What is matt lamination?
In short
Matt lamination is a thin, clear film bonded over a printed sheet, giving a smooth, low-sheen finish and extra protection against scuffs and marks.
Matt lamination, often called matt laminate, is a thin clear film applied over the print after it has been printed. It gives a smooth, low-sheen surface, protects the ink from scuffs and marks, and makes a card feel a little more substantial.
On our business cards
Our standard business card is 400gsm silk, printed single or double-sided, with three main finish choices:
| Finish | Surface | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| None | Silk paper | Smooth, light sheen |
| Matt laminate (both sides) | Clear matt film | Smooth and low-sheen |
| Soft-touch laminate (both sides) | Matt film with a velvety texture | Soft, almost suede-like |
The laminate usually goes on both sides, so the front and back of the card match. On silk and gloss cards you can also choose matt laminate on the front only, or a gloss laminate or gloss varnish instead.
Why choose it
Business cards spend time in wallets, pockets and bags. A laminate sits on top of the ink, so the card resists scuffs and keeps a clean look for longer. The matt film also cuts glare, which suits designs with large areas of dark colour.
Things to know
A laminated surface is harder to write on than plain silk, so if you write appointment times or notes on your cards, leave them without a laminate. The laminate also covers the full card, so plan your design on the basis that the whole surface will have the same finish.
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