Lamination & Protective Coatings for Signage

Why Lamination Matters

Printed signage has a layer of ink sitting on the surface of the material. Without protection, that ink is exposed to:

• UV light (which causes fading)

• scratches and abrasions

• cleaning products

• moisture and pollutants

• general handling

Lamination adds a protective film over the print, making it more durable and helping it look better for longer. For any sign that will be outdoors, cleaned regularly, or subject to contact, lamination is strongly recommended.

What Lamination Actually Does

Lamination isn’t just a gloss or matte finish—it’s a physical protective layer with practical benefits. It:

• seals and protects the ink

• provides UV resistance

• prevents scratching and scuffing

• resists moisture, rain, and condensation

• adds a slight structural rigidity to the vinyl

• protects against cleaning chemicals and detergents

Because lamination influences colour behaviour as well, it’s closely tied to our Colour Matching & Print Accuracy Guide.

Gloss, Matte & Satin: Choosing the Right Finish

Gloss Laminate

• Bright, shiny finish

• Enhances colour vibrancy and contrast

• Extremely easy to clean

• Most durable for outdoor use

• Ideal for vehicle graphics and shopfronts

• Can create glare under strong lighting

Matte Laminate

• Soft, low-glare finish

• Looks premium in office environments

• Slightly reduces colour intensity

• Excellent for interior spaces, reception walls, and feature graphics

• Helps reduce reflections in bright rooms

Satin / Semi-Gloss

• Balanced option between gloss and matte

• Moderate sheen with good vibrancy

• Works well for exterior ACM panels where both clarity and reduced glare matter

Each finish has its own visual style, so choosing the right one helps align the sign with its environment.

When You Need Lamination

Outdoor Signage

Outdoor conditions are tough on unprotected prints. Sunlight, wind, moisture, and cleaning all cause unlaminated prints to degrade quickly.

Lamination:

• protects colours from fading

• prevents scuffing and scratching

• stops moisture intrusion

• extends the sign’s lifespan significantly

This applies to most shopfronts, Plinth/stacker signs, building signs, and outdoor branding

Vehicle Graphics & Wraps

Vehicle graphics experience constant movement, abrasion, wind pressure, and exposure to detergents. Lamination is non-negotiable here. It:

• protects against road grime

• reduces colour fade

• allows for easier washing

• improves surface smoothness for long-lasting adhesion

High-Traffic Interior Areas

Interior spaces with lots of touch or movement—such as door graphics, hallways, or retail fit-outs—benefit from laminated prints.

Lamination prevents:

• fingerprints

• scuffs

• cleaning damage

• day-to-day wear from customers or staff

When You Don’t Need Lamination

To keep costs down, lamination isn’t always required. Cases where it can be safely skipped include:

• temporary signs (events, short-term promotions)

• indoor prints above reach height

• posters or lightweight foamboards

• signs that won’t be cleaned regularly

• indoor environments with low contact

By not laminating unnecessarily, clients get a better balance of quality and affordability—without sacrificing performance where it matters.

Specialty Laminates & Protective Films

Lamination isn’t just about gloss vs matte—specialty films add even more protection and functionality.

Anti-Graffiti Laminate

• Resistant to chemicals and solvents

• Allows marker or spray paint to be wiped off

• Ideal for public spaces, retail exteriors, schools, and carparks

Floor Graphic Laminate (Slip-Resistant)

• Textured surface

• Certified for pedestrian safety

• Essential for decals placed on floors in retail, malls, or events

High-Temperature / Chemical-Resistant Films

• For industrial sites

• Protects against oils, solvents, and high heat

• Used in workshops, factories, and commercial kitchens

Textured & Specialty Finishes

• Sand, linen, and canvas textures

• Used mainly for interior feature walls

• Adds premium tactile detail

How Lamination Affects Lifespan

Lamination has a significant effect on how long outdoor prints last.

Unlaminated Outdoor Prints

• Show noticeable fade in 3–12 months

• Scratches easily

• Not recommended for long-term signage

Laminated Outdoor Prints

• Typical lifespan: 3–7 years

• Far better UV stability

• More resistant to cleaning and abrasion

• Maintains appearance much longer

Premium Cast Films (Laminated)

• Highest durability available

• 7–12+ years depending on orientation and exposure

• Ideal for harsh sunlight, vehicles, and premium signage

This directly ties into cost considerations explained in our Signage Cost Guide.

How Much Does Lamination Cost?

Lamination includes the laminate material itself plus the labour required to apply it. Key points:

• gloss and matte cost the same

• anti-graffiti and specialty laminates cost more

• lamination adds a meaningful amount of durability

• for large signs, skipping lamination often leads to earlier reprints

• overall, lamination reduces the long-term cost by improving lifespan

Keeping the explanation high-level helps clients understand value without boxing yourself into specific price ranges.

Lamination & Colour: What to Expect

Different laminates subtly affect colour:

• Gloss: enhances vibrancy and increases depth

• Matte: reduces glare, slightly softens tones

• Satin: maintains most colour strength with reduced shine

While laminate improves colour longevity, all outdoor signage still fades slowly over time in NZ UV conditions.

For further detail, see the Colour Matching & Print Accuracy Guide 

Summary: When Lamination Is Worth It

• Essential for all exterior signage

• Required for vehicle graphics

• Highly recommended for high-traffic interiors

• Gloss = most vibrant

• Matte = premium indoor look

• Specialty laminates available for graffiti, floors, and industrial use

• Extends the life of printed signage by several years

See more guides in the resource hub