Laminating Pouch Weights and Finishes

Laminating pouches are available in two types of finishes:

Matte Finish - Non-reflective, slightly granular. Tends to make image colors more vivid.

Gloss Finish - Best for bright colors. Adds definition, radiance.

Laminating pouche weights (thickness):

Laminating pouch thickness:"Mils" is a unit of measurement that expresses the thickness or weight of a laminating pouch. It does not represent 'millimeters'. Each side of a laminating pouch has it's own mil thickness. A 5 mil pouch has a total thickness of 10 mils--5 mils for each sheet of film. The higher the mil number, the more rigid the laminated document will be.

This is true for both hot and cold lamination. The thicker the film or pouch, the stiffer and more durable the laminated item will be.

Standard film thicknesses for laminating pouches are 3 mil, 5 mil, 7 mil and 10mil. Laminating films are typically available in 1.5 mil, 3 mil, 5 mil and 10 mil thicknesses.

3 mil film (and thinner)
Three mil and thinner films provide a flexible, lightweight covering. It will protect documents and other materials from spills, smudges, dirt, dust and some handling.

5 mil film
Provides better handling and UV protection than 3 mil film. Protects materials from long-term exposure to water (such as rain), wind and sun. It is resistent to crinkling, folding, and bending.

7 mil and thicker film
Seven mil and thicker films provide maximum rigidity and the greatest protection. These films are excellent for materials that are handled extensively, such as menus and ID cards.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LAMINATING:
Hot or old laminating?
How laminating pouches work
Laminate weights and finishes
Laminating Machines