How To Protect Your Papers With Film Laminating

Certainly, the concept behind film lamination is easilyThis can be accomplished by pouring a bit of the
understood. It simply boils down to taking the extraalcohol onto a soft cloth and gently wiping the print,
steps that are necessary to preserve documents inre-wetting the cloth when necessary.
order to increase their life expectancy as the years roll7. In order to acquire a higher level of quality for your
on by applying a thin, clear plastic covering. While manyfinished prints, use low-melt laminating film and increase
establishments exist that offer professional laminatingthe temperature to about 210 degrees Fahrenheit. In
services, there are those who prefer to buy theaddition, you can either double or triple the speed,
necessary tools that will allow them to apply thisdepending upon what provides a better result for the
protective coating themselves, in order to save on theparticular print and laminator that's being used.
costs of contracting a professional laminator. In orderA Few Laminating "Don'ts"
to take on such a task, however, it's best to arm1. Don't make the mistake of using excessive heat or
yourself with a few of the "tricks of the trade" that willrunning the laminator at too slow a rate, or delamination
ensure a smoother, easier process and a morewill be the result.
attractive result.2. Laminators should never be left idle when the
The "Dos" of Film Laminatingtemperature is on, or they'll develop hot spots which
1. If you're planning to do cold laminating , then it'swill cause bubbling in hotter areas and silvering in those
important to remember that the curing time is about 24that are cold.
hours. If the prints aren't allowed to sit flat for the3. Just because the ink doesn't feel wet doesn't mean
proper amount of time before mounting, then youthat the print hasn't become overly moistened by too
won't achieve maximum adhesion, and the result willmuch humidity. Under those conditions, the print will
be less-than-perfect prints.actually absorb moisture, which should be eliminated
2. If, on the other hand, the plan is to use thermalbefore laminating.
lamination, then be sure to leave a menu edge for4. 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 printededging or edges that have been sealed with outdoor
documents to dry before applying the lamination. Nowaterproof tape.
less than four hours should be given to this part of theFor 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 theretailers, and are also for sale through internet
area where the prints are being processed. If that's notsearches. The particular tools that may be necessary
possible, then take the time to use a hair dryer in orderfor 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.
it's best to use some heat during the process. ByUnderstand that, for the novice, film laminating can
ensuring that the top roller remains at 120 degreessometimes 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, makeachieved. In the meantime, exercise patience and
it a habit to rub down the printed documents withrealize that much of the process can call for a bit of
isopropyl alcohol before the lamination process begins.experimentation as you go along.