Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
Few years ago I switch to mostly using matte overlam because I like the look of it better. I noticed a site-sign I did 2 years ago was dirty and moldy. Is gloss better for longevity or does it not matter?
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Matte or Gloss overlaminate for longevity
- Thread starter Texas_Signmaker
- Start date
Notarealsignguy
Arial - it's almost helvetica
Gloss. Matte finish is typically more porous on most things and would assume it's no different with PVC laminate.
Last edited:
StephenOrange
Eater of cake. Maker of .
I go gloss outside, matt indoor for POS purposes.
MNT_Printhead
Working among the Corporate Lizard People
I used matte indoor and out because it doesn't have glare that can made a sign hard to read in the sun or on a show floor with track lighting pointed on it. I had been planning on switch to matte lam for big rig spoiler logos, but am now reconsidering hearing how it wears.
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
Well, today I drove by a sign I did in gloss and noticed it was starting to get moldy too. I guess some areas are prone to mold more than others. I really prefer matte over gloss now, it doesn't glare outdoors or indoors and doesn't look as cheap.
Pewter0000
Graphic Design | Production
We use matte for everything (except vehicles) unless client requests otherwise. Matte just looks higher quality, and plus it doesn't have any glare on storefront signage.
Only exception is a place where we know it's likely to get scuffed by shoes or need a lot of cleaning, since we personally find the gloss cleans up better.
Only exception is a place where we know it's likely to get scuffed by shoes or need a lot of cleaning, since we personally find the gloss cleans up better.
Christian @ 2CT Media
Active Member
By chance, are those signs laminated with Arlon?
JamesLam
New Member
What environment are the sings located?
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
Most of them are in East Texas / NE Louisiana... it's a hot muggy swamp so I guess it's no surprise. I haven't noticed it on building signs, just site signs.
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
Not sure, they are from S365
Geneva Olson
Expert Storyteller
Is there an issue with Arlon? I use Arlon for everything.
Christian @ 2CT Media
Active Member
Not that I know of. We just have a few vehicles we did in Austin, TX that is exhibiting mold and I'm trying to verify if it's an arlon issue or some other factor.
Geneva Olson
Expert Storyteller
interesting. I haven't seen mold on anything. I'm in Houston.
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
It's not growing in between the two materials... it's on the surface. It can be cleaned away... this sign is just under 2 years old. Most signs don't look this bad after such a short time and I was thinking if it was because of the matte.
Notarealsignguy
Arial - it's almost helvetica
I get that here too but not that bad. It will wipe off and appears to be mold of some sort. Maybe its worse on matte?