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Home> Laminator and Laminating Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ)

Laminator and Laminating Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding laminators and laminating machines, simply click on the link to see our answer.

What is Lamination?
What is a micron?
What is the difference between a gloss and a matt pouch?
Why should I use a photo pouch?
How hot should I set my laminator?
What is a carrier?
Am I setting my laminator at the correct temperature?
My documents are coming out crinkled – how can I stop this?
How can I avoid laminator film wrap-up?
Why is my lamination turning out bubbly?
Why is my lamination cloudy?
How long will the Cool Laminator need to warm up before I can begin using it?
Can I stick an AT backed item onto a laminated item?
Can you write on the laminate?
What can be laminated?

What is Lamination?
Lamination encapsulates documents by permanently bonding clear plastic film to both sides of the documents, making them completely waterproof and tear-proof.

What is a micron?
Microns indicate the thickness of the pouch.  The higher the number of microns the thicker the pouch is.  The thicker the pouches give a more rigid finish. 

View our range of laminators:
A3 Laminators | A4 Laminators | ID Laminators | Large Format Laminators

What is the difference between a gloss and a matt pouch?
Gloss pouches make colours appear brighter and matt pouches give a more subtle finish.

Why should I use a photo pouch?
Photos and heavily inked documents are more difficult to laminate using a traditional laminator.  Photo pouches have been developed with a difference surface which helps to eliminate bubbles.

How hot should I set my laminator?
If you are using a laminating machine with a variable temperature the machine needs to be set according to the thickness of the pouch.  If you are unsure of the heat setting it is better to laminate at a lower temperature, you can put the document through the machine more than once if the initial temperature is not hot enough.

What is a carrier?
A carrier is a piece of cardboard which the pouch is placed in before it goes through the laminator.

Am I setting my laminator at the correct temperature?
If your laminating is rippled when it comes out of the machine the setting may be too hot.  If the laminate is not sealed the machine may be too cold.

My documents are coming out crinkled – how can I stop this?
If your laminating is crinkled when it comes out of the machine then the setting may be too hot, adjust the temperature and try laminating a new copy of the document.

How can I avoid laminator film wrap-up?
By allowing 2"-3" of lamination film to hang out of the laminator as you start your lamination job and by making sure the back of the laminator is not up against a wall, cabinet or other obstruction, you should assure wrap-free operation.

Why is my lamination turning out bubbly?
If you are using a thermal (heat) laminator, then the heat setting may be too high for the item being laminated. If the machine has a control to adjust the heat, try lowering the temperature. Also, if using a thermal pouch laminator, make sure that you are using a "carrier" for the pouch - and the correct carrier.

Why is my lamination cloudy?
Cloudy lamination is usually the result of insufficient heat. If the machine has a control to adjust the heat, try increasing the temperature. Also, if using a thermal pouch laminator, you may be using a laminating pouch that is too thick for the machine.

How long will the Cool Laminator need to warm up before I can begin using it?
No warm-up time needed. Just turn on the Cool Laminator and begin using it immediately.

Can I stick an AT backed item onto a laminated item?
Yes but there is a trick. Rub alcohol on the area where you wish to adhere the item before sticking down. The alcohol will remove the coating on the topside of the film allowing the adhesive to stick.

Can you write on the laminate?
Yes, with most dry-erase markers and some other markers. If using dry erase markers, white board cleaner will help to remove any residual ink that does not wipe off easily.

What can be laminated?
Display Signs · Posters · Blueprints · Maps · Legal Documents · Teaching Materials · Placemats · Menus · Book Covers · Corporate Records · Licenses · Certificates · Diplomas · Reports· Contracts · X-Rays · Newspaper Articles · Business Cards · Membership Cards · ID Badges · Luggage Tags · Schedules · Covers · Scrap booking · Children’s artwork · sales sheets · price sheets · sales brochures · and much more.
Cards · Membership Cards · ID Badges · Luggage Tags · Schedules · Covers · Scrap booking · Children’s artwork · sales sheets · price sheets · sales brochures · and much more.

View our range of laminators:
A3 Laminators | A4 Laminators | ID Laminators | Large Format Laminators

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