Matt lamination
Matt lamination is a post-press finishing technique where a thin, transparent plastic film is heat- and pressure-bonded to the surface of a printed card. This layer provides a uniform, non-reflective appearance that reduces glare and fingerprints, offering a distinct tactile contrast to standard gloss finishes. For a matt lamination business card, this process also adds physical durability, protecting the ink from scuffs, moisture, and abrasion during daily handling.
The film typically adds a small amount of thickness to the final product, contributing to the card’s perceived quality and structural rigidity. While the primary function is protective, the aesthetic result is a subtle, professional sheen that is often preferred for corporate identities. It is important to note that the film is a separate material from the paper stock; it does not change the GSM weight of the base card but does increase the overall profile thickness.
Sources
- ISO 12647-2:2013 — Graphic technology: process control for offset lithographic processes
- FOGRA39/FOGRA51 characterisation data (ISO 12647-2 offset)
- Printers' Ink Manual: Trade reference for finishing techniques