Updated August 15, 2025
Laminating is a crucial process for protecting and enhancing printed materials, providing them with both durability and an enhanced appearance. Among the various options, laminating films stand out as a versatile solution for safeguarding everything from business cards to packaging. They provide a clear or textured coating that not only preserves prints but also adds a tactile or visual effect.
What Are Laminating Films?
Laminating films are thin, transparent sheets made from materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyester (PET), coated with an adhesive layer. When applied with heat or pressure, they bond to the surface of printed materials, forming a protective shield against moisture, dirt, and handling wear. Laminating films come in different finishes to suit various design goals and functional needs.
Different Types of Laminating Films
Laminating films come in a variety of finishes, each offering unique benefits in terms of appearance, texture, and durability. Choosing the right film can greatly impact how your printed materials are perceived and how well they withstand handling over time.
- Glossy Laminating Film – Provides a shiny, reflective finish that enhances colours and contrast, making images appear vibrant and sharp. Glossy films are ideal for marketing materials and photographs where visual impact is key.
- Matte Laminating Film – Offers a smooth, non-reflective finish that reduces glare, making text easier to read and giving prints a more subtle, sophisticated appearance.
- Soft Touch Matte Laminating Film – Combines the benefits of matte finish with a luxurious, velvety texture that’s pleasant to the touch. It adds a premium feel to printed products while still providing.
Differences Between Glossy, Matte, and Soft Touch Matte Films
Each type of laminating film offers distinct qualities that affect the appearance, feel, durability, and applications of printed materials.
Glossy Films
- Appearance: Shiny and reflective, with a bright, high-impact visual effect.
- Feel: Smooth and slick to the touch.
- Durability: Generally more resistant to scratches and scuffs than matte or soft-touch, but can show fingerprints.
- Applications: Ideal for photos, promotional posters, and marketing materials that need vivid colour impact.
Matte Films
- Appearance: Soft, non-reflective finish that reduces glare.
- Feel: Smooth but not shiny, offering a more understated style.
- Durability: Resists smudges and scratches better than gloss.
- Applications: Suitable for business cards, brochures, and reading materials where clarity under light is important.
Soft Touch Matte Films
- Appearance: Provides a matte finish, but with a unique, velvety, suede-like texture.
- Feel: Smooth and soft, like velvet or suede, creating a luxurious and premium feel.
- Durability: Offers less protection against scratches and scuffs compared to glossy lamination.
- Applications: Perfect for luxury packaging, premium business cards, and high-end product labels.
What Are Soft Touch Matte Laminating Films?
Soft touch matte laminating film is a high-quality, tactile laminating material designed to give printed items a smooth, velvety feel while protecting them from everyday wear and tear. It is a thin plastic film, usually made from BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene), with a specialized coating that produces its signature soft texture.
This film is commonly used with roll laminators or pouch laminators, depending on the application size and volume. It can be applied as laminating rolls for high-volume work or laminating pouches for smaller, one-off jobs. In addition to its tactile appeal, Soft Touch Matte provides scratch resistance, reduces fingerprints, and offers a high-end look that’s ideal for branding purposes.
How Is Soft-Touch Matte Laminating Film Used?
Soft-touch matte laminating films are used with machines that apply heat and/or pressure to adhere the film to the material. Here’s a general process for how they work:
- Choose your laminator and film – Use roll laminators with laminating rolls for high-volume jobs or pouch laminators with laminating pouches for smaller runs. Select Soft Touch Matte Thermal Laminating Film in the right size and thickness.
- Prepare and set up – Ensure prints are fully cured, clean, and trimmed. Warm up the laminator to the recommended temperature, pressure, and speed for Soft Touch films.
- Load the film or pouch – For roll laminators, mount and thread the laminating rolls correctly. For pouch laminators, place the print inside the pouch evenly, using a carrier if required.
- Laminate and inspect – Run a test sheet to check adhesion and appearance, then proceed with the job while maintaining consistent feeding.
- Cool, trim, and finish – Let laminated prints cool flat, then trim edges and inspect for dust, bubbles, or imperfections.
Soft-touch matte laminating films provide a versatile, flexible, and cost-effective solution for protecting and enhancing a variety of printed materials. Soft laminates offer the durability and aesthetic appeal needed to keep printed items looking professional. Choosing the right soft laminating roll can significantly enhance the longevity and appearance of your projects.
At Printer’s Parts and Equipment, we understand the importance of quality when it comes to print finishing. We are committed to providing our customers with reliable, high-quality materials that deliver exceptional print results. Visit our website or contact our customer service team to explore our wide range of laser toners from reputable brands. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you in your printing needs.
