Laminate over UV prints???

[SignManiac]

Any problems printing on Avery EZ cast vinyl on the flatbed with UV inks and then laminating with compatible Avery laminate? Anyone know how UV inks compare to solvents with regard to life expectancy?

 

[Gino]

The solvent inks and the mild solvents last longer than the U/V. The laminate will extend the life, but not as long as if you were printing with a solvent ink of some sort. Besides, the inks dry very hard and don't take abuse putting down, as the solvents either.

 

[SignManiac]

I'm only printing a small 10" x 20" print to go on flat semi doors? No bending of the ink as flat is fine.

 

[Gino]

I'm only printing a small 10" x 20" print to go on flat semi doors? No bending of the ink as flat is fine.

I'd say you'd get 3 or 4 years.... being down in the Florida area.

 

[SignManiac]

That's what I was hoping for. They seem to turn over their trucks pretty often, so it may not even need to last that long.

 

[J Hill Designs]

...They seem to turn over their trucks pretty often...

Maybe they should hire better drivers, sheesh!

 

[BigfishDM]

maybe they should hire better drivers, sheesh!

 

[Dave Rowland]

i had to replace quite a lot of UV printed vinyl for vehicles... never do that again

laminating uv agfa ink is difficult

 

[SignManiac]

I'm running HP uv ink. Think that will make a difference? What was the failure you had?

 

[miker]

because UV ink sits on top of the media as opposed to solvent ink which bites in, laminating prints has a much larger PITA factor as well and a lower success rate.

that being said, I have laminated plenty of UV prints and had it work fine. You just have to wipe the prints down as they are going into the laminator to ensure you don't get and debris under the film.