Lamination
Print Lamination
SpeedPro Windy City is a full-service print finishing studio in Chicago, applying UV-resistant, scratch-resistant, and anti-graffiti overlaminates to vehicle wraps, floor graphics, outdoor banners, wall murals, and rigid signage for businesses across DuPage County, Cook County, and the greater Chicagoland area. Our Downers Grove studio laminates in-house on every job that needs protection.
Request a QuoteWhat Does Lamination Do for a Printed Graphic?
Lamination is a clear protective film applied over a printed graphic to extend its life, protect the ink from UV fade, resist scratches and chemicals, and add a controlled surface finish. Matte laminate kills glare on floor graphics and photo prints. Gloss laminate saturates colors and works for indoor display. Cast laminate is the premium choice for vehicle wraps because it conforms to curves without cracking. We laminate in-house on vehicle wrap work for clients including fleet graphic installs across the Chicago area.
Lamination Types and Where They Belong
The wrong laminate kills a print job. Using calendered vinyl laminate on a vehicle wrap results in cracking at the body lines within weeks. Using gloss instead of matte on a floor graphic creates glare that renders the graphic unreadable under lighting. Laminate choice is part of the spec, not an afterthought.
Cast vs calendered. Cast laminate (3M 8519, 8520) conforms to vehicle curves and complex surfaces with no memory, required for 3M IJ180Cv3 vehicle wraps. Calendered laminate is flat-surface only, fine for flat signage and banners but not for vehicles.
How much does lamination add to a print job?
Standard lamination is included in the quoted price on most SpeedPro jobs that require it (vehicle wraps, floor graphics, outdoor banners). Specialty laminates (anti-graffiti, anti-microbial, textured) add $2 to $6 per square foot depending on grade.
How much longer does lamination make a print last?
Laminated outdoor prints typically last two to three times as long as unlaminated prints. A cast-laminated vehicle wrap lasts 5 to 7 years versus 2 to 3 for unlaminated. A laminated outdoor banner lasts 3 to 5 years versus 1 to 2.
Where we laminate in-house. Typical Chicago-area laminated production includes vehicle wrap programs for fleet operators across DuPage County, floor graphics at O'Hare terminals and Chicago retail locations, outdoor banner programs for events at Cantigny Park and Lake Michigan venues, and wall mural installs at healthcare and corporate facilities along the I-88 corridor.
Related Production Services
- Color Matching: Pantone brand accuracy
- Contour Cutting: CNC custom-shape cuts
- Commercial Vehicle Wraps: cast-laminated fleet wraps
- Outdoor Vinyl Banners: weatherproof laminated banners
SpeedPro Windy City
MAKE A STATEMENT WITH LARGE FORMAT PRINTING
Any plan to build brand recognition and awareness of a business or event should include large format printing. The size, artistry and spectacular colors of indoor and outdoor signage, vehicle wraps, environmental graphics and banners will get you noticed and distinguish you from competitors.
BEST IN CLASS WITH PRODUCTION AND SERVICE
SpeedPro Windy City provides:
- UNMATCHED QUALITY
- Truly a cut way above the rest.
- QUICK TURNAROUND
- Even with a tight deadline, we can deliver.
- STELLAR COMMUNICATION
- Stay up-to-date with the progress of your project.
CONTACT SPEEDPRO WINDY CITY TODAY
We are located in DuPage County and serve our local clients in LaGrange, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Naperville, Aurora, Schaumburg, Chicago, and the South Suburbs.
Come visit our studio, We are conveniently located in Downers Grove at 2600 Warrenville Road, off Finley.
Get a quote or make an appointment to speak to an associate about your specific needs.