How to Choose the Right Laminating Paper for Your Project (Thickness, Finish, and More)

One of the cheapest and effective methods of protecting, augmenting the life and increasing the shelf life of printed materials is a process called laminating paper. When designing ID cards, menus, posters, aids in teaching, even signage, selecting the correct laminating paper can mean many things regarding the life and the finished look of your final product. With all that variety it is hard to decide which thickness and finish, which adhesive and format to choose. This guide simplifies all the information you require to understand to select the most appropriate laminating paper you require in your project.

Understanding What Laminating Paper Is

Laminating film also known as laminating paper or laminating pouches, is fabricated in numerous layers of plastic film, intended to print something on to, usually advertising material. These layers are normally activated by heat (thermal lamination) or pressure (cold lamination) and creates a protective sealing film.

These are the fundamental advantages of laminating paper:

  • Shielding against water, dust and UV rays
  • Increased color contrast and color saturation
  • Greater strength and tearability
  • The essence of polish, professionalism in appearance

Key Factors to Consider

In choosing the laminating paper, you must put in consideration the following factors:

Thickness (Measured in Mil)

One of the features that are considered most significant is the thickness and this is commonly measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch). The most commons thickness of laminating film are:

  • 5 mil: Itis very flexible and lightweight. It is appropriate to be used with temporary signs or large format posters.
  • 3 mil – Light protection which maintains flexibility. Maps, charts or items used sporadically are perfect.
  • 5 mil – Medium resistance of wear. An outstanding balance between menus, flashcards, and documents that should be frequently processed.
  • 7 mil – It is recommended best to use with ID cards, signs, or products that require a moderate level of stiffness.
  • 10 mil – Very stiff, and suited to badges, tags, or to anything subjected to much wear.

Pro Tip:The laminate thicker, the stiffer and more durable the end result will be, but at the same time, more difficult to cut or bend.

Finish Type (Glossy, Matte, Satin, etc.)

The finishing of your laminating film does count the appearance and use of the laminated material.

  • Glossy – It transforms the colors and sharpness of the text as well as the images and they appear to have popped. Most useful photos, promotion and display signs. Downside: glare prone and finger prone.
  • Matte – Provides a gentle, non-gloss finish. Awesome to view in high light intensity and on the things that require writing on them (e.g. a checklist or chart).
  • Satin/Silk – The in-between of gloss and matte. Makes the reduction of glare, yet remaining rather exuberant. It works well in presentation material or even as a luxury packaging material.
  • Textured/Velvet – Itshigh end look and feel. It provides a feel and resistance to scratching, which is often included on business cards or high end brochures.

Adhesive Type: Thermal vs. Cold Lamination

  • Thermal Laminating Paper- Needs applied heat to cause the adhesive to work. A normal usage at most offices or schools. Comes in pouch or roll.
  • Cold Laminating Paper – It makes use of pressure sensitive adhesive. Preferable on sensitive documents (such as inkjet prints or photographs) or any other material that cannot be laminated thermally.

The least successful DIY with the non-stick, peelable cold lamination sheets can be the DIY alternative in the event you do not own a laminating machine.

Laminating Format: Pouches vs. Rolls

  • Pouches –These are pre cut sheets with one side sealed. Easy to use. It comes with standard, such as letter, legal, or ID badge. These are also available in A4 and A3 size at CognitionUAE. 
  • Rolls – Film that is self-adhesive with roll laminators. Suitable in large-size or large-volume laminating. More capacity in terms of size and unit cost.

Use pouches on a one-shot or small project and rolls on a mass scale or a large job.

Choosing Based on Project Type

To simplify, we will divide some of the most common use cases and couple them with the most suitable laminating paper:

Documents  and Certificates

Required Thickness: 3-5 mil

Overall laminating paper finish: Glossy (Bright look) or Matte (Easy read)

Format: Pouches

These materials do not require a high degree of durability but they experience the advantage of being waterproof and handled.

Menus & Restaurant Materials

Required Thickness: 5-7 mil

Overall laminating paper finish: Glossy to wipe clean, otherwise Matte to look high end

Packaging: Pouches or rolls, depending on size

Menus are changed on a regular basis and they need to be washable as well as robust.

Posters, Charts, and Signs

Required Thickness: 3-5 mil for wall-mounted posters, 7-10 mil for freestanding signs

Overall laminating paper finish: Glossy (attention drawing pictures) or Satin (impairing the spots)

Type: Large size rolls

The huge format lamination allows content to last with increasing the color tone of the content.

ID Cards & Badges

Required Thickness: 7-10 mil

Overall laminating paper finish: Glossy or Matte

Packaging: Small pouches

This should be able to resist constant handling, wear and tear to the elements, and possible bending.

Educational Materials & Flashcards

Required Thickness: 5 mil

Overall laminating paper finish: Matte (for writing) or Glossy (for vibrant illustrations)

Packaging: Pouches

The application of matte finish is also recommended on interactive learning using dry-erase marker.

Tips for the Best Lamination Results

  • Position Precisely: Ensure that the paper is centered in the pouch so as to eliminate crooked seals.
  • Trimming After Laminating: To avoid peeling edges, laminating should only be trimmed after it is sealed-off with at least 1/8 inch margin.
  • Let It Cool: Cool paints through pressure, flat on a surface to prevent curling of laminated things.
  • Apply Carriers (When Necessary): A carrier can be used with certain laminators to avoid lamination adhesive leaked on the surface of the paper, check guidelines on the laminator you use.

Eco-Friendly Laminating Options

In case sustainability should be a concern, one can think of:

  • Plant-based laminating films Biodegradable Laminating films -Composited of plastics of plants.
  • Lamination sleeves can be re-used- a dry-erase and easy to remove.
  • Films without PVC- More earth-friendly than conventional plastics.

Such may be more costly on initial investment but contribute to less environmental wastage in the future.

Final Checklist Before Buying

Below is a simple list to help you purchase:

  • Why is the project being done?
  • Will it be an indoor or an outdoor use?
  • How frequently will it be managed?
  • And do you know what size or format to have?
  • Will somebody write on it?
  • Shiny, matte or in between what?
  • Do you have hot or cold lamination?
  • Is your laminator appropriate of the work?

 

Conclusion

The selection of laminating paper might not seem like a big deal yet it goes a long way towards enhancing the durability and the look of your projects. With knowledge of thickness, finish, format and type of adhesive, professional and lasting results is acquired. Are you a teacher keeping learning materials, are you a business owner protecting signs, are you a crafter and you are features your product or art- there is laminating solution perfect to you.

Order online now at CognitionUAE.com and enjoy FREE delivery in the UAE on all orders of AED 150 and above. Delivery within 1 business day if the order is placed before 4 PM. No deliveries on Sunday.