Adhesive and over-laminating films can be used for mounting, laminating, and encapsulating, as well as to adhere a printed image to a surface or substrate. These films are frequently offered in pressure-sensitive, heat-activated, and heat-set varieties.

Overlaminates are transparent films with an adhesive backing frequently used in digital printing, floor graphics, and window graphics. They protect surfaces from abrasion, moisture, and other potentially harmful effects in indoor and outdoor environments. These films can be applied to the top or front side of an image or product—or encapsulate it entirely.

What Are Overlaminates Made Of?

Film adhesives are solid sheets of thermoplastic or partially cured thermosetting polymers that can be cut to size and used to attach large-area components, substrates, and lids.

Clear overlaminate films are typically made of various polymers in flexible forms such as polyester (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, polypropylene (PP), and vinyl (PVC). These films are available in thicknesses ranging from .5 mm to 12 mm, with finishes ranging from plain matte to high gloss. Pressure-sensitive adhesives are used with most overlaminate films so they can bond to the graphic.

What Is Adhesive Film Used For?

Adhesive and overlaminate film appear in many industries for many applications. Its ability to bond with different surfaces offers protection, reinforcement, and many options for applying graphics for branding or general appearance.

Here are some industries that take advantage of what overlaminate film has to offer.

1. Packaging – Different adhesives can be created with cardboard, plastic, or wood in mind. EVA hot melt adhesives are frequently used in the packaging industry because they can adhere to various coatings. They are ideal for assembling, labeling, processing paper, and other tasks.
2. Construction Material Assembly – Construction materials often incorporate overlaminates and adhesive film for hybrid constructions, polyurethane construction, insulation panels, and more.
3. Prefab Housing – The prefab housing industry requires long-lasting and durable adhesives for many purposes, including sub-flooring, bathrooms, moldings, kitchen equipment, and more.
4. Door and Window Assembly – Different adhesives can be created to bond to surfaces used for making doors and windows, such as wood, PVC, fiberglass, or hybrid aluminum.
5. Woodworking – Adhesives and overlaminate films are standard in the woodworking industry and are present in many items, from commercial and residential furniture to kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
6. Transportation – Adhesives are used in producing parts for trains, planes, and automobiles and in vehicle assembly. Because of their ability to absorb impact, adhesives and laminate film are used to improve car safety.
7. HVAC Manufacturing – In the HVAC industry, adhesives are also used for internal and external components. Structural parts and insulation are often joined using industrial adhesives, increasing the energy efficiency of the produced systems.
8. Agriculture – Agricultural machinery and equipment, such as silos, spreading apparatus, conveyor systems, storage bins, and more, use adhesives and laminate film in their construction to help hold heavy structural parts together.

Advantages of Adhesive and Overlaminate Film

In addition to long-term exterior durability, adhesive and overlaminate film offers numerous other benefits for manufacturers and DIY builders. These benefits include:

• They are thicker than simple, clear coatings and provide more protection from the elements and UV radiation.
• They are compatible and workable with many printers, screeners, and other image-transfer systems.
• Have a uniform, smooth finish with a consistent surface gloss.
• Can last for years. Premium clear vinyl overlaminate films can protect and present graphics beautifully for up to five years.
• Can be easily applied to any relatively flat smooth surface or used as a wrap for more complicated applications.
• Compared to liquid coatings, overlaminate films can be applied more quickly and with no drying time.
• There exists a wide choice of film types and thicknesses to meet any application requirement.
• Are a perfect material for floor graphics.

Overlaminate Film For Floor Graphics

Floors are prime marketing real estate in stores, public spaces, and events. Using floor graphics, indoor and outdoor floors can convey instructions and advertising messages. Floor graphics promote sales, provide directions, and build brand awareness. They can be used to direct customers or enforce guidelines such as social distancing in checkout, pharmacy, and deli lines. Additionally, floor graphics are used in schools, DMVs, and other public spaces to promote social distancing.

Floor graphics are easy to install and remove on many surfaces and are laminated to prevent slipping. In addition, they can be coated with removable adhesives to allow repositioning or removal without damaging the design or leaving residue on surfaces. Piedmont Plastics stocks slip-resistant floor graphics that can be used indoors and outdoors on wood, tile, sealed concrete, laminate, and carpets.

Purchasing Adhesive and Overlaminate Film

Piedmont Plastics maintains an extensive inventory of high-quality overlaminates and adhesives sourced from the industry's most reputable manufacturers. Furthermore, our team is ready to assist you in finding the optimal solution among our more than 50 distribution centers across North America.