What Is the Difference Between Pouch Lamination and Sheet Lamination?

Most people use the term lamination as a catchall phrase, but they do not know that there are different types of lamination processes. Pouch lamination and sheet lamination are not the same, for example. There are some differences that you need to know about in order to make informed decisions about your lamination projects.

What Is Lamination?

Lamination is a process that can protect documents and more. Technically, lamination is the process of using a laminate material to cover paper to provide durability, protection, and security to a document. Typically, laminate film ranges in thickness from 24 microns to 100 microns.

There are two ways laminate can be applied. There is an adhesive option that is self-sealing and a heat option. The latter requires heat to seal the laminate to the document.

Sheet Lamination

Laminate sheets are usually self-adhesive sheets that are attached directly to the document. Heat is not typically required when using laminate sheets. Laminate sheets are ideal for signage, flyers, schedules, and other documents that need protection. Sheet laminate can create reusable documents. For example, a sign protected with sheet laminate can be wiped clean between uses.

Laminate sheets are usually available in standard letter-sized sheets or legal-sized sheets, but they can easily be trimmed to fit document needs with a pair of scissors. Sheet laminate is usually thinner than pouch laminate options.

Pouch Lamination

Pouch lamination is a double-sided laminate. Two sheets of laminate are connected and sealed on at least one side. This type of lamination most often requires heat sealing. It is a great option for providing a “tamper-proof” barrier for important documents, photos, badges, identification cards, and more.

Pouch laminates encapsulate whatever they are applied to completely. They are usually thicker than sheet laminates and more durable. This type of lamination makes documents, identification, badges, and other items more rigid and less prone to tears and bends. However, you do need a heat source to apply this type of lamination.

The Right Lamination for Your Project

Choosing the right lamination tools for your project is essential to getting the best results. Sheet lamination and pouch lamination are not the same things, but they both deliver the protection you want for your documents. Learn more about lamination options today.