
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Posters: Enhances color vibrancy and creates a polished look.
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Presentation Folders: Offers a professional and eye-catching finish.
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Key Considerations
This list is not exhaustive but provides a clear sense of how gloss lamination can elevate your print projects. When deciding if gloss is right for you, consider factors such as the type of product, the audience, durability requirements, and aesthetic goals.
Gloss lamination offers vibrant visuals and added protection, making it a versatile and practical choice for a wide range of projects. Use this guide as a starting point to determine if gloss lamination aligns with your specific needs.
