Soft-touch lamination: the 4 important rules to remember

Soft lamination (or Soft Touch) has become a highly popular printing finish over the past few years. It differs from traditional lamination through its thickness, its material, and its originality. Better still, it acts as a protective shield and represents a mark of quality for your print creations. Because yes, a soft-touch finish is synonymous with a premium support.

It is by touch, more than by sight, that you distinguish a soft-touch laminate. But what are the rules to follow in order to achieve a quality soft-touch finish? What are the benefits?

Rule 1: allow sufficient time

Beautiful, quality creations often require time, precision, and care.

This is why it is important to plan ahead when using this type of technique. The reason is the drying time after printing, which can last more than one to two full days.

If you are planning a double-sided print, you will also need to factor in cooling time. Allow several days, therefore, to carry out soft-touch lamination.

Rule 2: use the right tools

Since the soft-touch laminate has a delicate matte surface, it is recommended to use cotton gloves for the finishing process. This way, you can be certain the result will be of the highest quality.

Rule 3: avoid this technique for items that will be handled with dirty hands

Menus, book covers, and brochures are not recommended for this type of finish. Regular handling risks damaging the desired texture.

Furthermore, if you wish to add selective varnish on top of a soft-touch finish, you risk achieving a poor result — such as the appearance of a greasy smear. Do not hesitate, however, to ask us for advice if you are considering using this technique.

Rule 4: favour offset printing when using soft-touch lamination

Unlike digital printing, the soft-touch film adheres far better to offset-printed surfaces.

It is nonetheless important to observe the drying time recommended by the manufacturer.

What types of support are suitable for soft-touch lamination?

We recommend using soft-touch lamination for smaller supports — the finish is, in a sense, an added value to your creations.
You can therefore achieve a quality result on:

– Creative business cards (450 gsm): if you want to make a strong impression from the very first meeting, for example — the soft-touch finish can enhance your image and demonstrate the quality of your work.

– 450 gsm flyers: to stand out from the many competitors producing flyers, this technique can be an excellent idea. It makes your creation highly resistant (and therefore difficult to tear), and it encourages people to hold on to a visually appealing flyer!

– Greeting cards and invitations: for a pleasing and creative visual result, this technique will lend elegance to your invitations and give a foretaste of a quality event!

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