Laminating and encapsulating documents is a simple yet effective way to protect and preserve important papers, photos, and other items.
Whether you're a print shop professional, a teacher, or an office manager, understanding the best practices for using laminate and encapsulation pouches can ensure you achieve the best results every time.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the do’s and don’ts of using these pouches.
The Do’s
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Do Choose the Right Thickness
Appropriate Selection: Select the thickness of the laminate pouch based on the level of protection needed. For lightweight protection, opt for 150 microns, whereas for maximum rigidity, go for 500 microns.
Consider Usage: Think about how the laminated item will be used. For frequently handled documents, thicker pouches provide better durability.See our guide here for choosing the correct laminate pouch.
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Do Use a Clean, Dry Surface
Preparation: Ensure the document and the working surface are clean and dry before laminating. Dust, dirt, or moisture can cause bubbles and imperfections.
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Do Align the Document Properly
Proper Placement: Center the document within the pouch, leaving a 5mm border on all sides. This prevents the edges from peeling and ensures a professional finish.
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Do Preheat the Laminator
Optimal Temperature: Allow the laminator to reach the recommended temperature before use. This helps prevent jams and ensures the laminate adheres evenly.
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Do Use a Carrier Sheet -
Lifejacket® Protection: Use a carrier sheet, especially for thin documents, to prevent the pouch from wrapping around the laminator rollers.
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Do Remove Paper Clips and Staples
Avoid Damage: Remove all paper clips and staples from documents before laminating to prevent damage to the laminator and ensure a smooth finish.
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Do Trim After Laminating
Clean Edges: If trimming is necessary, do it after laminating to ensure a sealed edge around the document, preventing delamination.
The Don’ts
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Don’t Laminate Open End First
Correct Feeding: Always insert the sealed end of the pouch into the laminator first to avoid jams and ensure even lamination.
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Don’t Overload the Laminator
Single Pouch Only: Laminate one pouch at a time. Overloading can cause jams and uneven laminating.
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Don’t Use Damaged Pouches
Inspect for Defects: Check for any creases, wrinkles, or damage in the pouches before use. Damaged pouches can ruin the document and cause jams.
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Don’t Overlap Items
Proper Spacing: Avoid overlapping multiple items within one pouch. Ensure each item has enough space to be fully sealed.
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Don’t Laminate Small, Cut-Up Pieces Without a Lifejacket®
Prevent Jams: Use a Lifejacket® for laminating small, cut-up pieces to prevent them from jamming or damaging the laminator.
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Don’t Tug or Pull the Document
Wait for Release: Allow the document to exit the laminator completely on its own. Tugging or pulling can cause misalignment and damage.
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Don’t Insert Metal or Foreign Objects
Safety First: Never insert metal objects, hair, fingers, or clothing into the laminator. This can cause serious damage to the machine and injury.
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Don’t Cut Pouches Before Laminating
Maintain Integrity: Cutting pouches before laminating can lead to misalignment and unsealed edges. Always laminate first, then trim if necessary.
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Don’t Skip Regular Maintenance
Clean Regularly: Regularly clean and maintain your laminator according to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it in good working order and extend its lifespan.
Conclusion
Using laminate and encapsulation pouches correctly ensures that your documents are well-protected and professionally presented. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can achieve high-quality laminating results every time, whether in a print shop, classroom, or office setting. Invest in quality pouches and equipment, and take the time to prepare and process your documents carefully to enjoy the benefits of well-laminated items.
For more tips and a wide range of lamination products, visit our website or contact our customer service team.