When creating your laminated postcard, follow these general guidelines for producing the best-looking cards. First, make sure to use an uncoated or dull/matte stock. Secondly, avoid using a UV coating, packing tape, or heat settings when laminating.
Sizes
There are different sizes of laminated postcards available in the market. They are helpful for various reasons, including adding value to your direct marketing campaign. The added surface is a perfect place to put your marketing message, contact information, or QR Codes. Some laminated postcards also come with a magnet, which gives the postcard a different look and helps your message stand out.
These postcards are usually thicker and more robust than standard postcards. They are also more durable and offer a gloss finish. You can choose from gloss and matte laminated postcards, which both have different benefits. The premium size is 16 pt. Thick and provides the highest level of quality. It is also available with a soft-touch lamination, which gives it a smooth, velvety feel.
There are different postal rates for different postcard sizes. The USPS charges lower rates for smaller postcards than for oversized postcards. Typically, postcards sized four by six inches are mailable at the First Class Postcard Rate, while those larger than six by eleven inches will fall into the Standard Letter rate.
Rough Draft
Laminated postcards are designed to attract the utmost attention from clients. Unlike regular mail, they are designed to be colorful and engaging. This encourages interaction between clients and businesses. To develop the perfect design, consider consulting with experts in this field. These professionals can help you craft the best postcard possible.
A rough draft will help you structure your work and strengthen your ideas. Although everyone’s writing process differs, writers usually follow some common steps to make an effective rough draft. These include taking breaks, outlining, and starting from the end. Once you have a rough draft written, you can edit it based on those guidelines.
Uncoated or Dull/Matte stock
The most popular types of stock for laminated postcards are coated and uncoated. Coated stocks are typically more durable and have more glare resistance, while uncoated stocks tend to be rougher and have more porosity. Also, because they are not coated, writing inks dry more quickly. As a result, uncoated stocks are great for writing on.
The paper used for laminated postcards can be either glossy or dull/matte. Matte papers are better for minimizing streaks and are ideal for displaying photos or text. However, consider using a glossy stock if you want to add some bling.
Coated card stock is generally stiffer than uncoated stock and will provide better contrast and sharper printing. Uncoated card stocks are great for writing on but will not give a smooth surface for detailed images.
Avoid Laminating with UV Coating
While the benefits of lamination are many, one thing to keep in mind is that the process does involve some additional machinery and costs. However, the piece will not crack or curl once laminated, even when folded or bent. However, there are some limitations of lamination, which makes it essential to discuss your project’s requirements with a print specialist before proceeding with the process.
A UV coating is often required for foil stamping. However, the UV coating is sometimes too slimy to adhere to the film. Typical UV coatings are monomers, oligomers, initiators, and “synergists” – chemicals that act like surfactants and thin the laminated sheet. On the other hand, cold lamination does not require a UV coating.
Lamination provides two main benefits: protection from scratching and enhanced colors. In addition, it can be applied in various finishes, including a matte finish, a shiny finish, or a unique textured finish.
Avoid Laminating with Packing Tape
Before laminating, check that the edge of the paper is even. If it is not, air bubbles can form. Also, cut the laminating tape near the edges of the article. If the paper is not even, the laminating tape might be too wide and leave air bubbles.
For small laminate pieces of paper, you can use packing tape. But make sure you use high-quality packing tape, preventing the lamination from tearing. Also, it would help if you cut the tape so that the edges line up, preventing fingerprints. Another problem with laminating with packing tape is that the tape might not stick to the laminating paper and will come off over time, making the text difficult to read.
Packing tape can also be used to laminate larger pieces. But make sure that you layer the laminating tape on both sides of the paper or card. And be sure to trim the edges to make them neat carefully. This way, your laminated resources will last longer. In addition, you will have a nice-looking postcard with a protective layer!
Avoid Laminating with Heat Settings
Avoid laminating your postcards with high heat settings to achieve a professional finish. These settings can cause the front and back of your printed product to curl upward. Additionally, over-laminating one side can cause the edges to lift and curve toward the laminated side.
To minimize bubbles, use a low-heat setting on your laminator. The film’s temperature should be between 250 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. If the film is too hot, the ink will start boiling. You can correct this issue by increasing the speed of the laminator or by reducing the film’s temperature. You should also ensure that the photo is completely dry before laminating.
