Guest authored by Aaron Nieblas, Key Account Manager at MBS Sign Supply.
Outdoor graphics are expected to withstand a lot. Sunlight, heat, humidity, rain, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental conditions can all affect how a printed graphic looks and performs over time.
An overlaminate can play an important role in protecting that graphic, but simply adding a clear film over a print does not automatically guarantee long-term outdoor performance. The type of laminate, the expected life of the graphic, and, importantly, the climate in which it will be installed all need to be considered.
At MBS Sign Supply, we work with customers across a wide range of applications and environments. One of the most important conversations we can have is not simply whether a graphic should be laminated, but what level and type of protection the finished application actually requires.
Here are four considerations when selecting an overlaminate for outdoor graphics.
1. What Does UV Protection Actually Mean?
UV radiation is one of the primary environmental factors that can affect the appearance and longevity of outdoor printed graphics.
Overlaminates designed for outdoor use can incorporate UV absorbers and stabilizers as part of their construction. UV absorbers help reduce the amount of harmful radiation reaching the printed image, while stabilizers help protect the laminate itself from degradation caused by prolonged exposure.
However, not all clear laminates offer the same level of protection. Film chemistry, construction, and intended use can all influence performance.
This is why it is important to look beyond whether a graphic has simply been laminated. The overlaminate itself needs to be appropriate for the expected application and environment.
2. Why Climate Matters
A graphic installed outdoors in Las Vegas faces a very different environment from one installed in London. Likewise, the challenges presented by the hot, dry conditions of the Middle East are different from the combination of heat, intense UV exposure, and humidity found in other parts of the world.
There is no single definition of a demanding outdoor environment.
UV intensity is an important consideration, but so are prolonged heat, humidity, rainfall, altitude, seasonal temperature fluctuations, and the amount of direct sunlight the graphic receives each day. Even the orientation of a graphic can influence its exposure.
These differences help explain why the same material may perform differently depending on where and how it is installed.
Rather than assuming that an outdoor durability rating will translate identically to every location, consider the actual climate and exposure conditions the finished graphic will encounter throughout its service life.
Dallas-based DTX Wraps partnered with Downtown Dallas Inc. and local artists to deliver durable, large-scale public murals using Drytac Polar Grip Air and Interlam Pro Anti-Graffiti laminate. Read More.
3. How Long Does the Graphic Need to Last?
Not every outdoor graphic requires the highest-performing laminate available.
A promotional graphic intended to remain in place for six months has very different requirements from permanent signage or branding expected to perform for several years.
Before specifying the laminate, establish the intended lifespan of the finished graphic. Then consider the expected UV exposure, climate, substrate, print media, and physical demands of the application.
In some short-term applications, an overlaminate may not be necessary at all. For longer-term graphics, or applications exposed to significant UV, weather, abrasion, or regular cleaning, the additional protection can become much more important.
There is a cost consideration here as well. Choosing a lower-cost construction can reduce the initial material expense, but premature fading or failure could mean replacing the print, media, laminate, and potentially paying for installation a second time.
The goal is not to specify the most expensive laminate. It is to specify the appropriate laminate for the expected life and environment of the graphic.
4. Think of the Finished Graphic as a System
The longevity of an outdoor graphic is never determined by one component alone.
Print media, ink, adhesive, overlaminate, substrate, installation method, orientation, climate, and environmental exposure all contribute to how the finished graphic performs.
A high-performance UV-protective laminate cannot necessarily compensate for a print film that was not designed for the required application or service life. Likewise, even a correctly specified media and laminate combination can experience problems if the substrate is unsuitable or the graphic is installed outside the recommended conditions.
In many cases, the performance of the finished graphic will ultimately be limited by the weakest component within the system.
Considering the complete graphic construction from the beginning is particularly important for demanding outdoor applications, where the consequences of premature failure can extend far beyond the cost of the material itself.
Choosing the Right Drytac Overlaminate
Drytac offers a range of laminating films designed for different applications and performance requirements.
The Interlam™ Pro range includes pressure-sensitive overlaminates in a variety of finishes for protecting printed graphics from handling, abrasion, cleaning, and environmental exposure. For more demanding outdoor applications, the Weathershield™ range provides options designed for long-term outdoor performance and protection against UV exposure and weathering.
The right choice comes back to the application: where the graphic will be installed, the climate and level of exposure, how long it needs to perform, and the print media and ink being used.
When in doubt, review the technical specifications, talk with your Drytac distributor, and consider the entire graphic construction rather than any single component.
The right question is not simply, “Does this graphic need a laminate?”
It is, “What does this graphic need to withstand?”
About MBS Sign Supply
MBS Sign Supply is built around lasting customer relationships, dependable service, industry knowledge, and responsive support. With experienced inside and outside sales team, MBS works closely with customers to understand their needs and provide practical, informed solutions across the sign and graphics industry. Backed by a strong inventory of readily available products from leading manufacturers, MBS combines local market knowledge, responsive service, and reliable product availability to help customers keep their businesses moving forward.
For further information, please visit www.mbs-signsupply.com.
