After lamination, a foggy, whitish, and less transparent surface is one of the most common problems encountered by global buyers and end-users.
This article will use a professional yet easy-to-understand approach to help you accurately determine the cause of the fogging and provide clear and actionable solutions.
1. What is "fogging in laminating film"?
Fogging refers to the finished product surface not being completely transparent, but rather:
whitish
fuzzy appearance
decreased transparency
appearing as if there is slight moisture.
Fogging is not a normal phenomenon and can be avoided through proper methods.
2. Why does fogging occur?
2.1 Laminating temperature too low
EVA adhesive layer not fully melted → cannot fully penetrate the paper → forms a white, foggy surface.
How to determine this?
The fogging is across the entire film, not just in a localized area.
The film feels too soft to the touch, and the seal is weak.
Solutions:
Increase the temperature by 5–15°C.
Recommended temperature for a standard 75mic laminator: 100–120°C
Recommended temperature for 100mic/125mic laminators: 120–135°C
Large laminators can adjust the pressure to aid fusion.
2.2 Laminating speed too fast
If the temperature is sufficient, but the speed is too fast, the EVA won't have enough time to completely melt, resulting in a foggy appearance.
Solutions:
Reducing the speed appropriately allows for longer contact between the film and the rollers.
Especially effective for thick films (100mic+).
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2.3 Laminating film itself absorbs moisture
PET or EVA absorbs moisture from the air when stored in a humid environment for extended periods.
After lamination, the moisture is trapped → resulting in a foggy appearance.
Solutions:
1. Store in a dry environment (humidity < 60%).
2. Seal unused laminating film promptly.
3. Preheat for 30 minutes before use for long-term storage.
2.4 Insufficient laminating machine pressure.
Insufficient pressure will prevent the adhesive layer from spreading evenly, resulting in a slightly hazy appearance.
Solution:
Check roller pressure.
Manual roller laminating machines are more prone to this problem.
2.5 Laminating film quality issues: Inadequate EVA formulation.
If the adhesive layer is too thin, the formulation is unstable, or the penetration is insufficient, hazing is easily caused.
Especially films produced by low-priced, low-end small factories.
How to identify?
Large and irreversible hazing area.
Limited improvement after temperature adjustment. All sheets in the same batch are the same.
Solution:
Request test reports from the factory (EVA uniformity, formulation).
Choose experienced manufacturers.
Don't just compare the lowest price.
2.6 Overly damp paper for lamination.
High paper moisture content (such as immediately after inkjet printing) will release moisture → causing hazing.
Solutions:
1. Let inkjet print stand for 3-5 minutes.
2. Documents with large areas of color must be completely dry before lamination.
3. This is especially common in printing shops.
2.7 Poor PET film surface quality
If the PET sheet itself has low light transmittance, it will appear whitish even at the correct temperature.
Solution: Request the supplier to provide PET light transmittance data (≥ 89% is preferred).
For bulk purchases, it is recommended to confirm samples.
2.8 Laminating film thickness mismatch with machine
Low laminating machine power → cannot fully heat 125mic or 150mic → fogging
Solution:
75mic can be used with any home/office machine.
100mic/125mic requires a high-power laminating machine.
Or choose a low-temperature formulation film (YIDU can customize).
3. How to avoid fogging?
3.1 Choose laminating film from a stable manufacturer. Standards for qualified laminating film:
PET light transmittance meets standards
EVA distribution is uniform and sufficient
The adhesive layer adheres tightly to the substrate
The storage environment is free from moisture issues.
3.2 Use suitable laminating temperatures:
Film: 95–110°C
75mic: 100–120°C
100mic: 115–130°C
125mic: 120–135°C
(Lower temperatures are the cause of almost 70% of fogging issues.)
3.3 Adjust laminator speed and pressure.
If fogging occurs → reduce speed.
Thicker films require higher roller pressure.
Home laminators are not recommended for thicknesses above 125mic.
3.4 Paper and ink must be dry.
Inkjet printed materials should be left to stand for at least 3–5 minutes.
Avoid laminating damp paper directly.
3.5 Laminating Keep the film dry.
Sealed packaging. Do not place near windows or on warehouse floors. For long-term storage, preheating is recommended before use.
If you are still struggling with sealing effects, feel free to contact me. We will provide the most professional solutions based on your equipment, temperature, film material, and application scenario.
Contact information
Contact number: +8613923634841
WhatsApp：+8613923634841
Fax: 86-752-2612495
Email: film@gangyuefilm.com