Lamination Supplies

Mounting Adhesives

Drymounting Tissues

Dry mounting tissues are a type of mounting adhesive specifically designed for dry mounting and vacuum presses. Dry mounting tissues must be perforated prior to use. Most manufacturers offer dry mount tissues pre-perforated or un-perforated (to be perforated by the user).

Heat Activated Mounting Adhesives

Dry mounting tissues are a type of mounting adhesive specifically designed for dry mounting and vacuum presses. Dry mounting tissues must be perforated prior to use. Most manufacturers offer dry mount tissues pre-perforated or un-perforated (to be perforated by the user.

Pressure-Sensitive Mounting Adhesives

Pressure-sensitive mounting films are usually high-performance, relatively high-priced products. They have the advantage of not requiring a heated roller laminator for application and are usually recommended for more challenging applications such as face-mounting.

Thermal Mounting Adhesives

These adhesives are usually classified by a processing temperature of over 205F as opposed to somewhat lower processing temperatures for "heat assist" adhesives. Thermal adhesives are lower cost than other categories and are generally used for high-volume applications.

Overlaminate Films

Pouch Lamination Films

As the name implies, pouch lamination films encapsulate an image, graphic or document on both sides. The use of the pouch laminates minimizes the set up required when webbing a standard laminator. Although widely used for passports, printed documents and smaller graphics, larger format pouch films are also available.

Backing Films

Backing films are not only used to protect the backs of graphics, but also to provide additional rigidity, opacity or other special effects, such as a colored border frame.

Low Melt Films

Low temperature overlaminating films are generally vinyl films coated with an adhesive that shares characteristics with both pressure-sensitive and thermal adhesive. The adhesive is protected by a release liner because the adhesive is slightly tacky prior to processing. Low temp film are usually very comformable and bond reliably with a wide range of surfaces. The bond is instant upon cooling.

Thermal Overlaminate Films

Thermal films are generally categorized as requiring an activation temperature from 210F-240F or 190-210F. These are generally polyester composition with a co-extruded co-polymer adhesive. Thermal films are inexpensive and require no release liner. However, they do require a heated roller laminator for processing.

Pressure-Sensitive Overlaminate Films

Pressure-sensitive overlaminating films are also called "cold" films because they do not require heat for activation. The adhesive type (solvent or water-based) is protected by a moisture stable release liner. The base films cover a wide range of materials, including vinyl (calendared or cast), polyester, polycarbonate, polypropylene and Tedlar. Pressure-sensitive films offer a wide variety of finishes as well as adhesion to virtually all print surfaces.

Liquid Lamination Coatings

Liquid laminating is the process of coating graphics with a wet clear coat. The resulting dry film offers benefits similar to conventional lamination. Liquid lamination can offer cost benefits over lamination, especially in higher volumes. However, specialized equipment is generally used to apply the coating.

Specialty Films

Metalized Surfaces

Specialty polyester films are available in silver, gold and other surfaces, some with printable surfaces. Printable metalized films are used to create specialty products such as trading cards, point of purchase displays, labeling and signage. Patterned metalized films are available in many versions such as brushed metal with the appearance of stainless steel, and matte metal which resembles pewter.

Graffiti-Resistant Overlaminates

Graphics and artwork displayed outdoors or in high traffic areas can be protected from graffiti taggers through the use of a graffiti resistant laminating film. These extra-durable films are specially coated to resist both aqueous and solvent spray paints. With an investment in graffiti-resistant graffiti films, graffiti wipes off with soap and water, and saves the huge expense of replacing graphics.

Dry Erase Films

Dry Erase Films are ideal for reusuable presentations such as legal exhibits, business seminars, educational environments and similar applications. Dry erase films are simply laminated over virtually any graphic, schematic or other printed matter. When used with dry erase markers, any text created by the presentator can be wiped clean for reuse later.

Holographic Films

Security laminates are transparent polyester films that feature embedded holographics to be used in identification and authentication applications. Standard or custom holograms are available in a variety of gauges.