By Jim Hingst
Which Floor Graphics Overlaminate is the Best?
Heat-activated overlaminates are also available. Clear
protective films can be applied to encapsulate the front and back of the paper
print. The overlaminates overlap the print on all sides by 1/4 in. or more to
form a waterproof barrier.
Several manufacturers, including RTape, offer specially
designed overlaminates for floor-graphics applications. Although many printers
have opted for the less expensive vinyl films, polycarbonate overlaminates are
still your best choice for long-term, demanding applications. These
polycarbonate films are tougher, more scratch resistant, and will withstand the extraordinary abuse of
foot traffic, dirt, grease, grit and chemical cleaners.
While polycarbonate
overlaminates are available a variety of thickness, a 3 mil is ideal for floor
graphics protection. With a lower profile than heavier films, shoppers are less
likely to trip on the edge of the graphic. The velvet texture of a
polycarbonate film also provides excellent, slip and scuff resistant protection
for floor graphics.
To ensure a floor graphic is slip-resistant,
overlaminates are rigorously tested. The standard industry test, the AmericanStandard for Testing Materials (ASTM) D2047 exam, checks the coating's
coefficient of friction. In layman's terms, this is the force required to move
one material over another. In short, the ASTM test measures the traction
pedestrians could expect when walking on a floor graphic.
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About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.
© 2016 Jim Hingst
offer specially designed overlaminates for floor-graphics applications. Although many printers have opted for the less expensive vinyl films, vinyl window graphics printing
ReplyDeleteThe biggest advantage of liner laminate flooring is its toughness and durability. It can withstand all the wear and tear without any scratch. The laminate sheet is also resistant to stains and impacts.
ReplyDeleteHey admin! Thanks for sharing such a nice blog. I prefer to use Liner Laminate, recently I installed it to improve the look and feel. I am highly satisfied. Bytheway, keep on posting such nice articles.
ReplyDelete