UV Coating vs. Lamination

We get asked a lot; what is the difference between lamination and UV coating?  There actually is quite a big difference and today we discuss the differences and by the end you will see that one triumphs over the other in many ways and not just on your wallet.

Lamination: Lamination is the classic method of protecting printed materials. In either a hot or cold process (depending on nature of the material being laminated), a film is spread across the product. That film acts as a physical barrier between the material, and events such as water damage and physical damage. It can also help prevent against UV radiation damage such as sunlight.

UV Coating: UV Coating is done through a process that combines a polymer resin and ultraviolet light. Liquid polymer resin covers the product, and then ultraviolet light helps turn the resin into a solid. UV coating serves as a direct replacement for lamination and provides the following benefits

Protective Covering (including against scratching and fingerprints)
Higher Vibrancy Richer Colors.  The coating can also be applied in numerous finish options, such as: gloss, dull, or a special textured finish that is accomplished using a roller.

Pros & Cons of Lamination vs. UV Coating UV Coating Pros:

Low cost
No additional cutting/trimming required after coating as been applied
Fast
Looks just like Lamination

Lamination Cons:

Higher Cost
Slow
Trimming Required
High Set Up Costs

As, you can see by our explanation, UV coating is another way to enhance your expectations and a way to offer something other then lamination.