Laminating your papers not only protects them from becoming soil or damaged, it allows you to make notes and comments on them without writing on the papers directly. There are a variety of inexpensive ways to laminate your papers from using packing tape and laminating pouches to clear Contact Paper. Once you have selected which laminating material you want to use, all you need is a pair of scissors to cut the material and complete the project.
Packing Tape
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The cheapest way to laminate your papers is to cut several strips of wide packing tape and place the material carefully on top of your document. Make sure you extend packing tape past the edge of the paper, about ¼ inch. Then turn the document over and place strips of packing tape on the other side. Press firmly all around and trim the edges once you have completed the laminating project. Make sure your hands are clean or wear gloves to keep oils on your fingers from coming into contact with the tape.
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Clear Contact Paper
Clear Contact Paper is also a cheap way to laminate your papers. The plastic material is found at discount retail stores, office supply shops and retail super centers. The Contact Ppaper is priced around $3 for an 18-inch x 3-yard package.
To use clear Contact Paper, unroll the material so the side with the protective paper is facing up. Lay the paper you want to laminate down on the Contact Paper and cut out a template to use for cutting other sheets of material. Applying the Contact Paper to your paper is easy. Just lay the paper you want to laminate down on a flat surface, peal off the protective paper from the Contact Paper and lay the material directly on top your document. Press down firmly to remove any air bubbles. Turn your document over and place another sheet of cut-out Contact Paper on the back of your document. Remove any air bubbles. Trim the edges to complete the project. Note, you can also use a straightedge or credit card to work out any air bubbles.
Laminating Pouches
Another cheap way to laminate your papers is to use laminating pouches. These easy-to-open pouches come in various sizes including 3-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches and 8 ½ x 11 inches. They work by you inserting your paper into the pouch, closing it, applying a piece of cardboard or other cover up and fusing the plastic with a iron on a low setting. The small pouches are ideal for papers and documents like business cards, photos, membership cards and other smaller documents you need to laminate. For letter-size papers, use the 8 1/2 x 11 pouches. These laminating pouches are usually packed 50 sheets to a package and are available at most office supply stores and retail super centers.