There are countless applications for lamination today because of the protective benefits it offers. If used correctly, it can also increase the aesthetics. Ours is a team that excels at applying laminate to various products. As a result, we can use our laminating services to give you the results you’re looking for.
Your birth certificate is one of the most critical documents you need to keep safe. It proves your identity and has numerous important details, such as your place and date of birth, your name, and the names of your parents. You will need it to get a passport, get married, and to claim inheritance. Because of its importance, many wonder whether laminating their birth certificate is a good idea. That’s what we’re going to discuss in this post.
Lamination can harm the document
In short, the answer here is no. Laminating your birth certificate can result in irreparable harm and potentially render it invalid. The plastic coating can result in the ink bleeding or smudging. This will make it hard or outright impossible to read what’s on the certificate. Moreover, the laminate can cause your document to warp or curl. As such, storing and displaying it becomes more difficult.
What’s more, laminating a birth certificate can make it tricky for officials to verify the authenticity. It can obscure the official watermark or seal. It may appear like a forgery. In some scenarios, officials could refuse to accept the birth certificates as valid documentation. That can cause some massive complications if you need it for an important purpose.
Alternatives
Now, you’re probably wondering what alternative solutions you can use to lamination. Luckily, there are a number of options for documents if laminating services aren’t appropriate.
Safe storage
One option is to store your birth certificate in a dry, cool place. It needs to be away from heat, moisture, or direct sunlight. The best place is a secure and safe option like a safety deposit box, fireproof safe, or lockable cabinet. They will offer protection from natural disasters like floods or fires, damage, and theft. Choose a place that’s easily accessible for you but no one else.
Protective covers
Another solution is keeping the document in a protective cover. Examples include acid-free envelopes and plastic sleeves. This will work to stop damage from dirt, dust, or accidental spills. Protective sleeves are an effective, inexpensive way to preserve your birth certificate. There are archival-quality and acid-free products specifically for them.
Copies
You can also make a copy of your certificate and put the original in a secure place. You can then use the copy for most purposes like applying for a driver’s license or passport. If you decide to get a photocopy, make sure it is good quality and has clear details.
One other option is to make a digital copy of your certificate. You can scan and store it digitally on your computer or within the cloud. Something to keep in mind though is that this won’t be a legal document. As a result, you should always keep the original somewhere safe.
We know what to do with laminating services
At Foiling Services, we know that laminate can give a document an excellent degree of protection. So, it is a great choice in many cases. You need to think carefully though, ensuring it will be appropriate. We’d be happy to offer advice if you need any.
So, if you’d like our help with laminating services, please let us know. We can apply laminate to a growing list of products, including sheet materials and more.