Can you hand laminate?

[jr_spiers]

We're new to large format printing, but I have previous sign experience in production and installation. We're going to buy a heat assist laminator in the next couple of months, as soon as I get a few jobs behind me.

I've got a couple of clients that want vehicle lettering done right now, not full wraps, just lettering. I want to make sure we're putting a quality product on the car. Is it possible to hand laminate vinyl and get good results for vehicle lettering? I was going to invest in the 50 inch "big squeegee" just for temporary purposes until we can get our laminator in. Any suggestions?

 

[signcrafters london]

Yes. There are people here who use nothing but the Big Squeegee. Use the search function and you'll find a wealth of great information on the BS here. Youtube has many great videos, too. In particular, I like the one about how to use a vinyl core to assist when your lam has a very thin backing paper (like Oracal).

 

[phototec]

Yes, you can use the BIG SQUEEGEE for laminating, it works very good, there are several vids on YouTube showing how.

Also, here is a link to get a 30% discount:

http://www.signs101.com/forums/show...queegee-purchases&highlight=big+squeegee+code

 

[thesignguy1986]

+1 for the Big Squeegee. We use it everday on almost everything we do except for wraps. We actually mount 4'x 8' max metal and coro signs in under 30 seconds a side with it as well. Great tool

 

[401Graphics]

From what i heard and learned from experience you cannot use oracal laminate with the BS. Look around locally for an actual laminator, I got a 64" GBC laminator for just under a grand locally, and was delivered free. You can also but the chinese brand laminators for a low cost. Like USTech