Question Laminate Gloss vs Matt

[Action Mary]

Has anyone used matt laminate? I normally use 210 Gloss from Grimco as my laminate, but every so often I see tiny scratches from the squeegee. Maybe it is just me. I was thinking of using a 210 matt laminate. Has anyone used this product and what do you think of it? The price is the same. Thanks

 

[MarkSnelling]

As a laminate supplier, I can tell you that we sell 80% matte to 20% gloss.

If you like the 210 lams, you should try the Drytac Interlam Pro products up there. Similar construction and it should put a good buck in your pocket.

 

[tulsagraphics]

As a laminate supplier, I can tell you that we sell 80% matte to 20% gloss.

If you like the 210 lams, you should try the Drytac Interlam Pro products up there. Similar construction and it should put a good buck in your pocket.

Drytac is a good budget-friendly laminate. I bounce back n' forth between that and 3420M depending on what's in stock. 210 is fine too -- but my main distributor doesn't carry Oracal. Matte looks better on "almost" every job.

80% matte to 20% gloss sounds about right for my inventory (and I have a lot of inventory)

Note: Worth mentioning: These are low cost intermediate films. I only use them on short term / temporary projects. Anything that needs to hold up mid-to-long term should be high performance cast film.

 

[Boudica]

Our default is matte. Not counting vehicle graphics, some other exceptions and customer preferences.

 

[MarkSnelling]

Drytac is a good budget-friendly laminate. I bounce back n' forth between that and 3420M depending on what's in stock. 210 is fine too -- but my main distributor doesn't carry Oracal. Matte looks better on "almost" every job.

80% matte to 20% gloss sounds about right for my inventory (and I have a lot of inventory)

Note: Worth mentioning: These are low cost intermediate films. I only use them on short term / temporary projects. Anything that needs to hold up mid-to-long term should be high performance cast film.

You should try the Interlam Pro on a 5 year job (flat surface). It will go the distance. I get the hesitation, but it will work.

 

[ProColorGraphics]

Use this stuff!! I have no issues with their laminates

ICON® PL-3150

Enhance the longevity, clarity, and finish of your print media with ICON PL-3150 overlaminate.

substance.com

 

[Stacey K]

So, when you guys make exterior signs, you are mostly using matte vs. gloss? I've mostly always just used gloss but I do prefer the look of matte...perhaps I should switch!

 

[Boudica]

So, when you guys make exterior signs, you are mostly using matte vs. gloss? I've mostly always just used gloss but I do prefer the look of matte...perhaps I should switch!

Yep, we almost always use matte. glossy signs will have a glare on them, not so much with a matte finish.

 

[DL Signs]

I use a lot of luster/ semi-gloss... It's kinda' the best of both worlds, has that more high end gloss look without as much glare. Most of what we do is cast vinyls, and good lams are somewhat self healing, so when you post heat all of those little scratches from the squeegee disappear. If you want less scratches, do a wet edge on yer' squeegee.

 

[RabidOne]

Our default is semi-gloss (luster), exceptions are backlit signage/sandwich prints which are matte and vehicles which are gloss.

 

[MikePro]

for me its Satin>Matte>Luster>Gloss
buuuut i do love a combination of matte&gloss for interior things

 

[Steenland]

In the late 90s and early 2000s, when digital large format was new, all my clients wanted glossy laminate. I think the attitude was "OOOH, SHINY!!" But it didn't take long to discover that Glossy=Glare. Now 95% of our work gets matte, and I have a couple of clients who prefer a textured pebble laminate. (I mostly do temporary exhibits and wall murals.)

 

[JBurton]

Satin>Matte>Luster>Gloss

Same, unless it's exterior that I'm aiming for longevity, in which case I opt for gloss. Like contour cut letters, trimcapped faces. Normal faces in trim get satin though.
Arlon makes the best flavored satin imo, 3420 and 3270. 3m's luster looks like dog turds in comparison.