Film Laminating: A Guide to Protecting Your Prints

Certainly, the concept behind film lamination is easilyprocess begins. This can be accomplished by pouring
understood. It simply boils down to taking the extraa bit of the alcohol onto a soft cloth and gently wiping
steps that are necessary to preserve documents inthe print, re-wetting the cloth when necessary.7. In
order to increase their life expectancy as the years rollorder to acquire a higher level of quality for your
on by applying a thin, clear plastic covering. While manyfinished prints, use low-melt laminating film and increase
establishments exist that offer professional laminatingthe temperature to about 210 degrees Fahrenheit. In
services, there are those who prefer to buy theaddition, you can either double or triple the speed,
necessary tools that will allow them to apply thisdepending upon what provides a better result for the
protective coating themselves, in order to save on theparticular print and laminator that's being used.A Few
costs of contracting a professional laminator. In orderLaminating "Don'ts"1. Don't make the mistake of using
to take on such a task, however, it's best to armexcessive heat or running the laminator at too slow a
yourself with a few of the "tricks of the trade" that willrate, or delamination will be the result.2. Laminators
ensure a smoother, easier process and a moreshould never be left idle when the temperature is on,
attractive result.The "Dos" of Film Laminating1. If you'reor they'll develop hot spots which will cause bubbling in
planning to do cold laminating, then it's important tohotter areas and silvering in those that are cold.3. Just
remember that the curing time is about 24 hours. If thebecause the ink doesn't feel wet doesn't mean that
prints aren't allowed to sit flat for the proper amount ofthe print hasn't become overly moistened by too much
time before mounting, then you won't achievehumidity. Under those conditions, the print will actually
maximum adhesion, and the result will beabsorb moisture, which should be eliminated before
less-than-perfect prints.2. If, on the other hand, the planlaminating.4. Laminated prints should never go outdoors
is to use thermal lamination, then be sure to leave awithout having the extra protection of menu edging or
menu edge for prints with a heavy ink coverage.3. Beedges that have been sealed with outdoor waterproof
sure to allow adequate time for the printed documentstape.For those who are new to the print lamination
to dry before applying the lamination. No less than fourprocess, the necessary supplies can be obtained
hours should be given to this part of the process, inthrough print retailers, and are also for sale through
order to ensure optimum results.4. Do your best tointernet searches. The particular tools that may be
control the level of humidity in the area where thenecessary for such an enterprise include a lamination
prints are being processed. If that's not possible, thenmachine, cartridge, hot and cold adhesives and other
take the time to use a hair dryer in order to removemiscellaneous items.Understand that, for the novice, film
any lingering moisture.5. Although you may choose tolaminating can sometimes be frustrating - and
apply a cold laminant, it's best to use some heat duringexpensive - until the techniques are perfected and the
the process. By ensuring that the top roller remains atdesired results are achieved. In the meantime, exercise
120 degrees Fahrenheit, the lamination will enjoypatience and realize that much of the process can call
greater adhesion.6. After practicing for a bit on somefor a bit of experimentation as you go along.Peter
extra prints, make it a habit to rub down the printedMason writes for . Peter is working on topics such as
documents with isopropyl alcohol before the laminationlaminating film and supplies.