MyBinding Knowledge Base
How do I laminate my business cards?
A lot of people still use paper business cards even in this age of ever-advancing technology. The one downside to using business cards is that they can deteriorate over time. However, you can make your cards last longer by laminating them. Here are two methods to try:
- Use a small pouch laminator. If you have a small pouch laminator at your disposal, give it a try. You will need laminating pouches that are slightly larger than your cards so they will be properly enveloped. Turn on your laminator and let it heat up. Place your business card in a pouch and insert it into the laminator’s feed opening. Make sure the folded edge goes in first. When the card comes out of the machine, let it cool off before use.
- Use self-sealing pouches. If you don’t have access to a laminator, use self-sealing pouches. These are pouches that are made specifically for business cards and they will make your card look like it was processed by a laminator. Just place your card in a pouch, remove the lining, and apply the laminate.
Watch this video as we answer the question, how to laminate business cards. This video will demonstrate business card laminating using a small pouch laminator and business card laminating pouches. Watch the video and see how easy business card laminating can be. Then, if you still have questions please feel free to give us a call or leave a comment below and one of our laminating experts will be glad to assist you.
Here is a transcript of this video: Welcome to MyBinding How To videos. Today's question, how to laminate business cards. There are a number of different kinds of laminating machines on the market that can do the job and there are some that are specifically made for small and quick applications, like card lamination. For this demonstration, we'll use the LP 120, a very small, compact, and efficient little laminator that's designed just for this kind of application. First, you need to get the size laminating pouch that you need for your project. And thickness, they range from 3 to 14mil. Not all machines can handle all thicknesses. When putting your card into the pouch, make sure you get nice even margins. This makes trimming at the end much easier. You'll need to make adjustments to the heat of the machine according to the thickness of pouch that you use. Always feed the laminating pouch into the throat of the machine with the crease side forward. This assures the best laminating seal. Wait for it to come out the back end completely done, lay it flat on a table so it can cool completely. The nice thing about card laminating is that pretty much any machine that laminates will work, because the width will be enough for your card. That's it, that's how to laminate business cards. For more articles, demos, how to's, and reviews of all things binding and office, check out MyBinding.com.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
