Laminating Covers

If you want a quick way to laminate and secure your print materials or documents, then laminating pouches or laminating covers stand second to none. Just slip in, seal, and it’s done! Moreover, there is a superior finish you get at the end with no cloudy look at all. Are you excited to know more about them? Read on!

As the name suggests, a laminator pouch or laminating cover comes in the form of a pouch in which you can slip in the paper and run it through the laminator to laminate. It is made up of thin plastic sheets sealed on one side. The interior of the pouch has a unique adhesive coated on it that can be activated through heat or pressure, depending upon the type of pouch you have. When you have put your document inside the pouch, you can feed it to the laminator. Keep the sealed side first, and then; your laminator does all the work. Some pouches do not even require machine work. These are called self-seal cold pouches that you can peel and seal using your hands. If you want to go for the best laminating pouches, then here is the guide that will help you.

Exploring self-sealing & thermal laminating pouches

Lamination pouches or laminating covers come in two basic forms. With one type, i.e. thermal pouch, you have to use a laminator machine to activate the adhesive and do the lamination. Another type comes with a self-sealing mechanism for which you do not need a machine. You have to put the paper inside and apply pressure uniformly. You can find them in both mattes as well as glossy finish depending upon your requirements. Coloured pouches are another type that can add a fun element and uniqueness to any of your projects. Let us explore more about the best quality laminating pouches and the varieties they come in.

Laminating sheets vs laminating pouches

A laminating sheet is a vinyl or plastic sheet that comes with an adhesive backing. To use it, you have to remove the backing and carefully apply the sheet to the surface. However, you have to apply gentle pressure evenly to avoid air bubbles that may come in between. If the application goes slightly wrong, you may get cloudy results. This is not the case with laminating pouches in which you just have to slip in the document and give some heat or pressure for the best results. They have made the laminating process easier and quicker. If you need one side protection, the sheet may work but for 360-degree protection, getting a laminating pouch is good.

Cold vs hot laminating pouches

Cold pouches for lamination come in a self-sealing mechanism which means you do not require any laminator or machine to do lamination. The best about them is that they come in handy when you are not near the machine. Moreover, if you are working on photographs, inkjet printers and other heat-sensitive items, it’s better to pick cold pouches. If you bring hot pouches, you will need a laminator since the adhesive inside these pouches is activated by heat. The cold pouches are generally a bit costlier than heat pouches, but you can find the thermal ones in many sizes.

Matte vs glossy A4 & A5 laminating pouches

A4 and A5 are two common sizes of documents. Hence, laminating pouches or laminating pouches of these sizes are also common. You can find them in both glossy and matte finishes. Your selection depends upon what are you laminating and also your personal preferences. Matte pouches will give you a matte finish that is no shiny appearance. It makes them apt for professional purposes. On the other hand, if you work on business cards, menu cards, catalogues, kid’s projects or any such thing, the shiny surfaces may suit you better. You can even find pouches in coloured patterns that can make your document or project noticeable.