Lmintion ExamintionBreaking down the different types of laminates for wraps. By Sergio DeSoto Just like everything else in the sign world there are multiple schools of thought on the subject of lamination. There are opinions ranging from the never-laminate crowd to guys like me who tend to laminate most of my installs with a few exceptions, of course. I want to address all sides of the issue with you: The pros, the cons and my stubborn-pointed side. Hopefully you will get enough out of this to be well-armed when it comes to laminating your own work. DECISIONS, DECISIONS Let s start by addressing vehicle wraps and the laminated components of a wrap. You have your base wrap material and overlaminate (overlam), and possibly window perf and overlam. I have personal experience installing and removing all of the above, and in my lengthy career in the wrap business, I have come to form opinions about what is right, wrong and indifferent. No Laminate Non-laminated wraps present several challenges. I find that during installation, non-laminated material is very flimsy and difficult to work with; and, depending on the ambient temperature, can be almost impossible to work with. On the flip side, some professionals in the industry make the argument that conformability is better. True, however the downside risk is not worth it. Non-laminated vinyl is not protected against the elements, chemicals or abrasion; and, depending on the type of ink you re using, it may be more prone to rapid fading. If you ever find yourself in an install situation without a laminate on your wrap material you should probably use DigiMask by R Tape to help give the material rigidity, making it easier to handle and less apt to tear or become a jumbled mess. Removal of non-laminated materials is a nightmare that you do not want to have on your mind. Based on personal ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SERGIO DESOTO is a vehicle wrap veteran with a decade of experience. During his time in the industry, he has owned a vehicle wrap shop in Phoenix, Ariz. and created The Bad Wrap vehicle wrap software package. He also has experience as a marketing manager, and holds a marketing degree with a minor in advertising. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 14 I WRAPS I MARCH/APRIL 2008 Wraps MarApr.indd 14 3/6/08 4:03:44 PM experience, you should charge by the hour and be prepared for multiple hours of work. Non-laminated vinyl often comes off in a postage stamp fashion, making it very difficult and frustrating to remove. Liquid Laminates Liquid laminate, in my opinion, isn t any better than non laminated vinyl. The reason I say this is because it does not add rigidity or stability to the film during the install, and the coating s protective qualities typically do not last, as far as I m concerned. Removal of a liquid laminate wrap is equally as frustrating as non laminated. On the plus side of this, liquid laminate is inexpensive. Also, because of its flexibility you may want to liquid laminate some harder-to-install parts such as mirrors. Just remember it s thinner and not as well protected. Overlaminates OK, let me preface this by saying, based on my nine-plus years wrapping cars, I would never wrap a vehicle without using a top manufacturer s wrap overlaminate. The reasoning for this is simple and the benefits will save you time, thus making you more money: Laminated wrap materials add install strength when you are in the heated battle of attacking that back quarter panel. Mustering all you have to get that perfect complex curve under control, your laminate will not let you down. MARCH/APRIL 2008 I WRAPS I 15 Wraps MarApr.indd 15 3/6/08 4:05:03 PM