Laminating paper means protecting it from stains, creases, weathering, and discoloration. You can choose to laminate a keepsake document, such as a wedding invitation, or a document that will be handled frequently, such as a food menu. This article will teach you how to laminate paper with or without a machine.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using a Lamination Machine
Step 1. Choose a lamination machine that suits your needs
Most home users purchase a machine that can be used for standard 8 1/2 inches x 11 inches (216 x 279 mm) documents.
Step 2. Start the engine and let it sit for a while until the engine starts to warm up
Most laminate machines have an indicator light that will light up when the machine is ready for use.
Step 3. Place your document in the laminate bag
Laminated bags are 2 sheets of special laminated plastic that are connected to each other at one end.
- If the lamination pouch is only slightly larger than your document (for example, if you are laminating a business card using a business card-sized laminate pouch) you will need to be careful about placing the document in the center of the pouch so that the sides are evenly spaced around it.
- If the document is much smaller than the laminate bag, you don't need to position the document right in the center because you can trim the sides when you're done laminating.
Step 4. Place the laminated pouch that already contains the document into the backing
The ends of the interlocking pockets must be tucked into the side of the lining that is also connected. The coating in question is 2 pieces of cardboard connected to each other at one end which is useful for protecting the lamination machine from residual adhesive contained in the laminated plastic.
Step 5. Put the coating into the machine
Insert starting from the connected side first until the machine starts pulling it. Do not push the upholstery into the machine forcibly; the coating will be pulled in slowly by the machine to join the laminate sheet inside.
Step 6. Allow some time for the laminate bag to return to its normal temperature before removing it from the coating
Step 7. Cut the sides using a paper cutter or scissors if needed
Leave a gap on each side of at least 1/16 inch (2 mm).
Method 2 of 2: Using Adhesive Laminate Sheets
Step 1. Purchase self-adhesive laminate sheets
It's a good idea to buy sheets that have guide lines on the back of the paper and that make it easier for you to reposition the paper when you misplace it on the sheet.
Step 2. Open the paper on the back of the laminate sheet so that the adhesive side is visible
Hold it by the corners so that no fingerprints remain on the adhesive. If there is a help line on the back of the paper, save it for use when positioning the document on the laminate sheet.
Step 3. Position the adhesive part
Lay the laminate sheet with the adhesive side up on a flat surface and the sheet with the guide lines directly underneath. You can use the help lines found on the back of the laminate sheet, a sheet of graph paper or the help lines you make yourself on blank paper. Temporarily glue the relief line sheet under the laminate sheet so that it does not shift during use.
Step 4. Align the document so that it is in the center of the laminate sheet
If a small document uses a large laminated sheet, the positioning is not very important. Maybe you need to adjust the laminate sheet with the help line.
Step 5. Press one side of the document onto the laminated sheet
Press the tip with your finger.
Step 6. Glue the remaining part of the document paper onto the laminated sheet
Flatten the paper by hand so that the result is neat and does not have air bubbles.
Step 7. Open the adhesive side of the second laminated sheet by removing the paper on the back
Discard the back of the paper.
Step 8. Glue the second sheet of laminate on top of the first sheet
Start at one end and gently smooth the sheet downwards so that it is neat and there are no air bubbles. You can use a tool called a brayer to flatten the laminate sheet, or you can use the side of a credit card to rub it flat.
Step 9. Cut the sides using a paper cutter or scissors
Leave a gap of about 1/16 inch (2 mm) on each side so that the laminate is not damaged quickly.
Tips
- You can also laminate paper using clear contact paper. Contact paper is usually available in rolls at most home improvement stores or home decor stores.
- If you frequently laminate documents but don't want to use a hot lamination machine, you can purchase a cold lamination machine that can only work with special lamination bags for cold lamination. Some hot lamination machines also have cold lamination settings.
Warning
- Heat lamination machines are not suitable for documents that are sensitive to heat exposure, such as photographs or artwork made using wax-based crayons.
- Avoid laminating valuable historical documents.
