Laminating photographs and documents is a fantastic way of making them last longer. They’ll appear more professional too. Once laminated though, some people might want to trim excess laminate film. What we’re going to do is discuss a variety of methods for trimming. We’ll also go over how you can trim the lamination without reversing it accidentally. Then, if you need laminating services, you can rely on us.
Can you cut laminated paper?
Firstly, we need to see if cutting is even possible. The answer is yes, depending on what laminate you’re utilising. For most laminates, the recommendation is you leave at least 1/8″ border around the item. If you cut any closer, you can undermine the lamination. This will enable moisture to enter. It can weaken the bond between the document and your laminate. You could even reverse the lamination, with the film peeling off.
You should always examine the information on your film. Some laminates produce a bond that you can cut anywhere without compromising it. An example would be single-sided lamination. Make sure you check the details from the manufacturer so you can get the best results.
Trimming options
Now let’s look at the different techniques you can use to trim the documents and photographs you laminate. Consider them when you think about laminating services.
Rotary trimmers
These are ideal for perfect lines and speed. Rotary trimmers work for obtaining straight, precise cuts. They exist in a multitude of sizes. As a result, they are appropriate for large and small items. They are popular for trimming work that looks professional. More importantly, they are generally easy to use.
Craft knife and straight edge
The second option offers budget-friendly precision. A craft knife and a straight edge can offer straight cuts too. This approach is cost efficient and quick, particularly for basic trimming tasks. Make sure you employ a cutting mat to safeguard your work surface. Be careful to prevent injury too.
Scissors
Sometimes the good old fashioned technique is all you need. Scissors are common, easily accessible tools that you can use to trim various laminates. However, even though they are handy, obtaining a perfectly straight line can prove difficult. Use a pair of high calibre scissors that are sharp and can ease the trimming work. For the ideal results, fully open them with every cut. Make sure you have steady hands too.
Automatic trimmers
Lastly, you can choose trimmers for high-volume applications. If you regularly laminate large quantities of documents or photographs, automatic trimmers save on effort and time. These mechanisms are ideal for heavy-duty usage. There are even models that can put up with large objects like banners. Some machines can cost a fair amount, but they work wonders with high-volume projects. They can be a good investment to complement laminating services.
Considerations for picking tools
Finally, we’ll discuss some considerations for choosing tools. As we said, some trimming options require a bit of an investment. You need to ensure you will get your money’s worth.
One of the main things to look at is document size. Opt for trimming utensils based on the size of your documents. Smaller objects like business cards are ones you can usually trim with craft knives or scissors. However, bigger items like banners are more likely to need automatic or rotary trimmers to get an accurate cut.
The second consideration is material shape. For straight lines, use guillotine cutters or rotary trimmers. With irregular or curved shapes, use craft knives or scissors so you can work around the item.
Material thickness is the third consideration. Your laminated item’s thickness affects the cutter. For instance, thick materials such as mounting boards will need a board cutter.
Last on this list is the volume of work. High-volume laminating work will be easier with automatic trimmers. Occasional lamination is something you can do with simpler tools like rotary trimmers or scissors.
The finest laminating services
At Foiling Services, we have become a leading authority on how to best use lamination. This is a delicate process that’s far easier to get wrong than right. Fortunately, we have an expert team, some of the best laminates in the world, and fantastic tools. You’ll get outstanding results with us.
So, if you’re after laminating services you can count on, give us a call today. We can give you further info about any kind of topic, from applications to trimming.