Custom Menu & Table Tent Finishing Options for Restaurants

 Lamination, UV coating, or aqueous coating are typically included in custom menu and table tent finishing; the best protection against spills and wear is offered by lamination, usually lasting 6-12 months with heavy use. Matte or gloss lamination is chosen by most restaurants for daily menus... though specialty finishes like soft-touch coating work well for upscale establishments.

Fast Facts: 

• Laminated menus last 3x longer than unfinished paper in restaurant environments
• UV coating costs roughly 40% less than lamination but offers similar protection 
• Fingerprints are resisted better by table tents with aqueous coating than standard finishes
• Finished menus are replaced every 8-10 months by most Calgary restaurants 
• Soft-touch coating adds 15-20% to printing costs but creates a premium feel

Understanding Your Finishing Options

How much abuse their printed materials take is often underestimated by restaurant owners. Between sticky fingers, coffee spills, and constant handling, unfinished menus start looking rough within weeks. Your investment is protected by the right finishing option and everything looks professional longer.

The gold standard for most Calgary restaurants remains lamination. A complete seal around your menu or table tent is created, making it virtually waterproof. Laminated pieces can be wiped down with standard cleaning products without worrying about damage. Heat-sealing a thin plastic film to both sides of your printed material is what the process involves.

Lamination Types and Benefits

That smooth, non-reflective surface that works well under restaurant lighting is given by matte lamination. Colors are made more vibrant by gloss lamination but fingerprints and scratches show more easily. Matte is preferred by most busy restaurants for practical reasons.

The thickness of lamination matters too; standard 3mil lamination works fine for table tents that don't get handled much. But for menus that servers carry around all day, 5mil lamination holds up better. It costs a bit more upfront but saves money over time because reprinting isn't needed as often.

UV Coating as an Alternative

Similar protection at a lower cost point is offered by UV coating. The liquid coating gets applied during the printing process and cured instantly under UV light. A hard, protective surface that resists moisture and wear is created.

One advantage of UV coating is that much thickness isn't added to your printed piece. Laminated menus can feel bulky, especially if multiple pages are involved. Their original feel is maintained by UV coated materials while decent protection is still provided. UV coated jobs can be turned around faster than lamination by many Calgary print shops too.

Aqueous Coating for Budget-Conscious Options

Basic protection at the lowest cost is provided by aqueous coating. It's essentially a water-based varnish that gets applied during printing. While your menus won't be made waterproof, fingerprints and minor spills are helped to be resisted.

This option works well for table tents in casual dining environments where replacement costs matter more than maximum durability. Aqueous coating might be used by a local pizza place on their promotional table tents that change monthly. They're kept looking decent for their short lifespan by the coating without breaking the budget.

Specialty Finishes for Upscale Establishments

That velvety feel that screams premium quality is created by soft-touch coating. This is sometimes used by high-end restaurants for wine lists or dessert menus to reinforce their brand positioning. More than standard options is what it costs, but a strong impression gets made.

Gloss accents can be added to specific areas by spot UV coating while the rest stays matte. Your restaurant name or featured dishes might be highlighted this way. It's a subtle touch that adds visual interest without going overboard.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Your specific situation is what the best finishing option depends on. Maximum protection is needed by high-volume restaurants with sticky-fingered customers. Appearance over durability might be prioritized by upscale establishments. Budget constraints play a role too.

How often your menus get updated should be considered when making this decision. If offerings are changed seasonally, spending extra on premium finishes might not make sense. But if your core menu stays consistent for months, investing in quality finishing pays off. The sweet spot between cost and performance is found by most Calgary restaurants with lamination or UV coating. When you're ready to get your menus finished professionally, visit our website to explore your options.

Mini-FAQ:

Q: What's the difference between lamination and UV coating?     A plastic film is applied to both sides of your menu through lamination, creating a waterproof barrier. UV coating gets applied as a liquid that's cured under ultraviolet light. Protection against spills and wear is provided by both. Heavy-use items tend to be more durable with lamination.

Q – How long do different finishes typically last?     Look, it depends on your restaurant's volume and how careful your staff is. Laminated pieces usually hold up for 8-12 months. UV coated materials last about 6-9 months in busy environments. Unfinished menus? Maybe 2-3 months before they look worn. That still surprises people.

Q: Can you add finishing to cardstock table tents?     Fair point – most finishing options actually work better with heavier cardstock. Curling and warping that sometimes happens with thinner materials is prevented by the extra thickness. Aqueous coating works particularly well on 14pt cardstock and above.

Q – Is matte or gloss lamination better for restaurants?     Glare under restaurant lighting is reduced by matte lamination and fingerprints are hidden better. Colors are made more vibrant by gloss lamination but smudges show easily. Most places go with matte. Easier to keep clean.