Intriguing feel, eye-catching appearance and effective protection all in one – that’s what foil-laminated business cards offer. How is this finishing – also called cellophane wrapping – realised, how does it differ from varnishing? Here are the most important facts.
As the name of this technique suggests, this form of finishing involves sticking a plastic film onto the paper. This is done under high pressure in a special machine, sheet by sheet, i.e. before cutting or embossing, punching or creasing. The film itself is wafer-thin, but business cards are still noticeably stiffer due to the film layer – and they are also better protected against manual damage. This can be particularly useful for large areas of ink – thanks to the film, ink rubbing off is no longer possible. Fingerprints and even a coffee cup impression can be wiped off without any problems.
Glossy or matt
Depending on the film, cellophane lamination can be used to produce high-gloss or silk-matt cards. The high gloss provides even more intensive colours, while the matt film provides a rather discreet, almost velvety look and feel. More rarely, structured films are also used to achieve special effects. The protective function stays the same for all variants.
Single or duplex
Of course, the film can be applied on one or both sides – one operation per side is necessary. For haptic contrasts, the front side can be laminated with high gloss and the back side with no or matt lamination.
Not quite the same
Film lamination should not be confused with UV coating, which achieves similar gloss and protective effects, but is applied in liquid form. In direct comparison the film is even more robust. On the other hand, however, film lamination has nothing to do with what is known as laminating, as is familiar from copy shops or simple office equipment. The professional film is many times thinner in the do-it-yourself version and does not need an ugly protruding edge.
Ideal for business cards
Film lamination can be combined with almost all modern printing processes. They are also economical for small print runs and therefore an ideal finishing option if you are looking for particularly elegant but also strong business cards. prinux will be happy to produce a free sample for you.