What is block-out glue?

Block-out glue, also known as stop light glue, is a light blocking glue used in laminating. Customers use this adhesive in playing cards, trading cards, point of sale displays and window signs.

Chances are the last time you were in Dunkin Donuts you were not thinking, “large black coffee, a chocolate iced donut …hmm I wonder how they make that window sign where the image on the front does not show through to the other side...”    Since you’re reading this post, I will tell you.  The secret is all in the glue and we happen to manufacture that glue! It’s called block-out glue.  

A paper converter takes two rolls of paper and laminates with 100% opaque block-out glue and produce block-out paper.  Block-out paper has a smooth surface and is coated on two sides for double sided printing.  This lightweight solution is ideal for POP signage and windows signage (thus my Dunkin Donuts reference above).

There is a lot of science that goes into making a playing card.  Playing cards are made by applying the block-out glue in between two layers of paper. The block-out paper used in playing card manufacturing must have a better memory making it more flexible when shuffling the cards. The adhesive applied in between the paper, blocks the light from showing through. 

With playing cards it’s all about the snap.  If you manufacture playing cards you know what I am talking about.