Choosing The Right Laminating Pouch For Your Job

Laminating documents with a pouch laminator is simple.based upon the amount of rigidity and protection that
Just put your document in the pouch, run it through theyou need. Generally speaking the more the document
laminator and let it cool. It should be that easy.will be handled and the more rigid that you need it to
However, in order to achieve the best results yoube, the thicker the pouches need to be.
need to select the right laminating pouch for your job.3. Finish: The majority of laminating pouches available
This article is designed to provide you with some hintson the market have a gloss finish on both sides.
to help you choose the right laminating pouch for yourHowever, there are a number of other finishes
job. Here are five things to consider.available for special needs. For instance, laminating
1. Size: The first step in choosing the correct laminatingpouches are available with a writeable matte finish on
pouch for your document is to choose the correct sizeone or both sides, with a peel and stick backing, or with
of laminating pouch. When choosing the size ofa colored backing. Depending on your project these
laminating pouch for your job it is important tounique finishes may be ideal for your project.
remember that the pouch should be slightly larger than4. Quality: Not all laminating pouches are the same
the document that you need to laminate. This allowsquality or are composed of the same materials.
the laminating pouch to seal to itself around the edgesDepending on the ratio of adhesive to plastic material
of the document providing a moisture tight seal. Thethe quality of laminating pouches can vary greatly. For
size of the border around your document is really athis reason, cheaper laminating pouches are not
matter of preference however a good guideline is toalways the best buy. In fact often more expensive
leave ¼" around all four sides of the documentpremium laminating pouches are considerably better
to allow a good seal. If you are choosing a pouch withquality than generic pouches.
a pre-punched slot it is important to remember to allot5. Other Features: Apart from size, thickness, finish and
more space on the side of the slot so that yourquality, there are a couple of other things to remember
document doesn't cover up the hole.when choosing laminating pouches. First, remember
2. Thickness: After selecting the correct size ofthat most laminating pouches have slightly rounded
laminating pouch for your project the next step is tocorners. These rounded corners give your documents
choose the correct thickness of laminating pouch.a more finished appearance without trimming.
Pouches are available in four primary thicknesses: 3mil,Additionally, laminating pouches are always sealed on
5mil, 7mil and 10mil. Since pouches have a front and aone side and open on three. For larger pouches it can
back flap it is important to remember that a 3mil pouchsometimes be easier to use pouches that are sealed
actually provides a 6mil laminate and a 10mil pouchon the long side since it makes it easier to align your
actually provides a 20mil laminate. Since not all pouchdocuments.
laminators are capable of laminating with 7mil and 10milThese five criteria can help you decide on the right
pouches it is important to check what pouchpouches for your laminating job. Once you have
thicknesses are compatible with your laminator. If youselected your pouches, laminating is easy. Choose the
have a laminator capable of laminating all four commonright pouches today and get laminating.
thicknesses then you need to select your thickness