Caring for Your Laminated Items for Long Life

Recipes torn from grandma’s cookbook, a child’s colorful artwork, important documents, and certificates—we all have precious items we want to protect and preserve for years to come. The solution? Lamination!

This magical process seals items between tough plastic sheets, shielding them from moisture, tears, stains, and fading. But lamination isn’t an unstoppable force field—it still requires some tender loving care to really go the distance.

Let’s explore some simple tips for maximizing the lifespan of your laminated treasures.

What Is Lamination?

Lamination uses plastic film sheets that get sealed together with heat or adhesive. The thing you want to protect, like a photo or document, goes inside the sheets. This plastic coating keeps the item safe from moisture, dirt, and rips.

You can laminate items at home with a laminating machine and plastic pouches. Or you can take things to an office supply store and have them professionally laminated.

Why Laminated Items Can Degrade

Even though lamination protects treasures from harm, the plastic itself can start to look damaged over time if not cared for properly. You may notice your old laminated items developing these problems:

• Yellowing or browning of the plastic layers.
• Cracking, bubbling, or becoming brittle.
• Warping, curling, or sticking together.
• Getting cloudy or milky rather than clear.

All of these are signs that the laminate is starting to break down and degrade. Without some care, the item inside could eventually get ruined despite being laminated.

Keeping Laminated Items in Good Shape

Taking a few simple steps can keep your laminated pictures, signs, and papers looking brand new for a really long time! Here are some tips:

1. Keep Them Clean: Wiping down laminated surfaces helps prevent gunk and stains from building up. Only use a soft, damp cloth to gently clean, avoiding harsh scrubbing or cleaners.
2. Avoid Heat and Sunlight: Too much heat or direct sunlight can cause the laminating plastic to buckle, bubble, or turn yellow over time. Keep laminated things out of hot cars or bright windows.
3. Don’t Crease or Fold: The plastic laminating sheets can crack or split if you bend or fold them too much. Support the full surface when handling, using rigid holders for display. Never force open folded pieces.
4. Watch for Moisture: Getting liquids or moisture inside a laminated item can ruin what’s inside the plastic. Wipe up any spills quickly, and don’t let laminated stuff get soaking wet.

Storing Laminated Items

To keep laminated goods in perfect condition, follow good storage practices. Here are some best tips:

• Use a closed container or zip-top bag to keep out moisture and dirt.
• Avoid high-heat areas like attics or garages.
• For photos or artwork, look for acid-free storage materials.
• Don’t just toss laminated things loosely into a drawer or box. Keep them flat.
• Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or warping over time.

Modern preservation methods include cold storage around 35-40°F, low 30-40% humidity, anti-oxidant sprays, deacidification particles, digitization, anoxic frames with inert gases, and micro-vacuum chambers. Top museums utilize these techniques to dramatically slow laminate aging and degradation.

Ready to keep your laminated items looking fresh and vibrant for years to come? Filmsource Inc. offers top-quality laminating machines and supplies to ensure your cherished items stay protected. Contact us today to learn more.