| Laminating documents with a pouch laminator | | | | the amount of rigidity and protection that |
| is simple. Just put your document in the | | | | you need. Generally speaking the more the |
| pouch, run it through the laminator and let | | | | document will be handled and the more rigid |
| it cool. It should be that easy. However, in | | | | that you need it to be, the thicker the |
| order to achieve the best results you need to | | | | pouches need to be. |
| select the right laminating pouch for your | | | | |
| job. This article is designed to provide you | | | | 3. Finish: The majority of laminating pouches |
| with some hints to help you choose the right | | | | available on the market have a gloss finish |
| laminating pouch for your job. Here are five | | | | on both sides. However, there are a number of |
| things to consider. | | | | other finishes available for special needs. |
| | | | For instance, laminating pouches are |
| 1. Size: The first step in choosing the | | | | available with a writeable matte finish on |
| correct laminating pouch for your document is | | | | one or both sides, with a peel and stick |
| to choose the correct size of laminating | | | | backing, or with a colored backing. Depending |
| pouch. When choosing the size of laminating | | | | on your project these unique finishes may be |
| pouch for your job it is important to | | | | ideal for your project. |
| remember that the pouch should be slightly | | | | |
| larger than the document that you need to | | | | 4. Quality: Not all laminating pouches are |
| laminate. This allows the laminating pouch to | | | | the same quality or are composed of the same |
| seal to itself around the edges of the | | | | materials. Depending on the ratio of adhesive |
| document providing a moisture tight seal. The | | | | to plastic material the quality of laminating |
| size of the border around your document is | | | | pouches can vary greatly. For this reason, |
| really a matter of preference however a good | | | | cheaper laminating pouches are not always the |
| guideline is to leave ¼" around all | | | | best buy. In fact often more expensive |
| four sides of the document to allow a good | | | | premium laminating pouches are considerably |
| seal. If you are choosing a pouch with a | | | | better quality than generic pouches. |
| pre-punched slot it is important to remember | | | | |
| to allot more space on the side of the slot | | | | 5. Other Features: Apart from size, |
| so that your document doesn't cover up the | | | | thickness, finish and quality, there are a |
| hole. | | | | couple of other things to remember when |
| | | | choosing laminating pouches. First, remember |
| 2. Thickness: After selecting the correct | | | | that most laminating pouches have slightly |
| size of laminating pouch for your project the | | | | rounded corners. These rounded corners give |
| next step is to choose the correct thickness | | | | your documents a more finished appearance |
| of laminating pouch. Pouches are available in | | | | without trimming. Additionally, laminating |
| four primary thicknesses: 3mil, 5mil, 7mil | | | | pouches are always sealed on one side and |
| and 10mil. Since pouches have a front and a | | | | open on three. For larger pouches it can |
| back flap it is important to remember that a | | | | sometimes be easier to use pouches that are |
| 3mil pouch actually provides a 6mil laminate | | | | sealed on the long side since it makes it |
| and a 10mil pouch actually provides a 20mil | | | | easier to align your documents. |
| laminate. Since not all pouch laminators are | | | | |
| capable of laminating with 7mil and 10mil | | | | These five criteria can help you decide on |
| pouches it is important to check what pouch | | | | the right pouches for your laminating job. |
| thicknesses are compatible with your | | | | Once you have selected your pouches, |
| laminator. If you have a laminator capable of | | | | laminating is easy. Choose the right pouches |
| laminating all four common thicknesses then | | | | today and get laminating. |
| you need to select your thickness based upon | | | | |