Inexpensive way to laminate documents and images?

Question

I need to laminate a lot of small pages (mostly computer print outs). What is the cheapest way to do this? Does it pay to buy a machine and laminate myself or use a service? If you think it pays to buy a machine, does the cost of refilling it make it worthwhile? Please! any information can help!

Answer 1

Laminators can cost $1000 or more, plus cost of laminating film or pouches.  How much will you be laminating?  Will you be making any money on what you are laminating?  enough to pay for a machine?

If not, or you have only a few items, go to a service  such as a discount copy shop .  If the items are small, you can get self laminating pouches at a discount store.  I have not seen these self laminating pouches larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches.  If you have an odd size , you might try using clear contact paper.

Answer 2

Hi,

I used to protect documents with clear contact paper when I was a teacher! It's cheaper than laminate them!!

Answer 3

The school doesn't have a laminating machine?

9x12 lamination sheets are about $20-$25 for 50 of them.  You can do a double sided document in them if you wanted to.

If you have to buy your own laminator, I've seen they start in the $100 range and go up from there.  

http://www.officedepot.com/textRefine.do...

Otherwise, call Kinkos or Staples or something and ask them how much they charge for laminating.

Answer 4

Use clear contact paper or contact a local teacher's supply store.