About the author: Phil Taylor has over 35 years of experience in the field of manufacturing, sourcing and distributing laminators, laminating machines, laminating supplies and print finishing equipment.
When it comes to protecting and enhancing documents, posters, and other materials, laminating film is a must-have for professionals, such as commercial printers; signage solutions providers; vehicle graphics specialists and educational users alike. This versatile material ensures durability, enhances the look of printed items, and can be used in a variety of settings. But with different types of laminating films available, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you.
In this guide, we'll break down the key types of laminating film, their properties, uses, and the machines they're compatible with. By the end, you’ll be equipped to choose the best laminating film for your needs.
What is Laminating Film?
Laminating film is a thin plastic material that is applied to the surface of paper, card, vinyl, fabric, or other materials to protect, preserve, and enhance them. When talking about “laminating film”, this is in most cases referring to film rolls rather than laminating pouches and it is laminating film rolls that are the focus of this article. Laminating rolls, in particular, are used for larger projects and are most commonly seen in professional, commercial or educational settings.
Types of Laminating Film
1. Encapsulation Film
Encapsulation film is the most common type of laminating film and is widely used in educational and office settings. It completely seals the document between two layers of film, providing all-around protection from water, dust, and wear and tear. “Encapsulation” describes the process where laminating film is used, leaving a border of about 5mm all the way around the edge of the item to ensure the integrity of the encapsulation. Most people will be more familiar with this technique and indeed, it will be the technique they need to use. As encapsulation film bonds only to itself and not the item being encapsulated, trimming to the edge of the item using encapsulation film will result in the rapid breakdown of the lamination bond, hence the need for the border. Examples of this would include large and small format posters in schools, shops or at exhibitions; photos; certificates; office or warehouse signs; identity badges; etc.
Properties: Available in gloss or matt finishes.
Comes in various thicknesses, typically measured in microns (e.g., 75 microns to 250 microns). The thicker the film, the stiffer the finished item and the greater the level of protection from handling, sunlight or the elements, for example. It is also available in a large number of standard widths from 230mm (A4) all the way up to wide format sizes of 1395mm.
Gloss finish offers a shiny, vibrant appearance that helps make colours "pop", while matt finish reduces glare.
Applications: Perfect for frequently handled documents, menus (uncreased), posters and signage. Ideal for protecting instructional materials in schools.
Compatible Laminators: Works best with roll laminators that support encapsulation such as GBC Roll Laminators or Linea Roll Laminating Machines.
You can check out our Gloss Encapsulation Laminating Film or Matt Encapsulation Laminating Film for different finishes and applications.
2. OPP (Single-sided) Film
OPP laminating film is primarily used for single-sided lamination, often in the publishing and print industry. This type of film is commonly used for business cards, folded/creased menus, packaging mock-ups, book covers, self-adhesive wall or floor graphics, magazine covers and brochures, where only the front side requires protection or a glossy/matt finish. OPP film bonds directly to the item being laminated so can be trimmed to the edge of the item after lamination without the bond breaking down, although some digital print and other applications may require “Digital” or “Superstick” OPP Laminating Film which features a more aggressive adhesive.
Properties: Available in gloss and matt options.
Single-sided lamination leaves the back of the document bare or ready for binding.
Limited range of thicknesses, but typically much thinner than encapsulation film which means it is more flexible and so better suited for creased items or where a more subtle protection is required.
Available in varying widths that due to it being primarily being used in the print industry are largely designed specifically for use with standard SRA print sizes such as SRA3 and SRA2.
Applications: Ideal for enhancing the visual appeal of marketing materials such as flyers and brochures. Great for book covers and presentation folders.
Compatible Laminators: OPP Film for Single Sided Lamination works with laminators designed for single-sided lamination, such as Linea Roll Laminators or Matrix Duo Roll Laminators. Linea Roll Laminating Machines are primarily an encapsulation unit but can be used with OPP film on one-side of the item when it is 250gsm or more; or both sides of the item for lower weights of paper or cardstock.
3. Pressure Sensitive (Cold) Film
Pressure sensitive laminating film - also known as cold laminating film - doesn’t require heat to adhere to the material. Instead, pressure from the laminator rolls activates the adhesive. This type of film is ideal for heat-sensitive documents, such as photos or materials that may warp under heat. It is also frequently used for exhibition graphics; exterior and interior signage such as bus-stop displays or exhibition graphics; and vehicle graphics. It is very flexible making it ideal for uneven surfaces such as cars, vans and motorcycles.
