Lamination
Seal the Deal
Your yearbooks are going to be passed around in class, tossed into backpacks, and saved as keepsakes for years to come. Lamination is like a protective jacket for your yearbook cover, keeping things looking fresh by guarding against scuffs, scratches, and moisture.
How Does It Work?
After the cover’s printed, a thin film…usually made from polypropylene or polyester…is rolled on using a heated machine. The combo of heat and pressure bonds the film to the surface, locking in the design and adding a smooth, durable finish. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference!
Lamination Options
Gloss
This type of lamination gives your cover a glossy finish that really amps up the colour and makes everything pop. It’s perfect for bold, vibrant designs that are meant to grab attention. Bonus: it’s also the best at hiding fingerprints and scratches, so your yearbook stays looking fresh even after tons of handling.
Matte
Matte lamination gives your yearbook cover a smooth, non-glossy finish that feels super sleek and looks understated in the best way. Just a heads-up…it’s a bit more prone to scuffs and marks than other finishes, so it might need a little extra care to keep it looking its best.
Matte Scuff-Resistant
Matte scuff-resistant lamination has the same smooth, low-key look and feel as regular matte, but with a bit more toughness. It’s designed to stand up better to scuffs and marks, so your yearbook cover keeps that clean, professional vibe even after lots of handling. It’s a great pick if you love the matte look but want a little extra durability.
Velvet Scuff-Resistant
This finish used to go by names like “Matte Scuff-Resistant Nylon” or “Soft-Touch,” and it totally lives up to the hype. It’s smooth, velvety, and gives your yearbook cover a luxe, elegant feel while still being tough enough to resist scuffs and scratches. Just a heads-up: it can show fingerprints, especially on darker colours.
Satin Scuff-Resistant
Sometimes called “polyester lamination,” this finish sits nicely between gloss and matte. It’s got a soft sheen that boosts your design without being too shiny or reflective. It’s not used all that often, though, since it can shift printed colours more than other laminations.
Gritty
Just like it sounds, Gritty Lamination has a rough, sandpaper-like texture that gives your yearbook cover a bold, tactile vibe. It’s got the same colour payoff as matte lamination, but with a unique feel that really stands out. If you’re looking to add some edge and personality to your design, this finish definitely brings something different to the table.
Printable
Printable lamination gives your yearbook cover a cool, foil-like look that’s both versatile and eye-catching. If you’re planning to print directly on it, we recommend adding a second layer, like gloss or Satin Scuff-Resistant lamination, to help protect the ink and keep it from rubbing off. You’ve got a few standout options to choose from: gold, silver, and Elegance Luminescence.
Stack Your Style
You can totally combine lamination and foil, but timing matters. For Gloss and Matte Scuff-Resistant Velvet, the foil has to go under the lamination. For regular Matte, Satin Scuff-Resistant, and Matte Scuff-Resistant, foil can go on top. Just keep in mind: foil under lamination might look a bit different, and foil on top is more likely to scuff since it’s not protected.
You can use spot gloss UV with regular Matte or Velvet Scuff-Resistant lamination, but if your gloss is thicker than the standard 10 microns, Velvet’s the way to go. Spot gloss is a bit flexible, so for detailed designs, Velvet is also your best bet even at standard thickness.
Things to Keep In Mind
- Think about how your lamination choice will play with your design. Gloss is awesome for bold, colourful artwork that you want to really pop, while matte and scuff-resistant options are better for darker tones or more subtle, elegant looks.
- If you’re printing on Printable Lamination, just know the colours will shift a bit…they won’t look the same as printing on plain white. It’s part of the foil-like effect, so plan your design with that in mind.