Some useful technical information

Types of laminates:
Decisions decisions… not really, there are basically 4 types of finish that you need consider:

Sandtex
Scratch resistant, non-gloss finish with a slight texture designed for the hardest wearing areas, ideal for floor graphics, scuffable areas where traffic his constant (like walkways in shopping centres)
In techo terms: An embossed PVC laminating film with a permanent pressure sensitive adhesive. Contains a UV absorber to help protect against fading due to UV exposure.

Matt
Non-reflective matt finish. Suitable for conditions where small text conditions are important, easy to read: eg architect’s drawings, medical posters and trade show images where spotlights will flare up poster surfaces. UV inhibited for ultimate protection from the ravages of time.

Gloss
Reflective finish suitable for photographic images. Gloss brings out exceptional qualities to what may be a rather ordinary image. Graphic designers choose this to bring a third dimension to their prints. Photographers love the finish for retaining the photographic integrity of photographic media. Again, full of UV inhibitors for maximum protection.

Satin
Very close to Jupiter, but meanwhile back on Earth: this is highly suitable for merging easy to read with enhancing of photographic imagery. If you can’t make up your mind between Gloss or Matt, you will love Satin. You will love the UV inhibitor in our laminate as well.

Types of mounting substrates:

Although there are many types of mount boards available, in fact you could mount to a wooden plank if desired… we have simplified the decision to the following brilliant list of substrates:

Card boards:
2mm thick suitable for heavier weight paper and photos, ideal for smaller images than need that extra weight.

Foam boards:
available in 5mm and 10mm thicknesses. Superb for lightweight displays where a larger print requires hanging with either velcro or double-sided tape.
We suggest 10 mm thickness for sizes greater than A1.

MDF boards:
The M is Medium, the D is Density, the F is for Fibre but it is heavy and with that is very strong. MDF is available in 5mm, 9mm and 12mm in thickness (for those that remember the ½ an inch). The use is suitable for permanent display projects which need extreme accuracy in critical alignment. And it’s less likely to ding when knocked by some careless burger.

Forex boards:
There are cheaper boards around but they are not as consistent in thickness. What is it? It’s an expanded PVC sheet (don’t ask “what’s that?” we need another website for that). It’s one of the most popular boards used. 90% of our customers prefer mounting on this surface: it’s thinner, lighter and extremely smooth. 1mm Forex curves around weird architectural walls like a figure ice skater at the Olympics.
3mm Forex is available up to a huge single sheet size of 3000mm x 1400mm (needs a van to transport).

Gata Ply board:
This board is reinforced foam board with firmer front and backing sheets. We stock black Gata as a norm for the sexy shadow line it crates when hanging on a wall.
The white version is a brilliant white (not that you see it when hung up) but gives a sharper edge than foam. Available in 5mm and 10mm, it’s fantastically flat, it will hang flatter and longer when ordinary foam gives in.

Back Lamination as a mount board:
Why use it? It’s incredibly cheap as an option. Whilst keeping the image flat, it wraps around curved surfaces like a silk stocking. It’s durable and it’s light. It transports rolled up as opposed to a flat sheet.

*One piece mounting is limited to certain sizing (approximately 1200 x 2400mm) but smaller or larger mounting is available in certain materials. Please call us for the best solution for you and your project.