Incognito Wraps Conform Chrome Silver with Purple Colored Overlaminate.
Photo courtesy of Avery Dennison.
though traditional PVC overlaminates
are still by far the dominant choice, the
demand for specialty overlaminates
has increased over the past few years.
Not only has there been a shift in materials,
but also with special eff ects such
as sparkle and colored overlaminates.”
Drytac company offi cials believe an
array of new technological opportunities
exist in the sector.
For example, Drytac’s line of ProTac
products add many revenue generating
benefi ts, said vice president of sales
and marketing Darren Speizer. ProTac
Anti-Bacterial fi lm allows a durable anti
bacterial additive that off ers reliable
protection against mold and mildew
growth and bacterial contamination.
“Th is is ideal for use in environments
where hygiene is of importance, such as
schools, nurseries, communal buildings,
restaurants, cafeterias, vending
applications, and hospitals,” he said.
“Another example is seen in Protac
Anti-Graffi ti, which is an outdoor,
graffi ti-resistant, gloss fi nish overlaminating
fi lm impervious to UV, dirt,
and pollutants. Th is overlaminate
off ers superb clarity, detail, and color
contrast. Protac Emerytex showcases
new technology through its scuff -resistant
fi nish, which makes it suitable for
graphics where extensive handling may
be involved.”
Th e anti-slip properties of Protac Emerytex
have been tested, approved, and
are recommended for fl oor graphics,
Speizer said. Th ey are, he added, “ideal
for laminating mousepads, counter
graphics, and mounted prints to be
displayed in high-traffi c areas.”
If there’s a market that involves a
Fine Lines Wraps used Avery Dennison’s Tint Conform Chrome Silver with
Orange Colored Overlaminate.
wrap fi lm, overlaminates generally follow
suit, Larson observed. “Th at being
said, apart from the traditional installation
mediums like vehicles, signs, and
exteriors, interior walls are a market
that has seen a recent expansion in
overlaminate innovation,” he reported.
Th e new 3M Décor Overlaminate 8600
Series off ers fi ve new cast vinyl décor
overlaminates that help add warmth,
style, and professionalism to interior
spaces. Th e matte fi nishes in Classic
Linen, Knit, White Fir, Riverbed, and
Plaster protect underlying graphics and
create a unique aesthetic and depth
that can transform interiors into more
visually engaging environments.
The future
Current trends toward new materials
and diff erent eff ects should be expected
to continue, and Avery Dennison is
continually innovating in these areas,
Barnard said. “Th e latest innovation
is colored overlaminates for Conform
Chrome fi lms,” he added.
“Th ey provide a protection and a
totally new appearance. For example,
a purple-colored overlaminate over
Conform Chrome Silver makes for a
shiny, metallic purple that is a much
diff erent look from the original silver of
the base fi lm.”
In addition, use of graphics in retail
settings is increasing rapidly, Speizer
said. Graphics are not just seen in
shopping malls, but in parking garages
and fl oors leading to elevators. “In order
to keep up with current trends the appropriate
adhesive must be combined
with the correct laminate to reach the
desired outcome,” he advised.
PSPs should stay in close touch with
laminate manufacturers to ensure
they remain up to date on current and
soon-to-arrive market opportunities, he
added. “With the introduction of new
markets, such as hospitals, restaurants,
schools, and other public areas, PSPs
need to stay informed as to not miss
an opportunity for adding value and
generating revenue with fi nishing
opportunities,” he said.
One big trend in overlaminate innovation
is the expansion of products that
off er texture or added visual elements
to a base fi lm, Larson said.
Along with Décor Overlaminate 8600
Series, 3M Wrap Overlaminate Series
8900 is another specialty product line
that can enhance any base fi lm with a
sparkle, brushed, or carbon fi ber aesthetic.
Usually seen in the vehicle space,
the 8900 Series can be mixed with
various color change or base print fi lms,
to unearth huge creative potential.
Also noticeably increased are the
warranties for overlaminates. For Décor
Overlaminate 8600 Series, 3M off ers
the 3M MCS Warranty for Finished
Graphics, the fi rst of its kind to be
introduced in the marketplace. “Th e
warranty covers the graphics installed
on smooth interior walls for up to eight
years,” Larson said.
Arlon’s Bui said her company is focused
on growing its vehicle fl eet market,
and also going beyond vehicles to
other transportation applications, such
as boats, trains, trailers, and tankers.
“All in all, she added, the future is pretty
exciting.
August 2 PrintingNewscom 017 Wide-Format & Signage 21