What Is Lamination in Printing?
Lamination is a thin plastic film bonded over a printed carton, label, or cover. It protects the print from scuffing and moisture, and changes the look and feel: glossy for vivid colour, matte for an understated premium finish, or soft-touch for a velvety texture.
In more detail
Lamination applies a clear film (usually BOPP or PET) over a printed sheet under heat and pressure. It does two jobs at once: it protects the print, resisting scuffs, fingerprints, moisture and handling, and it changes the surface finish, which is a major part of how a pack feels in the hand.
The three common finishes each send a different signal. Gloss lamination is reflective and makes colours and photography pop, which suits mass-market and promotional work. Matte lamination is non-reflective and reads as calm and premium. Soft-touch (velvet) lamination adds a tactile, suede-like feel that luxury brands favour.
Lamination also pairs with other finishes: a matte laminate with a spot-UV gloss logo is one of the most effective premium combinations, because the flat matte makes the shiny UV element leap out.
Key points
- A clear film bonded over the print for protection and finish
- Gloss = vivid and reflective; matte = understated and premium
- Soft-touch adds a velvety, tactile feel
- Matte + spot-UV gloss is a high-impact premium combination
Common questions
What is the difference between matte and gloss lamination?
Gloss lamination is reflective and deepens colours for a vivid look; matte lamination is non-reflective for a softer, premium feel with no glare. Matte can show scuffs more on dark solids, so anti-scuff matte is available for high-handling items.
Does lamination make packaging waterproof?
Lamination adds significant water and scuff resistance and protects the print, but a laminated paper carton is not fully waterproof at the edges and creases. For genuine waterproofing, the substrate and construction matter too.
Related terms
Where it's used
Written by LeRoy Print Packs, a printing and packaging manufacturer making cartons, corrugated boxes and labels in-house. Get a quote