Why should I laminate my documents?

If you’ve never used a laminator before, perhaps you’re wondering what all the fuss is about. Or, maybe you want a laminator but you aren’t quite convinced it is worth it. But the truth is, there are a lot of reasons why laminating your documents is important. Here are our top ten reasons why you should consider doing so.

1. Structural Integrity: Let’s face it, paper isn’t exactly the sturdiest material in the world. It is prone to rips and tears, and there is nothing more frustrating than an important document getting crumpled in your bag. Lamination can save you the frustration. Laminating your document will keep it presentation-ready helping it resist creasing and making it virtually un-tear-able.


2. Spill Protection: The second most frustrating circumstance is having some random smudge on your document or even worse spilling liquid and destroying it. You will never have to go through the stress of trying to flatten and dry your papers when you have them laminated. The protective coating allows you to easily wipe away any mess leaving your document un-harmed.


3. Scuff Resistance: Not just for when your documents fall on the floor but you can also laminate floor and wall decals giving them a textured coating that prevents scuffing and general wear and tear on your graphics from being in a heavily trafficked area.


4. Preservation: Lamination can keep documents, photos, graphics, and more in perfect condition for years. Especially when using UV-resistant laminate, you can prevent your documents from yellowing or fading from light exposure keeping them looking like the day you laminated them.


5. Handle Heavy Handling: If paper is handled too much, it’s going to be damaged or even completely ruined at some point. That’s why lamination is so important, especially for items that will be handled a lot, such as menus and name badges. The plastic will prevent the paper from degrading or being ruined by continual use. This allows you to use the same item over and over again. Not having to constantly re-print your item will help you save time and money.


6. Enhance Your Documents: One of the best reasons to laminate is that it will enhance the look of your documents. This is especially true of photographs and documents printed with colored ink. Lamination makes colors much more vivid and will really make your documents attract more attention.


7. Reusability: When you laminate with glossy film you essentially turn your paper into a whiteboard. This allows you to write on it with dry-erase markers and then wipe away your writing when you are done. This allows you to reuse documents like worksheets, calendars, and visual aids.





8. Professional Presentation: Laminating your documents makes them stand out with a professional finish. The added protection means you will always know your papers are looking their best. You can use your laminator to add an adhesive backing to your documents so you can mount them for an extra professional look. Plus, you will be able to write on your presentation to illustrate your point and then erase the markings when you are done.


9. Protection from the Elements: If you make a sign or banner that’s going to be placed outside, normal paper definitely won’t be able to withstand the effects of the sun, wind, and rain. Lamination can help though because it will make your item much sturdier and resistant to the effects of nature. You can even use special UV pouches to protect your light-sensitive work from the sun’s harmful rays.


10. Versatility: We have only touched on a few uses for laminators in this article. What you can create with your laminator can expand as far as your imagination will take you. From business cards to decals, presentation covers to retail displays, it isn’t too hard to get your money’s worth out of your laminator.

Interested in more projects you can accomplish with your laminator? We have created lists catered to enhancing your business, improving your classroom, and DIY projects for your home. Let us help you pair you with the perfect laminator for your needs and explore our other laminating articles to learn all you need to know.