Wide-Format lamination and mounting studio
Laminate and mount signs, posters, maps and trade show graphics for businesses from a small unit.
- $5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
947 US businesses with employees in this field, -8.6% in a year
NAICS 323120 “Support activities for printing”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small rented unit with a wide-format roll laminator, a trimmer and a mounting setup for finishing large prints, signs, posters, maps, floor graphics and display boards.
Your first three steps
- Visit local sign shops, print brokers and designers to find out what finishing work they send out and at what price
- Price a used wide-format laminator and mounting table, and compare unit rents in an industrial or light commercial area
- Offer a free sample finish and a fast turnaround to three or four local print businesses
Who pays
Sign shops, print brokers, architects, event and trade show companies, schools, real estate agents and retailers that outsource finishing.
How it makes money
Per-square-foot finishing charges, plus extra for mounting, trimming and rush jobs. Contracts with print shops and sign makers bring repeat volume.
Skills that help
- Operating finishing equipment
- Careful, precise handling of large prints
- Selling to local businesses
- Job scheduling
Watch out for
- Check zoning and your lease for permitted use of the unit
- Check your city or county business license and your state's sales tax rules for finished goods
- Check general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
- Large equipment is heavy, so plan for delivery, power needs and safe handling
- Reliance on a few big customers can leave income uneven
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a wide-format lamination studio?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your equipment and the unit you rent. Large equipment is heavy, so plan for delivery, power needs and safe handling.
How much can a lamination and mounting studio make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your customers and job volume. Relying on a few big customers can leave income uneven, and the estimate assumes about 20 hours a week at minimum.
What rules should I check before opening a lamination studio?
Check zoning and your lease for permitted use of the unit, plus your city or county business license and your state's sales tax rules for finished goods. Also check general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire.
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