Properties: Comes in various finishes including gloss and matt. Provides a strong adhesive bond without heat. Safe for heat-sensitive materials. Available in a range of widths including wide format, as well as textured finishes and varying thicknesses.
Applications: Perfect for laminating delicate items such as photographs, inkjet prints, and signage. Commonly used in signage and displays that require a durable, weather-resistant layer.
Compatible Laminators: Requires a cold laminating machine designed for pressure-sensitive film, such as the Easymount Laminator range.
For more options, you can explore Pressure Sensitive (Cold) Film here.
4. GBC Foton Specialised Laminating Film Cartridges
The GBC Foton 30 Laminator uses specialised laminating cartridges designed to automate the laminating process. These cartridges simplify loading and eliminate the hassle of threading film, making them ideal for users seeking convenience and efficiency. With its automatic operation and quick warm-up, the Foton 30 significantly reduces the time needed for laminating tasks. The GBC Foton 30 automatically feeds, laminates and trims 30 A4 or A3 documents at a time at the touch of a single button. There is no more time wasted loading pouches and feeding them one by one into the laminator. You can focus on other important responsibilities while the machine takes care of laminating your documents.
Properties: Available in cartridge form for the GBC Foton 30 laminator. Provides a quick, seamless laminating process. Impossible to mis-load the laminating film. Comes in different thicknesses to suit various types of documents.
Applications: Ideal for busy offices and schools where large volumes of laminating are needed. Useful for automatically laminating multiple documents with ease.
Compatible Laminators: Specifically designed for use with the GBC Foton 30 Automatic Laminator.
For more details, check out the range of GBC Foton 30 Laminating Film Roll Cartridges.
5. GBC EZLoad Specialised Laminating Film Cartridges
GBC’s EZLoad film rolls are designed to prevent film-loading mistakes with their color-coded, easy-to-load cartridges. This system ensures the film is loaded correctly every time, reducing waste and downtime in busy environments.
Properties: Color-coded rolls make it easy to load correctly. Available in both gloss and matt finishes.
Applications: Ideal for schools, offices, or print shops where laminating is frequent. Great for minimising errors and ensuring smooth operations.
Compatible Laminators: Specifically designed for GBC EZLoad compatible laminators.
If you're interested, check out the GBC EZLoad Laminating Film Rolls.
FAQs about Laminating Film
What is the difference between laminating film and a laminating pouch?
Laminating film generally comes in roll form and is used in professional settings for large-scale laminating jobs, such as banners, posters, or multiple documents at once. Laminating pouches, on the other hand, are smaller, used for single documents or photos and pre-cut to match standard paper and other document sizes, such as A4, A3 and A2. While rolls are loaded into a machine, can laminate (apply a finish to a single-side) or encapsulate and do not always need heat to apply, pouches can only encapsulate the document and are sealed with heat.
How long does laminating film last?
The longevity of laminating film largely depends on the environment and how it's handled. However, generally speaking, the thicker the film the longer it will last and the greater protection it will provide. Typically, high-quality laminating film can last for several years, especially if it’s stored away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The protective barrier keeps documents looking pristine and safeguarded from damage.
What is laminate roll?
Laminating rolls are large sheets of laminating film wound around a core and used in roll laminators for continuous laminating tasks. They are typically used for encapsulation, signage, or any application that requires high-volume laminating.
Can you laminate just one side?
Yes, with single-sided laminating films such as OPP film or cold pressure sensitive laminating film, you can laminate just one side of a document. This is often used for book covers, brochures, or other materials where protection or enhancement is only needed on one side.
Choosing the Right Laminating Film
When choosing laminating film, it's essential to consider:
Thickness: Thicker films offer more durability, but thinner films may be better for flexible items.
Finish: Glossy films enhance color and brightness, while matt films reduce glare and offer a premium look.
Purpose: Consider the specific needs of your project—whether it’s to protect fragile documents, add a professional finish to marketing materials, or handle high-volume laminating tasks.
By understanding the different types of laminating films available, their properties, and applications, you can make an informed choice that ensures your documents are both protected and visually appealing. From gloss encapsulation to cold pressure-sensitive film, there's a laminating film out there for every need.
