Lamination is an essential step in producing durable, professional signage. Whether you’re finishing vehicle graphics, window decals, or flat-panel prints, lamination protects your work from UV damage, moisture, and abrasion. But without the right approach, problems like bubbling or edge lift can show up fast, costing time and materials.
At Choice Sign Supply, we work directly with sign makers and installers across North Carolina to help them get reliable results. Below are six practical ways to prevent lamination issues, backed by industry guidance and the products we stock.
1. Use Compatible Materials
Proper pairing of print media and laminate is critical. Incompatible materials can shrink at different rates or fail to bond correctly, leading to bubbles or peeling.
Key tips:
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Match laminate type to the vinyl, cast with cast, calendared with calendared.
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Use pressure-sensitive laminates designed for digital prints.
Recommended Product:
Avery Dennison DOL 1300Z Series Cast Laminate
2. Allow Prints to Dry Before Laminating
Trapped solvents from uncured ink can cause bubbles under the laminate over time. This is especially common with solvent or eco-solvent printers.
Best practice:
Allow prints to outgas for at least 24 hours before lamination. For latex or UV-cured inks, follow your manufacturer’s drying guidelines.
Rushing this step is one of the most common causes of long-term delamination.
3. Prep Your Surface and Workspace
Dust, oils, and static can interfere with adhesive bonding.
Before laminating:
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Clean the print with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol or recommended cleaner.
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Keep rollers and tables free of debris and adhesive buildup.
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Handle laminates by the edges, avoid touching the adhesive side.
At Choice Sign Supply, we carry application tools and cleaners suitable for professional shop use. Let us know what materials you’re working with, and we’ll point you to the right prep supplies.
4. Calibrate Your Laminator and Feed Properly
Using a cold roll laminator requires consistent pressure and correct alignment to ensure bubble-free application.
Helpful tips:
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Adjust roller tension evenly across the width.
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Feed slowly and keep material aligned.
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Don’t force the media, let the rollers pull it through.
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Avoid laminating over warm prints or using uneven pressure.
Looking for equipment?
Visit our Digital Printers & Laminators section for trusted brands and local support.
5. Protect the Edges from Lift
Edge lift is common in outdoor or high-contact installs, especially on vehicles, trailers, or textured surfaces.
Prevention tips:
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Apply even pressure all the way to the edges when laminating and installing.
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For exposed or high-wear applications, use edge sealing tape or clear acrylic sealant.
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Avoid trimming too close to the printed edge, leave enough vinyl margin for full bonding.
Our team can help you decide whether edge sealing is recommended for your application.
6. Store Laminated Prints Properly
Once your job is laminated, storage matters just as much as application.
Do:
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Roll prints loosely with the image side facing out.
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Store flat or in a vertical rack when possible.
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Avoid heat, moisture, and tight curls, especially in the first 24 hours after lamination.
Correct handling during this stage helps prevent adhesive stress and curling down the line.
Materials and Support Available Locally
At Choice Sign Supply, we offer everything you need to laminate with confidence, including:
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Digital laminates from Avery Dennison, RTape, and other trusted brands
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Cold roll laminators and wide-format finishing tools
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Application accessories and surface cleaners
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Fast pickup at our Raleigh warehouse or shipping throughout the region
If you’re facing lamination issues, we’ll help you troubleshoot and find the right solution for your workflow.
Get Reliable Lamination Support
Lamination issues like bubbles and edge lift aren’t just frustrating, they’re avoidable with the right materials, setup, and handling. Whether you’re wrapping vehicles or printing real estate signs, Choice Sign Supply is here to help you get consistent results.
Have questions? Need help selecting the right laminate?
Call us at (919) 390-6742, or stop by our Raleigh location at 1208 Transport Drive for expert advice and local service you can count on.