What is vehicle graphic overlaminate? If you’re considering fleet graphics or a vehicle wrap, you will want an overlaminate for your vehicle graphic. It will extend the life of your adhesive vinyl graphics, add to the quality, and enhance the appearance.
What is Vehicle Graphic Overlaminate?
Vehicle graphic overlaminate is a flexible transparent material, usually about 1.2 mils thick, used to cover and protect adhesive vinyl graphics. There are several types of vehicle graphic overlaminate finishes, such as gloss, satin, and matte. Some are nearly invisible to the eye, becoming part of the wrap, while others can create an effect such as a gloss finish.
Why Use Vehicle Graphic Overlaminate?
So, why use vehicle graphic overlaminate? Isn’t the adhesive vinyl enough to protect the substrate of the vehicle? Although adhesive vinyl will protect the substrate to an extent, vehicle graphic overlaminate protects the adhesive vinyl. Vehicle graphic overlaminates on adhesive vinyl graphics protects the design from harmful UV rays, acid dew, and road debris. Laminating the material is recommended by most manufacturers.
Is Overlaminate Expensive?
When you consider the expense of not using vehicle graphic overlaminate and how it affects your vehicle graphics, it’s worth it. Some providers reduce their prices by not overlaminating the vinyl – this is NOT a good idea. Laminating the material is recommended by 3M vinyl manufacturer… “vinyl overlaminates have been specifically designed to provide high conformability and flexibility, yet still provide UV, weathering, and abrasion protection to underlying graphic constructions. Overlaminates are the optimum choice for great-looking graphics, superior conformability, easier application, and long-term graphic protection.”
Protect Your Investment with Overlaminate
UV rays will fade paint and vinyl. A protective layer will slow the process, and adds to the professional appearance of the finished product. Overlaminate also provides excellent gloss and clarity of reflection, giving a “wet paint” look.
Ultraviolet light is one of the most significant contributors to the aging of adhesive vinyl fleet graphics. Over time unprotected graphics can be ruined by the sun. Colors such as red, which absorb UV rays at a higher concentration than most other colors, are more susceptible to fading. Horizontal surfaces, such as hoods and roofs, receive more direct sunlight than vertical surfaces, causing them to fade quicker.
A protective coating or overlaminate will slow the fading process and add life to your fleet graphics. Instead of your red vinyl-wrapped truck turning pink on the hood, the UV protection of the overlaminate can slow the fade to an almost undetectable degree of fading.
5 Ways Vehicle Graphic Overlaminate Protects and Enhances
1. Filters Harmful UV rays
Exposure to sunlight will fade adhesive vinyl. Overlaminate filters the UV (Ultraviolet) rays to reduce the fading and add life to the vehicle graphic.
2. Resists Moisture
The overlaminate seals the adhesive vinyl, not allowing moisture to penetrate the vinyl and cause problems. If moisture gets behind the adhesive vinyl, it can cause it to separate and bubble.
3. Scratch Protection
Overlaminate won’t eliminate all scratches. However, it will protect the finish from road salt, bugs, and debris that can damage a vehicle wrap. The overlaminate becomes a protective barrier that takes the punishment but doesn’t show because it’s clear.
4. Protects Against Fuel Spills and Vapors
Unprotected, fuel spills and vapors will eventually affect the ink printed on the adhesive vinyl. And like moisture, if fuel gets behind the adhesive, it will cause it to loosen and separate.
5. Enhances the Look
As we said earlier overlaminate can be used to create a glossy wet look, matte finish, satin appearance, and more.
Should You Use Overlaminate or Liquid Clear Coat?
That’s a great question. And yes, there are times when clear coat will do the job. Before deciding on clear coat check with your provider and be sure the adhesive vinyl manufacturer’s warranty covers clear coat.
If you’d like to know more about overlaminate, be sure to Contact Us.
How Can We Help You?
If you’d like fleet graphics designed to capture attention, printed on state-of-the-art equipment, and installed by expert 3M certified installers, we’re here to help.
Would you like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics? If so, you can Request A Quote.
TKO Graphix is a national fleet graphics and vehicle wraps company. Since 1985, we’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, service trucks and company vehicles with our full-service solutions including print production, design, graphics installation, removal, project management, and inventory fulfillment. We employ the largest 3M™ Certified installation crew in the country. Our graphics installers, along with our established national UASG network of professional installers, allows us to brand any size fleet, anywhere!
As a result of our high standards in quality products and production, we are proud to be certified by 3M as being able to offer the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty, the gold standard in graphics warranties. This Certificate demonstrates our commitment to excellence and helps give customers a greater peace of mind.
Whether you have a fleet of a few or thousands of vehicles, we are here to lead you through the process. To get started, contact us today for a free quote.
