The Effects of Lamination on Image Quality and Light Stability of Display Media

Abstract

Large format ink jet prints are widely used for graphic arts, displays, posters, and signage applications. In order to protect display media and to extend the life of image when printed with aqueous based inks, laminating of the printed image is usually employed in the inkjet printing applications. However, lamination may impact image quality and color shift, as well as the color fading rates. The purpose of this experimental study is to examine the effects of lamination on image quality and light stability of display media. In this study, a digital four-color test chart was designed and printed onto commercial available display media (adhesive vinyl and display film) by using dye and pigment ink systems. Printed display media were laminated with pressure-sensitive laminating films. Print quality of display media was evaluated in terms of optical density and color gamut. A Q-Sun Xenon test chamber was employed to examine the light fastness properties of printed display media. The color fading rates of these prints were examined according to color difference (ΔE*ab) in L*a*b* color space. The study results provide us with both visual and numerical comparisons among various media/ink/over-laminate combinations.