Laminating film is available
in a variety of widths and thicknesses. The thicker
the film, the stiffer and more durable the laminated
item will be. Films can be used for hot or cold lamination
depending on the type of document you have.
Some laminating film is identified as being
"low
melt" film. These are not cold laminating films.
These films are
hot laminating
films that require less heat. They are used when
using hot lamination to laminate materials that are
sensitive to higher temperatures, such as photographs
and documents/ images printed by from ink-jet printers.
Cold laminating film (sometimes called tape laminating)
uses pressure sensitive adhesives to bind the film to
the material being laminated.
Cold lamination is your best option when laminating
heat-sensitive documents or photos. There are several
styles of cold laminating film to fit a variety of applications:
- Single-sided film is used to laminate just one
side of a document. You might use this type of laminate
if you wanted to apply an adhesive to the back of
the document.
- Double-sided or dual laminating films completely
encase your document, laminating both sides for
complete protection.
- Magnetic laminating films apply laminate to one
side of your materials and a magnetic backing to
the other.
- Transfer adhesive laminating films laminate your
document on both sides, and at the same time apply
an adhesive backing. A peel-away liner reveals the
adhesive. You can then stick the laminated document
to various surfaces such as glass or wood.
- Over-laminate is a laminating film that is applied
to materials such as floor graphics, wall art, store
front signage, and children's games. Over-laminate
is cut out and laid over the material.
Cold Laminating film is available in a variety of
finishes:
- Matte - This is a non-reflective finish
that has a slightly granular look. Matte finishes
tend to make image colors more vivid..
- Satin - Provides a reduced level of glare,
and has a soft sheen.
- Lustre - This finish reduces glare, and
has a sparkling sheen.
- Gloss - This is a clear finish that brings
out and emphasizes colors. It makes images look
brighter, adds definition and radiance.
