The Low Down On Laminating Film
Author: Erica Bosworth

You have a new laminator or perhaps picked up used one along
the way. Chances are it came with a good supply of laminating
film. However, since you have discovered the many wonderful
uses for a laminator, you've run out and it's time to replenish
your supply. Here are some tips for making sure you get the
right product for your machine.

Finding the Right Replacement Film

1. You can replace your film with the exact product supplied by
the manufacturer. That is always a safe bet.

2. When purchasing online, be sure to have the exact make and
model number of your laminating machine. There are some
standard sizes for sheets and rolls of laminating film, but
they are not universally used by every machine.

3. Measure the feed area of the laminator if you are unable to
locate the model number on your unit.

You can also type in the style in an online search and compare
it to pictures found on most website. Then you will be able to
compare the packaging with the product you need.

The Right Size for the Job

Laminating films also come in different thickness levels to
protect at different levels. Your laminator should be able to
accept cardboard, so it can also take the thicker laminating
films.

To further save money on your laminating, you can group jobs
together and run them as a continuous project. The roll style
laminators and films are perfect for this type of job. Also
several IDs or business cards can run through a letter sized
laminator at once.

Machine Free Laminating Films

There are films that are self adhesive and don't even require
the heat of a laminating machine.

These seals can be just as durable, but take a bit more skill
and patience in applying them.

For example, a certificate or document that needs to be
protected would be laid out on a flat surface. A backing would
be removed from the film and then the film itself would be laid
over the paper. It is necessary to start at one end and smooth
the plastic film as you go to remove wrinkles and air bubbles.
It can be extremely difficult to do this your self and not have
the paper move from under the film as you are applying it. Also
once the film is stuck, it is difficult to lift and smooth out,
although you usually get a couple of tries before it is stuck
for good!

If you do more than a couple of laminating projects a month, it
is probably a wise investment to save your time and sanity to go
with a laminating machine. The laminating films are affordable
especially if you stock up on your supplies all at once.
Online, you can also often get free shipping of your laminating
films with minimal order requirements.

Laminating film is the one essential office supply today.
Laminators are ranking in importance right up there with other
office equipment such as the copy machine and even office
furniture!


About The Author: Erica Bosworth is the founder of
http://www.laminating-guide.com an online guide. In his
publication the author is publishing about laminating film (
http://www.laminating-guide.com/laminating-film.html ) and
other areas in this field.