Glossy Lamination: Is It The Right Laminate For You?

We laminate products to preserve them, yes—but we also want it to look good. Glossy lamination is just one of several options on the table for business owners, and Conversion Technologies International is ready to walk you through each one. Ready?

What is glossy lamination?

Glossy lamination is one of several types of lamination available on the current market. As the name suggests, it’s known for its shiny, reflective, glossy appearance. For many, it’s the “classic” style of lamination, compared to its alternatives. Glossy lamination creates a saturated look, with the colors on the surface vibrantly popping to the eyes. You’ll typically use glossy lamination for products like:

—product labels
—children’s book covers
—promotional labels, posters, and stickers

It’s eye-catching and to the point. However, glossy laminate isn’t the right fit for every product. Fortunately, it’s not the only option on the market. The alternatives include:

Matte lamination. Matte lamination goes without shine or reflection. It’s softer and flatter, with a more muted look than glossy lamination. Some see the matte look as more sophisticated and professional than glossy lamination, though this depends on personal taste. While we often apply glossy laminate to both sides of a product, matte laminate is more likely to stay on the surface. The products we usually apply this laminate include:

—book covers aimed toward adults
—professional business cards
—high end packaging

Of course, you can find a middle ground between the two. That would be soft touch lamination. Soft touch lamination is neither glossy nor fully matte. It mimics both the look and feel of velvet, soft to the touch, with a subtle sheen. Although it’s more affordable than certain more expensive coating alternatives, it creates a luxurious appearance. It can come at more of a premium than glossy or matte lamination, though this depends on your provider and needs. You might use soft touch lamination for:

—invitations, such as wedding invitations
—high-touch materials, as it tends to last
—luxury packaging

Which laminate is better—glossy or matte?

The reality is that neither option is definitively “superior”. It really depends on your specific needs as a business owner or client. You shouldn’t select matte or glossy laminate purely based on aesthetic. Both offer their own advantages and disadvantages. Compare them carefully before making a final selection, and consult with the experts if you’re uncertain.

Generally speaking, the pros of glossy lamination are:

—Vibrancy. As mentioned above, glossy lamination creates a bright, vibrant look. It showcases color and creates a bold appearance.
—It’s easy to clean. Much of the time, all you have to do to clean glossy laminate is wipe it down. You’re really just working with plastic film.
—It’s protective. Glossy laminate is waterproof and protects your product from staining and dirt.
—It’s reflective. Why’s that a benefit? The reflective aspect of a glossy surfaces makes the surrounding space seem bigger and more open. It brightens the space, which is especially beneficial if you’re looking for quality signage.

The cons of glossy lamination include:

—The glare. While we love that reflectiveness, it does create a glare that can make signage more difficult to read.
—It shows imperfections. Glossy lamination smudges and picks up dust; and you’ll see that, which creates a need for more frequent cleaning.
—Difficult to alter. If you want to write on a glossy laminated surface, you’ll find it quite challenging.

Matte lamination benefits feature:

—It’s durable. Just like glossy lamination, matte lamination withstands damage.
—It hides imperfections. Matte surfaces are less likely to show smudging.
—Glare-free.
—Smooth to the touch.

Matte lamination’s cons include:

—It dulls the colors.
—It’s prone to scratching. While matte laminate resists minor marks, it does show scratches.
—Affordability. Matte laminate tends to be more expensive.

But remember: Choose what’s right for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you know a little more about glossy lamination (and its alternatives) let’s explore some FAQs.

Can a company offer multiple types of lamination services?

Yes. If you decide to outsource your lamination needs, you can find a third party manufacturer that offers multiple types of lamination. Outsourcing can make securing different lamination services much easier, actually. Rather than investing in different types of laminators or learning separate techniques, you can rely on an experienced manufacturer to handle the processes. If you’re looking into industrial lamination In particular, orders of that scale may be better handled by a third party.

What are the benefits of soft touch lamination?

The benefits of soft touch lamination, compared to glossy and matte lamination, are largely aesthetic. It’s also quite resistant to both smudging and scratching, while at the same time providing the general waterproof durability of laminate. Some report preferring the feel of soft touch laminate, and others like the way it softens color.

What are the drawbacks of soft touch lamination?

However, there isn’t a “perfect” laminate option, and soft touch has its limitations. Some find that it adds too much thickness to a surface, and you cannot write upon it. Additionally, it’s more expensive than other types of lamination. That, more than anything, lead some business owners to decide against it.

If you’re ready to explore your options further, CTI can help! Give us a call at 419-924-5566 or contact us here. We’re ready to answer your questions.