posted
wondering about techniques for hand laminating of digital prints, whether glossy or matte laminates give cleaner look, using roller or squeegee is best etc ?
posted
The Big Squeegee is probably a great tool. I have one, but it doesn't work too well with the Oracal 290 laminate. The backing does not flow off effortlessly like in the video. So be aware that all brands of laminate do not work the same. I have been hand laminating since I got my printer, and have had the best luck in applying it wet with a regular squeegee and using the liner to protect the lam. I have had no ghosting or any problems of that nature. Plus, the Oracal 3651 liner is not easily affected by moisture. I am aware of someone who laminates wet and uses a roller for large prints. The only thing I have noticed is that my cutter is not cutting smaller details well on a laminated print. I don't know whether to put it down to the lam method, or if I just need to fine tune my settings.
-------------------- Patrick Wedel North Country Signs Barron, Wisconsin Posts: 72 | From: Barron, WI | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
The maker of the big squeegee has videoa & he gets the release liner to "flow effortlessly" out of the way... but on my video, I was pulling the liner back over the squeegee with several quick grabs with my left hand while my right hand pushed the squeegee. I really had my doubts that as little downward pressure as I was able to apply could have done as nice a job as it did.
I haven't tried any 290 lam though.
I like the Big Squeegee better for applying prints & mostly use an expensive roll laminator for laminating.
I do cut laminated graphics regularly though. My unlaminated 3651 cuts fine at a pressure setting of 30 on my mimaki CG 160-fx ..but the same 3651 with a 3mil lam needs to be set at 110 pressure.
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Looks like the way to go though!
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