| 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 the | | | | you 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 you | | | | be, 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 hints | | | | on the market have a gloss finish on both sides. |
| to help you choose the right laminating pouch for your | | | | However, 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 laminating | | | | pouches are available with a writeable matte finish on |
| pouch for your document is to choose the correct size | | | | one or both sides, with a peel and stick backing, or with |
| of laminating pouch. When choosing the size of | | | | a colored backing. Depending on your project these |
| laminating pouch for your job it is important to | | | | unique finishes may be ideal for your project. |
| remember that the pouch should be slightly larger than | | | | 4. Quality: Not all laminating pouches are the same |
| the document that you need to laminate. This allows | | | | quality or are composed of the same materials. |
| the laminating pouch to seal to itself around the edges | | | | Depending on the ratio of adhesive to plastic material |
| of the document providing a moisture tight seal. The | | | | the quality of laminating pouches can vary greatly. For |
| size of the border around your document is really a | | | | this reason, cheaper laminating pouches are not |
| matter of preference however a good guideline is to | | | | always the best buy. In fact often more expensive |
| leave ¼" around all four sides of the document | | | | premium laminating pouches are considerably better |
| to allow a good seal. If you are choosing a pouch with | | | | quality than generic pouches. |
| a pre-punched slot it is important to remember to allot | | | | 5. Other Features: Apart from size, thickness, finish and |
| more space on the side of the slot so that your | | | | quality, 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 of | | | | that most laminating pouches have slightly rounded |
| laminating pouch for your project the next step is to | | | | corners. 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 a | | | | one side and open on three. For larger pouches it can |
| back flap it is important to remember that a 3mil pouch | | | | sometimes be easier to use pouches that are sealed |
| actually provides a 6mil laminate and a 10mil pouch | | | | on the long side since it makes it easier to align your |
| actually provides a 20mil laminate. Since not all pouch | | | | documents. |
| laminators are capable of laminating with 7mil and 10mil | | | | These five criteria can help you decide on the right |
| pouches it is important to check what pouch | | | | pouches for your laminating job. Once you have |
| thicknesses are compatible with your laminator. If you | | | | selected your pouches, laminating is easy. Choose the |
| have a laminator capable of laminating all four common | | | | right pouches today and get laminating. |
| thicknesses then you need to select your thickness | | | | |