# Lamination

A clear film over the print: Matte, Gloss or Velvet.

Printdash artwork guideline. Illustrated version: https://printdash.io/artwork-guidelines#lamination

Lamination bonds a thin clear film over the printed sheet after printing. It protects against scuffs and moisture, adds stiffness, and changes how the colours read.

| Laminate | Look & feel | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Matte | Soft, non-reflective surface. Colours sit slightly deeper and darker; fingerprints show less. | Business cards, covers, anything handled a lot. Pairs well with Spot UV for contrast. |
| Gloss | High shine. Colours look their most vivid and photos pop; the surface wipes clean. | Photo-heavy designs, menus, postcards. |
| Velvet (soft touch) | Peach-skin feel, the least reflective of the three. Very fingerprint-resistant. | Premium cards and covers; the classic base under Scodix and foil. |

- No artwork changes are needed for lamination - it applies over the whole sheet.
- Matte and Velvet laminates soften very fine, light text slightly. Keep small reversed type at 8pt or larger.
- Lamination is not available on Uncoated or textured stocks - the film needs a smooth surface to bond to.
- Booklets: cover lamination applies to the cover only; internal pages stay unlaminated.