TomHackett Loc: Kingston, New York

I once laminated a print so that my daughter could hang it in the bathroom without worrying about excess moisture. I haven't read any discussion about the downside of laminating prints, but I haven't read about many people doing it. I guess if you were to laminate a print on matte paper, it would take on characteristics (including reflections) that might be undesirable. But would that be any worse than displaying it in a frame behind glass? Is there any downside to laminating glossy prints?

Other than this, what would be arguments against laminating prints?

rmcgarry331

Lamination materials are not archival. In other words the laminating plastic contains acids, that will eventually discolor and destroy the print it is supposed to protect. If you are laminating a print made from a digital image, it's probably ok, as it can be easily recreated at a later date. I would advise against laminating any print that was made on conventional photo paper, using enlargement techniques, as it is impossible to reproduce an exact copy. Display of those prints needs to be in properly matted frames and using museum glass, and subdued lighting.

TomHackett Loc: Kingston, New York

Got it! Thanks.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Removing the lamination can be a challenge.

Seriously, I laminate lots of things. It a very good way to preserve all sorts of papers and pictures. I have a card with my prescriptions listed and another one listing all the specs of my car. When I have to buy something for the car, all the details are in my wallet.

On a somewhat related subject - for decades, I have been keeping a $20 bill and a credit card in my glove compartment - just in case.

Richard West Loc: Finger Lakes Region in upstate NY

I’ve been laminating prints for almost forty years, using the cold-mount method. I use a Coda 44” laminator/mounter (relatively inexpensive), and various laminates from both Coda and LexJet depending on the ultimate end use of the print. While you can apply the laminate manually by hand, I strongly recommend the use of a good laminator. The wider the material capability of the laminator, the larger in diameter its rollers should be. This is necessary to ensure even pressure across the full width.

If for temporary use a vinyl laminate can be used: inexpensive and easy to apply. For display and for use behind glass I use a micro-textured (stippled) laminate, either polyester or polypropylene. These laminates come in different thicknesses, and the slight texture doesn’t detract from the print. The polyester will take a lot of abuse, and is somewhat pricy. The polypropylene is more flexible and reasonably priced. Both of these are available from LexJet. You can laminate matte, semi-matte, semi-gloss and glossy print surfaces. I like to use the stippled surface especially if the laminated print will be used under glass. The surface provides an “air gap” and prevents the laminate from sticking to the glass when humidity levels change in the environment. I find the polypropylene laminate is especially good here. (I have found the vinyl laminate will stick to the glass.)

Besides physically protecting the print, laminates also help in fade prevention, although that will depend largely on the materials and inks you use. If you’re printing with aqueous pigment inks you will find different degrees of reflection across the the printed surface depending on whether or not a particular area received any ink. Laminating the print gives the print a consistent surface appearance. Different laminates provide different levels of UV protection.

If you do go this route, I’d be happy to provide some tips on successful laminating and mounting. Good luck.

(www.coda mount.com & www.lexjet.com)

EdJ0307 Loc: out west someplace

I laminated a train picture to use as a bookmark but haven't seen it for some time.

bittermelon

Wouldn't your credit card have expired long ago?

bittermelon

I just laminated my vaccination paper.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Laminating is a short term answer.

robertperry Loc: Sacramento, Ca.

I have several 13X19" photos that were laminated at Office Depot. We use them as placemats at the dinner table.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I've used these materials for many years with no issues of print discoloration or damage.

https://www.artgrafix.net/store/media/acidfree.pdf

Frankly, however, I do not "sell" those prints as big truly and officially archival and still sort yo traditional methods when archival permanence is required. I have used this method for prints that are going to be displayed where the migh be subjected to lots of handling for applications such as trade show displays, displays in public areas, etc. I have retained many of them from my own displays and, over the years, they have held up surprisingly well.

At one time I did a high volume of print lacquering to preserve print, mounted on Masonite or canvas, for my clients. High volume lacquering is hazardous. It requires filtered compressed air, explosion-proof exhaust fans and lighting gear in specialized fire-proof spray booths. I had all that equipment, nonetheless, spraying lacquer is high maintenance and a serious health risk. So...we went to heat lamination combined with Masonite and canvas mounting. Although this too, is not certified archival, I have had no issues with the deterioration of images- I have prints, hanging in my home that is 15 years old. There were all analog colour prints made on old-fashioned colour print materials. Ink, the jury is still out on that- so far so good.

Still in all, when ARCHIVAL permanence is required I still advise archival mounting materials and methods, matting with spacers, conservatory glass and display lighting with low UV output.

Rational1

Archival laminating films are available (search the net) - there is even a lengthy article on the NIST website discussing archival lamination, including a section on materials.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

I first scanned our covid vaccination cards and shrank the printouts to fit certain card holders then laminated. I'm keeping the originals in the safe -- non-laminated.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Ya gotta make more than one print!
I've got iron on covers, double sticky ones-
these days I make extra prints and use packing tape.

Daytona Deb Loc: Nashville

When I was 10, I was given an autographed photo of Elvis in his army uniform. I laminated it to “protect” it. My bad. After all these years, the laminate yellowed. I was a kid and didn’t know any better. I’m sure lamination has improved over the decades. Just be careful. I would appreciate info on safely removing the laminate.