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Lamination is a design technique used to create multi-colored and patterned plastic eyeglass frames. The process involves fusing two or more layers of different colored acetate (a high-quality plastic) together into a single block. This allows frame designers to create beautiful and unique visual effects that are not possible with a solid-colored material.
read more about lamination in eyeglass frame design ...To create a laminated frame, manufacturers start with thin sheets of different colored acetate. These sheets are stacked and then permanently bonded together using heat and pressure. The frame front and temples are then cut from this custom, multi-layered block. As the frame is shaped and polished, the different layers of color are revealed, creating a unique and dimensional look.
Lamination is what gives many designer frames their special pop of color. A common technique is to have a classic color on the front of the frame with a bright, contrasting color on the inside. It can also be used to create striped patterns along the top of the frame or down the temples. This layering technique adds a sense of depth and artistry to the eyewear.
It is important to know that lamination is different from paint. In a laminated frame, the color is a solid layer of the material itself. It goes all the way through. In a painted frame, the color is just a thin coating on the surface. Laminated color is much more durable and will not chip, peel, or wear off the way that paint can over time.
One of the great practical benefits of laminated acetate frames is their longevity. Because the colors run through the entire block of material, scratches on the surface do not remove the color. If a laminated frame gets scuffed or dull over time, an optician can buff and polish the plastic. This removes the surface scratches and reveals the fresh, vibrant material underneath, restoring the frame to a like-new shine.
The easiest way is to look at the edges of the frame, such as around the lens or on the top of the browline. You will often be able to see the distinct lines where the different colored layers meet.
Yes. The acetate layers are chemically fused into a single, solid piece, so they will not separate. A laminated frame is just as strong and durable as a frame made from a single color of acetate.
Yes. The process of creating and using laminated acetate is more complex, so it is typically found in higher-quality, designer eyewear collections.
If you are looking for a pair of glasses with a unique and stylish touch, ask your optician to show you some frames that feature lamination. They can point out the beautiful, subtle details that this design technique creates. It is a wonderful way to find a frame that expresses your personality with a hint of hidden color.
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