Laminating
The use of an overlaminate provides UV protection, moisture resistance, increased image life and an attractive finish. An overlaminate also prevents the film’s holes from filling with water when it rains or when the window graphics are washed.
CLEAR FOCUS offers three optically clear, pressure-sensitive (“cold”) overlaminates for use with its perforated window graphics films.
- ClearLam®, a polyester overlaminate, is designed for small-format graphics for installation on flat surfaces only.
- CurvaLam® and PromoLam® are cast PVC overlaminates designed for use on surfaces that are flat or have simple to moderate curves.
Please refer to the individual product data sheets for more information.
If you use another brand of overlaminate, be sure to test prior to actual production to confirm compatibility and to ensure adequate visibility through the window film.
Application tips
- Allow at least 24 hours for the inks to dry and outgas before applying an overlaminate.
- The printed substrate must be cool – less than about 90° F. Never apply ClearLam, PromoLam or CurvaLam with heat.
- After applying an overlaminate, let the graphics sit for at least 12 hours to allow the overlaminate’s adhesive to bond adequately to the window film.
- When using a cold laminator (recommended method), proper tension control is important to prevent wrinkles and tunneling from occurring. Do not stretch either the window graphics film or the overlaminate during lamination as this can result in tunneling and/or wrinkles.
- For graphics to be installed on a curved surface, use a liquid laminate or an overlaminate (such as CurvaLam) that conforms to simple-curved surfaces.
- Avoid stretching the laminated graphic during installation. The vinyl has a memory and, if stretched, may return to its original shape, causing the film to lift off the glass later.
- In cases where glass curvature is extreme (e.g., Beetle or PT Cruiser window), test the overlaminate on a piece of window graphics film prior to actual production/installation to ensure adequate conformance, or use a liquid laminate.
- If, after lamination, it is necessary to roll the graphics, be sure to roll them loosely with the printed/laminated side out.
- When shipping graphics, lay them flat between layers of cardboard or other protective material, or roll the graphics with the printed/laminated side out onto a core that is large enough in diameter to prevent the liner and overlaminate from wrinkling or tunneling. Use a shipping tube whose diameter is large enough to easily accommodate the loosely rolled graphics.
- To clean the graphics after laminating, spray a non-abrasive, non-solvent cleaner on a cloth, then wipe surface. Do not allow solvents to come in contact with vinyl, as they can adversely affect adhesion.
