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We’ve been digging into the ins and outs of lamination to create a Guide to Laminating Pouches (sizes, uses, and how to use them.) Learn how to use thermal laminating pouches and laminating sheets, and which product will best suit your needs. We’ll also share a sizing chart to help you find the best fit, as well as quick links for purchasing them online.
Both laminating pouches and sheets are used to improve and maintain the durability of documents or objects. Laminates are typically made from a combination of plastics, but they can also be made from vinyl or similar materials. Laminating your documents keeps out dust, moisture, oily fingerprints, and it keeps them from creasing or wrinkling.
You might laminate:
Generally, the terms laminating pouch and laminating sheet are used interchangeably. However, there are some differences that may be used to differentiate between the two.
Sometimes a laminating sheet is a single piece of laminate film meant to cover one side of a document or object. In our case, our laminating sheets cover both sides of your item like a clamshell and offer 360-degree protection.
Laminating pouches are usually connected on three sides and cover both sides of your document, which you slide into them like – you guessed it – a pouch. They, too, offer 360-degree protection.
Single-side laminating sheets are usually self-adhesive, so they don’t require heat to apply, only pressure. They’re ideal for document protection and covering or waterproofing irregular or large objects. The main laminating sheet size is 9 x 11.5 inches, whereas laminating pouches come in a number of different sizes.
Our clamshell-style laminating sheets have a sealed side. They, along with laminating pouches, create a pouch that you can slide your document into, providing total coverage. Most laminated pouches require heat to seal them properly. They’re best used for ID cards, name tags, and restaurant menus. Just think what kind of horrors would befall a menu if it weren’t laminated. 😱
Laminating pouches seal documents between two layers of flexible but durable plastic for complete protection.
Using a laminating machine:
Using a cold laminating/self-sealing pouch:
Laminating sheets come with self-adhesive, so you won’t need to use heat, only a little bit of pressure.
Laminating pouches come in a variety of sizes. The most common laminating pouch is designed for Letter Sizedocuments (8.5 x 11) with pouches sized at 9 x 11.5 inches. Use our sizing chart below to determine your specific needs.
Thickness is also a consideration for laminating pouches. The thicker the laminating pouch, the more sturdy and reliable the final product will be—though thicker laminations will be less malleable. Average laminating pouches are generally classified as “3 mil” thickness, whereas extra thick versions are “5 mil.”
Laminating Pouch Size |
Common Uses |
|
Approx. 11.5 x 17.5 inches *Ensure you have a laminating machine that’s large enough for this size |
● Awards ● Menus ● Signage ● Artwork ● Posters ● Calendars ● Business documents ● Classroom materials |
|
Approx 8.5 x 14 inches
|
● Legal Documents ● Leases ● Agreements ● Signage ● Manuals ● Artwork ● Posters |
|
Approx. 9 x 11.5 inches |
● Important documents ● Small menus ● Small calendars ● Small signs ● Schedules ● Artwork ● Large photos ● Classroom materials ● Business documents ● Certificates |
|
Approx. 5.2 x 7.2 inches |
● 5 x 7 photos ● Signage ● Flashcards ● Flyers ● Instruction cards |
|
Approx. 4.3 x 6.3 inches |
● Photographs ● Postcards ● Small signage ● Flashcards ● Recipe cards |
|
Approx. 3.7 x 5.2 inches |
● Mini photos ● Flashcards ● Recipe cards |
|
Approx. 2.5 x 3.8 inches |
● Wallet photos ● Study cards ● Bookmarks ● Recipe cards ● Reusable Coupons |
|
Approx. 2.32 x 3.70 inches |
● Business Cards ● Insurance Cards ● Reusable Coupons ● Decals |
|
Approx. 2.48 x 4.21 inches (Comes with loop) |
● Name tags ● ID Cards ● Membership cards ● Luggage tags ● Bag tags |
The standard laminating sheet size is designed for Letter or A4 documents. This means the sheet is slightly larger (9 x 11.5 inches) to provide an edge on every side of your document. You can trim the edges of the laminating sheet after properly centering and sealing your document if there’s too much excess plastic along the borders or if you’re laminating something smaller.
If you want to laminate small objects, such as name tags or business cards, it’s best to go with laminating pouches, as these will be sized correctly and provide complete 360 degree protection.
Laminating Sheet Size |
Common Uses |
|
Approx. 9 x 11.5 inches |
● Important printed documents ● Small menus ● Small calendars ● Small signs ● Schedules ● Artwork ● Large photos ● Classroom materials ● Business documents ● Achievement certificates |
|
Trim laminating sheet to fit |
● Photographs ● Small signage ● Recipe cards ● Flashcards ● Flyers ● Instruction cards |
‼️ Check back soon! Blue Summit will carry laminating pouches later this year, so you can add them to your orders for convenient purchasing. Thanks for supporting our small business!
Any average-sized laminating pouch, such as Letter or A4, will work in a regular-sized laminating machine. Unless you run a sign or poster shop, a regular-sized laminator should work just fine. If you regularly need to laminate large signs or posters, you’ll need to invest in a wide model laminator.
Carefully consider your specific needs before making your purchase. Wide model laminators can cost thousands of dollars.
Yes, but only if you have a cold laminating/self-sealing pouch. A thermal laminating pouch will require a machine. Laminating sheets, on the other hand, do not require a laminating machine at all.
💡 Learn how to use laminating pouches without a machine.
The price of a lamination machine can vary greatly depending on your needs. If you only occasionally need to laminate average-sized documents, such as Letter or A4, you’ll find a number of very affordable options available from a variety of retailers, usually for around $20.
If you regularly need to laminate several documents in rapid succession, the cost will be closer to $100 or higher. Consider the volume of the documents you’ll be laminating before making your decision. Wide format laminatormodels for signs or posters are going to cost you much more—in the thousands of dollars.
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Jordan works remotely, from home or abroad, on projects that increase brand awareness, online engagement, and website traffic. She specializes in clear and concise writing that helps businesses conquer their online messaging. Through human-centered content, she aims to delight both human readers and Google bots. Spark an immediate and detailed conversation by mentioning Mad Men or Game of Thrones.
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