Do It Yourself Self Sealing Laminated Poster Sheets

Laminating is a process where materials are joined together. One common type of laminating is to place clear plastic sheeting over a document so that the document becomes more durable and less subject to damage from bending or moisture. Identification cards are often laminated. It is now easy to laminate documents using self adhesive laminating sheets. These are sold in packages, and they are a peel-and-stick type of product. You can find these sheets in sizes small enough for business cards and large enough for posters.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Laminating sheets
• Document
• Tape
• Roller
• Utility knife
• Burnisher

1. Select a self-sealing laminated poster sheet that is larger than your document. The laminating sheet should extend at least 1/4- to 1/2 inch past all sides of the document.

2. Place the laminator sheet plastic side down so that the paper backing is toward you. Pull back the top edge of the paper backing 1 inch. Align the top of your document 1/2 inch from the top edge and as straight to the edge as possible.

3. Smooth the top edge of the document over the adhesive so that there are no bubbles, creases or bends. Gently pull the backing paper down another inch and carefully smooth the document from the center toward the sides. Continue this process until the entire document is attached to the laminator sheet.

4. Place a second laminator sheet plastic side down on the work table. Tape the laminator sheet to the table halfway down the sheet. Pull the paper backing sheet 1 inch from the top edge of the new laminator sheet.

5. Align the top of your first laminator sheet and document to the top of the second laminator sheet. Press the sides together. Be very careful to smooth the top edges together perfectly. Gently pull the paper backing down 1 inch and smooth the document (top laminator sheet) from the center outward. Try to remove all bubbles. Continue working down the sheets until they are attached firmly together.

6. Roll from the center outward using a hard plastic roller. Prick any bubbles using a sharp utility knife. Burnish the laminator sheet to the document on both sides. Finish by burnishing along all edges. Burnishers are wood, plastic, metal or bone tools that are used to rub or polish surfaces. They can be found at craft and art stores.

7. Trim around the document 1/4 to 3/8 inch on all sides after the sides have been sealed together. Use a sharp utility knife.

Tips & Warnings

• It is often easier to manipulate large documents or posters with two people. One person holds down the laminator sheet and pulls on the backing paper while the other person smooths the poster into position. This helps to prevent creases and bubbles.

References

• Laminator Online: Laminating Sheets
• Discount Office Items: How To Use Laminating Business Card Pouches