How to Laminate a Newspaper

Preserving newspaper clippings is one way to keep the event "alive" for years to come.

If a newspaper story or picture has historical importance or is about a personal accomplishment, laminating it will help preserve the clipping for years and protect it from dust, humidity and water damage. However, lamination will negate any collectible value the newspaper may have. By laminating the newsprint, you will seal it away from examination for authenticity. Still, to many, a laminated news clipping holds much more personal and sentimental value than any potential monetary gain.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4-inch thick glass sheet
• Scissors
• Razor knife
• Straight edge
• Pressure sensitive laminating sheets
• Rag

Instructions

1. Cut the newspaper clipping out with scissors, leaving wide margins on all sides.

2. Place the clipping on the glass surface. Lay the straight edge on top of the clipping and line it up where you want the final cut. Run the razor knife along the straight edge using the straight edge as a guide. Trim all the way around your clipping.

3. Cut two pieces of pressure sensitive laminating sheet larger than your clipping.

4. Peel back the protective coating from the edge of the pressure-sensitive laminating sheet and stick the sheet to the edge of the glass.

5. Align the clipping under the laminating sheet and slowly press the sheet down over the clipping. Rub the laminate against the clipping using a rag to eliminate air bubbles.

6. Peel the laminate off the glass carefully and flip the photo over. Repeat the process with the second sheet of laminate. Before beginning, make sure that there will be overlap between the two plastic sheets with the newspaper clipping sandwiched between.

7. Trim the clipping using the straight edge and razor knife. To ensure the clipping is sealed, leave at least 1/8-inch of laminate all around the edge of the newspaper clipping.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray the newspaper with acid neutralizer prior to laminating it to reduce yellowing.

References

• The Frugal Life; Treasured Keepsakes or Clutter? A Look at Memorabilia; Christine Sutton; 2011
• Enchanting Kerala.org; DIY Lamination - How to Laminate photos at home without any equipment; 2009

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish