A PHOTOPAPER ALTERNATIVE FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS
In previous posts, we have discussed the many struggles modern photo labs face when it comes to sourcing silver halide photopaper for their business. Material costs are rising, lead times are growing, and it is becoming more difficult to secure reliable vendors for the photopaper that is so crucial for making photos customers love. Digital processes such as silver halide replacement (SHR™) are becoming more popular as photo labs realize they can provide superior service and high-quality results by supplementing their silver halide business or switching over to digital printing entirely.
For many photo customers, the quality of the printed image is not the only concern. Photographs allow people to preserve their most meaningful memories, so the durability and physical feel of the photo can be as important as the fidelity of the printed image. Silver halide photopaper is prized for its thickness and the memorable stippled effect it gives photos, so how can photo labs recreate this appeal in their digital prints? Fortunately, the answer is simple: Create SHR photopaper in-house using thermal lamination.
HOW TO LAMINATE PHOTOPAPER FOR DIGITAL PHOTOS
Digital photos can be printed on many different types of paper, which helps keep material costs and lead times down for photo labs. A key benefit of SHR is that, regardless of the type of paper used for printing, thermal lamination can turn any digital photo into a product that emulates the look and feel of conventional silver halide paper. So long as a photo lab has a digital press, an SHR thermal laminator, and SHR laminates, these photos will be nearly identical to the traditional photopaper customers love. By following a 5-step process, photo labs can create durable, high-quality photopaper that looks and feels indistinguishable from traditional silver halide photos.
- Select a paper stock that meets your photo lab’s standards for quality and thickness.
- Print the photograph on the selected paper stock using a digital press.
- Laminate the front of the photo with PlatinumSHR™ 1.6 mil Gloss Laminate, using the embossing roller to give the laminate a familiar silver halide luster.
- Laminate the back of the photo with PlatinumOPP™ 1.0 mil Matte Laminate. This matte photopaper backing ensures both sides of the photo are protected from moisture, grease, and dirt while providing additional thickness and a smooth matte finish.
- Finish processing the photo using cutting or sorting equipment as needed.
With SHR, photo labs can offer customers even more types of finishes than silver halide photopaper offers. Use a matte laminate on the front of the photo to make matte photopaper, skip embossing for a crystal-clear gloss finish, or give pictures a decorative rustic appeal with premium FineLinen™ Laminate.
Photo labs can also use SHR to give other applications, such as photo books, calendars, and bookmarks, the same feel as silver halide photos by laminating photopaper in a range of sizes and shapes.
READY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LAMINATING PHOTOPAPER WITH SHR?
As more photo labs make the swap to SHR, Nobelus is ready to come alongside you and help you implement the digital photofinishing solutions you need to ensure your business thrives. Our in-house solutions experts can provide personalized consultations and walk you through the SHR process, including helping you find the materials and equipment that work best for your lab. Let our team show you how SHR can supplement or transform your workflow to increase revenue, minimize lead times, and eliminate the use of harmful chemicals.
