Difference between Lamination and Varnishing

     NSWprint offers various types and styles of paper finish. Paper finishes are applied after printing, and are usually only applied to a project’s cover. Finishes each have a type (e.g. varnish or lamination) and a style (e.g. gloss or matte). If you have some confusions about them, hope this passage can help you.

• Varnish VS Lamination

         Varnish and lamination are two types of finishes that can be added to your printed materials such as packaging boxes or book covers. These finishes are also known as coating and the main purpose is to protect the ink and print from scratches, dirt, and fingerprints.

• What is Lamination?

​          Lamination is a thin polypropylene film applied to the surface of the paper after printing using a roller. It provides the ultimate in protection, and is available in both gloss and matte. The sheen and texture of lamination is much more pronounced than varnish, and gloss lamination is very shiny, while matte lamination is very smooth.

• What is Varnish?

​         ​Varnish is a liquid coating finish applied via the printing press or secondary “off line” finishing equipment generally applied after printing to seal in and protect the ink on the printed surface as well as enhance the appearance of a printed material or product packaging. It is available in gloss and matte.

• What’s the difference between varnish and lamination?

         ​Both varnish and lamination are great topcoat layers for custom labels since they protect the ink from harsh environments. However, there are several differences between the two types of protective coating:

        1. Varnish is a straightforward, complex, and transparent liquid coating, while laminate is a thin layer of plastic coating. Laminates provide a thicker seal around the label and are therefore considered the ultimate protection against general wear and tear.

          2. Varnishes protect the printed surface from rubbing and fading, while laminates are more durable than varnishes and provide a better safeguard against harsh environments, particularly labels or product packaging that come in frequent contact with water or multiple folding.

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        3. varnishes are generally used in high-textured paper material like kraft paper or specialty paper because it would not cover the texture of them, while the latter is typically used in paper packages of coated paper.

        4. Varnishes are environmentally friendly since they are recyclable: varnish labels that use UV coating do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOC). In contrast, laminates are made of non-biodegradable materials and are unsustainable.

        ​Both varnish and lamination are excellent top-layer printed medium options, particularly in customized paper packages. They protect the ink from damage and keep the most wonderful design to your customers' hands.

2023/7/17 By Jessie