Cold Lamination

[daenterpri]

I'm looking at picking up a 30" Roland Versacut printer/plotter. However, there is no way I could afford a big laminator right now. Is it practical to cold laminate decals and signs by hand with something like the big squeegee until I can afford a laminator? I saw this video and it sparked the question: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfKd_SlnI20

How would the quality be of laminating by hand with cold lamination? Pracical for decals as well?

 

[rushworks graphics]

yes you can use the bs for laminating, plenty of people do it. we have a seal laminator and don't regret it one bit

 

[UKGraphic]

I still haven't purchased a laminator and have been at it for over 5 years now, so you can certainly get away with it. I don't use a big squeegee myself, rather just the normal sized one and lay it down like I would vinyl. For big areas that need laminating I use a bit of app fluid an allow a couple of hours to dry, but ones like in the video you can just do by hand. If you just starting out I would suggest saving your money rather then buying a laminator, wait till you can justify the expense with the amount of laminating work you have weekly.

 

[Salmoneye]

I have a laminator and still laminate tons of small stuff with a big squeegee, they are also invaluable for mounting.

 

[Ghost Prophet]

We have a 5' cold lam and don't use it unless the substrate is over 3' wide or 4' long. If it's under 3' wide or 4' long I always use the big squeegee. Love it to death.

The quality is the same both ways. However there seems to be less chance for a problem to arise using the big squeegee.

EDIT: After watching the video, the only advice I have is that you use better masking tape when using the big squeegee. It can cause a lot of pressure to build up on its own if you are applying on aluminum, or if there's a lot of static between lam/vinyl.

 

[daenterpri]

What kind of lamination do you guys use for signs and smaller decals? What product?

 

[psbc2009]

BS Lam

Ghost - you mentioned pressure build up on alum. I use the BS on windows, coro, even sides of vans etc. The only problem I have is when trying to mount large prints 3x5 etc. on alum/dibond material. They usually have alot of ink coverage and I find it nearly impossible to push across the substrate. It is very frustrating and any tips would be appreciated. I usually end up slightly lifting the vinyl and we all know what happens then, little bubble friends. This also happens with cut vinyl - heavy coverage.
But I do love the thing!

 

[Salmoneye]

psbc, are your prints laminated? I mount 4x8's and 4x10's all the time with very few issues.

 

[Salmoneye]

When I lam with 210 I have to pull the backing paper manually by hand. I assist the paper when mounting big panels as well.

 

[Ghost Prophet]

Ghost - you mentioned pressure build up on alum. I use the BS on windows, coro, even sides of vans etc. The only problem I have is when trying to mount large prints 3x5 etc. on alum/dibond material. They usually have alot of ink coverage and I find it nearly impossible to push across the substrate. It is very frustrating and any tips would be appreciated. I usually end up slightly lifting the vinyl and we all know what happens then, little bubble friends. This also happens with cut vinyl - heavy coverage.
But I do love the thing!

Sorry for slow response. To release some of the pressure it sometimes helps to lift or cut the spent vinyl backing.

I have tried to BS plotted vinyl and the results are rarely good. If the lettering is reverse it usually turns out really nice.