Need for additional protection
So, you are having this custom label made for the purpose of promoting your business or keeping people safe. However, in an industrial facility or in the elements (outdoors) there are conditions that could fade the ink prematurely or wipe it off completely. While our inks are meant to resist fading*, some times additional protection is warranted. Perhaps you want the label to last longer. Other situations, such as when industrial cleaners are used on machinery, could actually remove the ink and your message altogether. Additionally, abrasion can damage a label making it hard to read.
We at KSPprints offer a couple options. There is a clear coat, wherein a clear layer of UV-Resistant Ink is screen-printed over your label. Like our other UV-Resistant inks this clear ink is said to show minimal fading after four to five years. Our other option is lamination. With a few different material options, lamination provides a clear protective surface between the ink and anything else.
Sun Exposure: While Polyester lamination does offer some protection against the sun’s rays, it is undefined. Clear Coating will definitely protect your label from fading for atleast four to five years of UV exposure.
Chemicals & Abrasion: Clear Coating doesn’t really offer you the protection of lamination. Just like the ink that can be wiped or scraped away in the wrong situation a clear coat of ink will do the same.
With all of that said, each situation is different when choosing the best protection for your label order. If you are free of abrasion and chemicals, clear coating is the best option for you. Anytime abrasion or chemicals are involved use lamination to protect your labels.
We carry three types of lamination to give you the best protection:
Polyester Lamination – This option does give an unquantified amount of protection from fading but is best at protecting your custom labels from chemical cleaning agents and the like.
Vinyl Lamination – Our thickest lamination option provides the most protection from abrasion making it great for vehicle graphics.
Gas Grade Lamination –
Machinery exposed to landfill and sewer gases can eat away at your labels. In these situations, you need a lamination with a strong adhesive to seal off the label.
Hopefully this was helpful in planning your order. As always, if you have questions feel free to contact us by phone, (800) 348-2454 or by email, info@KSPprints.com. Thank you for your interest in our products.
*KSP printing methods include digital printing and screen-printing. Different digital printing options offer varied longevity. For those decals with custom shapes, we can print with outdoor grade inks which provide protection from fading for 2 to 3 years. Our other digital press offers UV-resistant ink like our Screen-printing process. These inks can typically be expected to withstand signs of fading for 4 to 5 years.