Print finishes are always the best way to take your project to the next level; UV coating and lamination are the two most important print finishes applied in the industry. So what’s the difference between lamination and UV coating?

Lamination: Lamination is the classic method of protecting printed materials. In either a hot or cold process (depending on nature of the material being laminated), a film is spread across the product. That film acts as a physical barrier between the material, and events such as water damage and physical damage. It can also help prevent against UV radiation damage such as sunlight.

UV Coating: UV Coating is done through a process that combines a polymer resin and ultraviolet light. Liquid polymer resin covers the product, and then ultraviolet light helps turn the resin into a solid layer of film.

Lamination is much more durable, making it suitable for pieces that will see long-term handling and wear like book covers.
Lamination can give your piece a unique finish, including gloss, matte, or “soft touch”, which has a smooth, suede-like feel.

UV coating is more cost-effective, while still providing a moderate amount of protection, so it’s best for mailed pieces like post cards, or for marketing collateral like brochures.
UV coating is available in gloss, satin/matte, and texture, which creates a rough feel on the surface, all without adding much weight or volume.

UV coating doesn’t add to the textile strength of a folding carton, while laminate does add durability and strength to its structure. It can also run on slightly thinner board to get the same effect as UV coating, minimizing in other areas of the printing process.

Color retention can be a big challenge with coatings, including UV. A printer can achieve far better retention with laminate, and there are dozens of different finishes available in the laminate world — UV coating only offers 2-3.