Why does laminate matter on a sticker, and why is it free here?
Laminate is a clear UV-blocking film applied over the printed vinyl. It takes the abrasion, water, solvents and sunlight so the ink does not, which is what turns a one-season sticker into a 5+ year outdoor sticker. Stickerine includes gloss, matte or luster laminate on every order at no charge.
| Cost | $0, included on every order |
|---|---|
| Options | Gloss, matte, luster |
| Blocks | UV, water, abrasion, mild solvents |
| Unlaminated life outdoors | Typically under 1 year |
| Laminated life outdoors | 5+ years |
The build, top to bottom
- Laminate. Clear UV-blocking film. The sacrificial layer.
- Ink. Eco-solvent, cured into the vinyl surface.
- Vinyl face stock. 3 mil cast or calendared.
- Adhesive. Permanent pressure-sensitive acrylic, full bond in about 24 hours.
- Liner. Silicone-coated backing paper.
Remove layer one and you have exposed ink. Everything the sticker touches for the rest of its life now touches the print directly.
What an unlaminated sticker does
- Fades. UV breaks down pigment. Reds and yellows go first, usually within a single summer of direct sun.
- Chalks. The surface goes powdery and loses gloss.
- Scuffs. A dishwasher rack, a car wash brush, a key in a pocket, and the ink is scratched.
- Runs. Some solvents and cleaning chemicals will lift unprotected eco-solvent ink.
The three finishes
- Gloss. Highest saturation, deepest blacks, best scuff resistance. Shows glare and fingerprints on very dark art.
- Matte. No glare, hides fingerprints, photographs well, writable with a permanent marker. Colors read roughly 5 to 10 percent softer.
- Luster. Between the two. Slight sheen, low glare. A good default for product labels.
Why we do not charge for it
Because a sticker without laminate is not the product we want our name on. Charging for it lets a shop advertise a lower headline price and then upsell the thing that makes the sticker work. We would rather quote the real number once.
Related questions
- Can I get stickers without laminate?
- We do not recommend it and we do not price it lower, because the material and labor saved is minimal compared to the durability lost. If your application specifically requires an unlaminated surface, contact us and we will discuss it.
- Does laminate make stickers dishwasher safe?
- Yes. Laminated vinyl stickers survive dishwashers, car washes and hand washing. Give the adhesive 24 hours to fully bond before the first wash.
- Is holographic laminated too?
- Yes. Holographic and metallic films get the same laminate treatment as white and clear vinyl.