Laminators

hampshirebabe

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a laminator for my daughters artwork and to put pictures on the wall, (we're starting to do the alphabet so I put up some pictures of things that go with each letter but they got ripped too quickly). Anyway, I'm not sure how they work, can you tell me, if I get an A4 laminator, does it do smaller sizes, could I cut an A4 pouch in 2 to do 2 smaller ones, and once its done, can I trim the picture, does it stick to the paper or does it need to be stuck all around the outside?
You're such a clever crafty bunch, you probably use them all the time

rainmac

Hello, yes yes and yes . An A4 laminator does laminate smaller sizes (you can buy different sized pounches) or you can laminate an A4 sheet and then cut it down and the paper inside sticks to the laminate sheet and you don't need a 'border' round the edges. I'm not sure what would happen if you cut a pouch and then ran it through the laminator as the pouches are joined at one end to keep everything in place. I got one last year, my OH bought me one for my birthday and it was my best present!!!

Hope that makes sense

flyingpig58

Laminators are brilliant!

All I would say is buy a "good" one. I have bought several cheap ones and even though I thought I had loaded the laminating pouch in very carefully I have ruined them when the sheet has got caught round the roller.

The more expensive ones have a carrier sheet you put the pouch in which prevents this happening.

I wouldn't try to cut a pouch, as they do have a sealed end, if it was cut there is a strong possibility that things could slip out of place and again get tangled in the roller inside.

It you are laminating several pictures in one pouch, leave a gap between them, and when you cut them out after putting in the laminator, leave a very small laminated edge around them, this ensures that the laminating pouch does not seperate.

If you are laminating several pictures at a time its hard to keep them in place as you put them in the laminator, I have found the tiniest amount of Pritt on the back of the picture holds them in position as you laminate.

If you want to laminate two pictures back to back, again a dab of Pritt to keep them together is a good tip.

Glitter and shiny things tend to lose their bling effect after laminating.

Leaves can look stunning laminated, but let them dry out a little bit first.

One idea - fill a laminating pouch with paper shapes, stars, a mismatch of stuff (this time it doesn't matter if they move about, as it adds to the effect), when laminated slice into 1 inch wide strips to make Bookmarks. Your little girl could choose the bits and give them as little presents or you could use photos.

Lamininating sheets make good note book covers, calendars etc if you have a Bind It All.

But yes buy one!!!

Don't be tempted by a cold laminator - they are pants!

Helen

hampshirebabe

Brilliant, I'm sold! What should I look out for to get a good one?
I was thinking of this one http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=99485#features
or this one http://www.staples.co.uk/laminating-and-binding/laminators/laminator
Would they do?

hampshirebabe

I'm thinking this one looks better for a bit more money http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6700988.htm and I see wilkinsons do laminate pouches for a couple of pounds a pack.

Gingerbiscuit_2

I've used few different machines, cant say ive seen much difference in them. I think the cheaper one would work just as well. Though the expensive one does have heat guard and they can get hot if you leave on for awhile.

Since they only really do one thing- set of rollers that feed through heat not to much that could go wrong.

You can cut them for smaller things though it is easier to just wait till you have 3 or 4 little things and put in all at same time. But as long as the plastic has the same sized top and bottom and big enough not to get lost inside say 1/4 size of a4 is long enough not to lose end until it comes out other side.

You can trim pictures when they are done, thats why its best to leave a small gap between pictures so your not cutting into the work.

silverchair

I bought argos value range about 2 years ago. Its done me well as I use it quite often for work things. I think I paid about 10 pounds for it & got their value trimmer free too (I wouldnt recommend the value trimmer as it makes a loud sqeaking sound everytime I use it)

hampshirebabe

Great, I'd manage dto persuade myself I need to buy some toys to make it up to £50 to get thier voucher deal, (I need a couple of other small things anyway) but dont need the toys at all, so I'll get the cheaper one and spend £19 instead of £50 and get some cheap pouches in Wilkinsons.

sethsgran

She can decorate small paper doilies with glitter etc then laminate them, cut them out and wow instant snowflake decorations for her room at christmas.

ragz_2

So funny to find this as I've been contemplating asking hubby for one for xmas (or rather, buying one then telling him that's what I'm having lol).

Definitely want one now! I want to laminate leaves!

I saw one in Asda for £9 but suppose it would be better to buy a mroe expensive one?

possibly this from amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Swordfish-A4-Home-Office-230LR-Laminator/dp/B000NCI1CY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=officeproduct&qid=1257079182&sr=8-1

or

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Texet-LMA4MKll-A4-Laminator/dp/B002EVOTRI/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&s=officeproduct&qid=1257079549&sr=1-23

JaneLiz

We have a cheap one, probably less than £10 and it's still working fine, no problems after a couple of years