SGIA Expo Show Specials Extended!

Last week was the final SGIA Expo before it morphs into Print United next year, and we have to say: You went out with a bang! We wanted to keep the party going a little longer by extending our show specials on the all new HP Adhesive Vinyl line.

If you were at the show, you saw the new HP products in action on the large divider walls in the LexJet booth. The dizzying optical illusion graphics were definitely a conversation starter!

We’ve got a limited supply of the following products, so call 800-453-9538* to get them at these super-low prices while supplies last:

Get 1 roll of these vinyl or laminate products for $99 (or 1 of each for $198):

You can learn more about the HP Adhesive Vinyl and Laminate line at LexJet.com. While you’re there, check out the HP Vinyl Decision Guide, which will help you discover the recommended vinyl and laminate products for your next project. The vinyls work great on a variety of applications, such as trailers and box trucks, outdoor signage, transit vehicles, labels/decals, POP and trade shows or indoor windows.

If you have any questions on how HP Adhesive Vinyl or Laminates can help grow your business, give us a call at 800-453-9538.

*Offer available for call-in orders only; while supplies last; one roll of a vinyl and laminate per customer

Year in Review: The 11 Biggest Product Launches of 2017

As we look back on the year that 2017 was, there’s no denying that our customers are branching out into new areas and looking to offer their customers better performing, more cost-effective wide-format solutions. At LexJet, we strive to stay in-step with those demands. Our 2017 product launches brought to market everything from new outdoor banner materials and high-end fine-art paper options to all new technology portfolios and exciting, versatile media for multiple applications. Let’s take a look back at the changes 2017 brought in media products and equipment advances:

NEW MEDIA:

A Glossy, Opaque Banner: Many of our aqueous printer customers were requesting a glossy version of our ThriftyBanner, so we answered with LexJet Gloss Blockout ThriftyBanner. Not only does the gloss finish add extra pop to graphics and photos, it also eliminates the need to add a gloss laminate when requested, making it a one-step, cost-effective option. The 100% opaque blockout adds another unique feature for one of our most popular launches of 2017.

ClearShield SoftFeel Low Melt laminate applied to a menu.

Print Protection Portfolio: If you’re looking for any type of print protection, LexJet is the go-to source. We relaunched some products and added many new items to our Print Protection portfolio, which includes thermal laminates, water-based liquid coatings, UV liquid coatings and pressure sensitive laminates. This line includes nearly 70 options from the best brands in the industry: Marabu, ClearShield, Sunset, EnduraCoat, MaraShield and LexJet. If you need to protect a print in any application, our Print Protection page is the place to start.

Discover the All-New ClearShield™ Thermal Laminates

LexJet is excited to announce our new, comprehensive line of thermal laminates under the ClearShield™ brand, available exclusively through LexJet. We’ve got 20 new products in a variety of sizes, thicknesses and finishes for a range of applications from menus and posters to banner stands and trade show graphics.

menu for blogClearShield™ brand highlights:

  • Variety of thicknesses from 1.7 mil to 15 mil
  • Finishes include luster, matte, smooth, glossy, textured and opaque
  • Thermal laminates work perfectly on any microporous coated paper/polyester
  • Better low-melt products at a 30- to 50-percent cost reduction

“With our expanded line of print protection products, we’ve got our customers covered with the largest variety of thermal, liquid and pressure sensitive products available on the market,” says product specialist, Kara Work. “With our new SoftFeel thermal laminates, we can offer printers the option to produce customized, shorter runs with a zero-glare, non-textured, soft velvety feel that they could only get with high-volume graphic finishing in the past. These are optimal for menus, luxury packaging and fine art prints.”

Visit our LexJet Print Protection page to learn all about the new ClearShield™ brand as well as liquid and pressure-sensitive coatings and laminates, and discover all the ways that We’ve Got You Covered.

How-to Video: Face-mount Prints to Acrylic

One of the most popular finishing techniques for a clean, modern look for prints and photos is face-mounting the image to acrylic. It’s a technique that’s been perfected by printers such as Bumblejax for images and graphics displayed in homes, commercial buildings, retail spaces and more.

Check out the video above for step-by-step instructions and helpful hacks on face-mounting like a pro using photo-quality media and a double-sided adhesive. In this video, we chose LexJet 11 mil Blockout PolyGloss for its excellent color reproduction, lay flat finish and gray backing for extra opacity. We face-mounted it with the all-new LexJet CrystalClear Permanent Adhesive (see complete project supply list below).

This Trailer Is Game-Day Ready, Thanks to LexJet Simple Flo

The fans and alumni of Western Illinois University sports are committed to their school spirit. Just take a look at the trailer project put together by the school’s visual production center.

The trailer is used for alumni tailgating and needed a fresh look, so the production center’s graphic designer, Brian Kreps, called his LexJet rep, Joe Pudlo, who suggested LexJet Simple Flo Wrap Vinyl to get the job done.

Good Will Printing, Laminating and Recycling

Recycling inkjet media and laminates

Excess scraps of media and laminate films generally end up in messy piles destined for the trash. Some people go the extra mile and recycle their printing leftovers. David Wiggins, photographer and owner of Wiggins Photography in Ridgeland, Miss., found a way to take recycling to another level.

Wiggins uses LexJet Performance Textured Polypropylene Laminate (5 Mil) to protect his prints. “We use the product based on Michael Clementi’s [Wiggin’s customer specialist at LexJet] recommendation that it will give our in-house prints the maximum protection and longevity.” This particular laminate includes a clear plastic release liner that is removed upon application and subsequently thrown away.

“I was interested in recycling, and I noticed the clear plastic liner was similar to what is found in gift baskets.” says Wiggins. “I took some samples to a local flower shop and they were thrilled to use it.”

Wiggins recently donated about 1,000 feet of release liner. “We’re still working on a way to use the liners in our packaging. It’s just a little thick, but perfect for flowers,” Wiggins adds. “We have a great history with the florist, so she was very receptive to the idea. The 24-inch liner is perfect for flowers and small gift baskets.”

Wiggins will continue to donate his release liners to the flower shop. “Any time we can recycle a product we feel good about it. We just hope that once the individuals receive their flowers or basket, they will take the next step and continue the process either through re-use or placing it in the recycle bin.” says Wiggins.

Wiggins and his wife have been satisfied customers of LexJet and Michael Clementi’s since 2004 and 2006, respectively. “Michael has been great; he’s very helpful. LexJet has been our source for paper and ink – and we’re very pleased with product ordering and shipping.”