Printing and packaging have numerous finishing options. The two most prominent ones are varnishing and laminating. These two methods can greatly enhance the value of your printed materials, but they have different uses and advantages. We’ll examine the distinctions between laminate and varnish in this post and offer advice on which is ideal for your project.
Lamination
A printed object’s surface is covered with a thin layer of plastic film during lamination. Usually, a glossy or matte coating is heat-sealed to the paper. The print becomes more resistant to tearing, water damage, and other forms of wear and tear with the addition of lamination durability and protection. Packaging, business cards, menus, and other printed goods that must endure repeated handling usually require laminate.
Lamination’s durability is one of its benefits. The plastic film provides an additional layer of defense that increases print product durability. Adding lamination to a print can improve its appearance by making it more vivid and colorful. Particularly with glossy laminate, colors appear more vivid and arresting.
Lamination, however, has significant drawbacks. The expense of laminate, which is usually more expensive than other finishing methods, is one of the greatest. Lamination might also make the printed product heavier, which might be a problem if you’re shipping it or if it needs to be light for some other reason. You also need to understand that because laminating uses plastic, this can have an environmental impact, and if your customers are environmentally conscious, then you need to think about it. Last but not least, not all types of paper and printing methods lend themselves to laminate, so it’s crucial to check with your printer if laminate is a smart choice for your project.
Varnish
Printed artwork can have a transparent liquid coating called varnish applied to it. Commonly used varnishes are UV varnish or soft-touch varnish. It is often sprayed with a roller or spray, and it can be glossy or matte. Similar to laminate, varnish can improve print product appearance while also adding durability and protection. However, compared to laminate, the impact is typically less noticeable.
Varnish’s adaptability is one of its main benefits. It is a popular option for many types of print products since it can be used with a broad variety of papers and printing methods. Furthermore, varnish costs less than lamination, making it an excellent choice for enterprises with tight budgets.
Varnish has certain drawbacks. Varnish is less successful than laminate at providing longevity and protection. While it can lessen the likelihood of smearing and fading, tearing, water damage, and other forms of wear and tear could not be avoided. Furthermore, glossy laminate may be more successful than varnish at enhancing colors’ vibrancy and eye-catchiness.
Cases of Usage
Which finishing method is most suitable for your work? The following are some typical applications of each technique:
Lamination:
- Business cards
- Menus
- Packaging
- Posters
- Brochures
Varnish:
Book cover
- Catalogs
- Flyers
- Invitations
- Business cards
Lamination is typically a preferable choice if you need a print product that is robust and can endure repeated handling. But varnish can be a better option if you have a limited budget or require a more adaptable finishing method.
Conclusion
In conclusion, varnish and lamination are both beneficial finishing methods that can raise print quality. They have different functions and advantages. It’s critical to take your project’s unique requirements into account when choosing between the two options. This includes your budget and other criteria. Comprehending the distinctions can help you make an informed decision and ensure that your finished product meets your expectations.
