Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1479467
G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 • G R A P H I C S P R O 5 1 L amination isn't a very good topic to bring up at parties. To the outsider, lamination is something that comes up when you joke around about fake IDs. It just isn't something most peo- ple think about unless they are in advertising or the printing and digital graphics industry. But those who are in the know are aware that lamination can make or break a project. "e most common use for lamination is to protect your output from the elements – such as UV degradation – and enhance out- door durability," says Amanda Brown, Drytac. But over the years, lamination has evolved into much more than just a clear coating to protect a print. Now laminates come in gloss, luster, or matte textures to add dimension. Other laminates are used to protect prints from graffiti or to add slip resistance to floor graphics. Laminates can also be used to add body and thickness to a print, particularly if it is printed on thinner material, says Brown. "e extra layer will stop the graphic stretching and simplify the installation process."