| Certainly, the concept behind film lamination is easily | | | | This can be accomplished by pouring a bit of the |
| understood. It simply boils down to taking the extra | | | | alcohol onto a soft cloth and gently wiping the print, |
| steps that are necessary to preserve documents in | | | | re-wetting the cloth when necessary. |
| order to increase their life expectancy as the years roll | | | | 7. In order to acquire a higher level of quality for your |
| on by applying a thin, clear plastic covering. While many | | | | finished prints, use low-melt laminating film and increase |
| establishments exist that offer professional laminating | | | | the temperature to about 210 degrees Fahrenheit. In |
| services, there are those who prefer to buy the | | | | addition, you can either double or triple the speed, |
| necessary tools that will allow them to apply this | | | | depending upon what provides a better result for the |
| protective coating themselves, in order to save on the | | | | particular print and laminator thats being used. |
| costs of contracting a professional laminator. In order | | | | A Few Laminating Donts |
| to take on such a task, however, its best to arm | | | | 1. Dont make the mistake of using excessive heat or |
| yourself with a few of the tricks of the trade that will | | | | running the laminator at too slow a rate, or delamination |
| ensure a smoother, easier process and a more | | | | will be the result. |
| attractive result. | | | | 2. Laminators should never be left idle when the |
| The Dos of Film Laminating | | | | temperature is on, or theyll develop hot spots which will |
| 1. If youre planning to do cold laminating , then its | | | | cause bubbling in hotter areas and silvering in those |
| important to remember that the curing time is about 24 | | | | that are cold. |
| hours. If the prints arent allowed to sit flat for the | | | | 3. Just because the ink doesnt feel wet doesnt mean |
| proper amount of time before mounting, then you wont | | | | that the print hasnt become overly moistened by too |
| achieve maximum adhesion, and the result will be | | | | much humidity. Under those conditions, the print will |
| less-than-perfect prints. | | | | actually absorb moisture, which should be eliminated |
| 2. If, on the other hand, the plan is to use thermal | | | | before laminating. |
| lamination, then be sure to leave a menu edge for | | | | 4. Prints and laminating supplies ( ) should never go |
| prints with a heavy ink coverage. | | | | outdoors without having the extra protection of menu |
| 3. Be sure to allow adequate time for the printed | | | | edging or edges that have been sealed with outdoor |
| documents to dry before applying the lamination. No | | | | waterproof tape. |
| less than four hours should be given to this part of the | | | | For those who are new to the print lamination process, |
| process, in order to ensure optimum results. | | | | the necessary supplies can be obtained through print |
| 4. Do your best to control the level of humidity in the | | | | retailers, and are also for sale through internet |
| area where the prints are being processed. If thats not | | | | searches. The particular tools that may be necessary |
| possible, then take the time to use a hair dryer in order | | | | for such an enterprise include a lamination machine, |
| to remove any lingering moisture. | | | | cartridge, hot and cold adhesives and other |
| 5. Although you may choose to apply a cold laminant, | | | | miscellaneous items. |
| its best to use some heat during the process. By | | | | Understand that, for the novice, film laminating can |
| ensuring that the top roller remains at 120 degrees | | | | sometimes be frustrating and expensive until the |
| Fahrenheit, the lamination will enjoy greater adhesion. | | | | techniques are perfected and the desired results are |
| 6. After practicing for a bit on some extra prints, make | | | | achieved. In the meantime, exercise patience and |
| it a habit to rub down the printed documents with | | | | realize that much of the process can call for a bit of |
| isopropyl alcohol before the lamination process begins. | | | | experimentation as you go along. |