What should I know about Sheet Protectors?

Sheet protectors are a great way to protect and preserve documents. They can showcase a report or keep recipes safe from food splatters. But when you go to purchase them, the choices seem endless. Multiple sizes and finish options as well as various weights- what does it all mean? Here we will decode the box and give you clear ways to choose the right sheet protector for you.

• Size. One of the first things you’ll need to determine is what size you’ll be using. While most page protectors come in a generic letter size, the options can range from very small up to 13″ by 13″ for scrapbook pages and other larger items. Standard sizes include half letter (5.5″ by 8.5″), letter, and legal. Legal sized protectors come in both three- and four-hole styles, so make sure you know which type binder you’ll be using. Less common is an A4 size as well as other custom sizes.
• Weight.Page protectors come in four basic weights.
  • Super Heavyweight is great for maximum durability. You’ll want to use these with frequently used items, such as recipes in a kitchen or weekly cleaning checklists.
  • Heavyweight is also extra durable and works well for long term storage of oft used documents.
  • Standard weight offers sturdy storage for general documents and less frequently used reference materials.
  • Economy weight is the lightest, providing an extra thin covering good for longer documents or rarely used materials.
• Loading Style.
  • Top loading sheet protectors are the most common. These are completely sealed on three edges with the top one left open for pages to easily slide in. They offer good protection and paper doesn’t generally need to be punched. However, pages can fall out if the binder is turned upside down. Avery makes a secure top sheet that loads from the top but has a flap to secure the page even if the binder is flipped.
  • Side loading sheets are also sealed on three sides but documents stay secure if the notebook isn’t straight. Some side loading sheets require the page to be punched.
  • Rapid or quick-loading protectors offer the quickest insertion and removal. The corner peels back, allowing a page to be placed quickly. While this is less protection and not very secure, it is the fastest option and works well for frequently changing applications.
• Finish.
  • Clear gives a crisply transparent finish. It is also referred to as diamond clear, crystal clear, and other sharply clear terms.
  • Non-glare materials eradicate glare by the addition of resins, which absorb some of the light. It is good for harsh lighting and also hides fingerprints.
  • Reduced-glare gets rid of most glare but don’t contain resins. Glare is reduced by the addition of patterns on the plastic. It works best in medium to bright lighting.