What is the document application?
How will the document be used?
Is editing the document important and/or frequent?
What are your most common document sizes?
How important is the appearance of the document?
An attractive cover to capture the reader's attention
A functional binding style that promotes ease of use
Index tabs for organization and separation of topics
If you are using a thermal (heat) laminator, then the heat setting may be too high for the item being laminated. If the machine has a control to adjust the heat, try lowering the temperature. Also, if using a thermal pouch laminator, make sure that you are using a carrier for the pouch.
Cloudy lamination is usually the result of insufficient heat. If the machine has a control to adjust the heat, try increasing the temperature. Also, if using a thermal pouch laminator, you may be using a laminating pouch that is too thick for the machine. Some machines have pre-set temperatures designed to work with standard pouch films.
While the pouch laminator is still hot, run a sheet of copy paper through without a carrier or pouch. This will remove any adhesive build-up. The best way to prevent adhesive from getting on the rollers is to use a carrier when laminating.
Providing the laminator temperature and speed settings are correct, the most likely culprit is your image. Inkjet prints that are not completely dry can prove to be impossible to laminate. Inks contain Glycol to prevent the ink from clogging the nozzels. Glycol is an oily-type solvent that is not compatible with thermal adhesives. Now, what can be done to improve adhesion? First, make sure you are properly using the ink limiting setting during your RIP. Ink limiting will reduce your drying time. Next, choose the proper media to print on. High gloss papers are difficult to laminate because most of the ink rests on the receptive coating of the paper. Matte papers absorb more moisture and are therefore, easier to laminate. Remember, your prints must be completely dry before laminating, and highly saturated prints will take longer to dry.
In thermal films, silvering is caused by the adhesive not 'wetting out' properly. This can be solved by either increasing the temperature setting, or slowing down the speed setting. Sometimes you may need to do both. This will promote a better adhesive flow. The same principles apply to cold laminates.
Generally speaking, overlaminates with U.V. inhibitors will extend the life of your image by 3-4 times. Dye-based inks, when subjected to high levels of U.V. radiation, can fade in as little as a few days. This means that even with a protective overlaminate, your dye-based image can be damaged in as little as 2 weeks. Pigmented inks last significantly longer than dye-based. Laminated images printed with pigmented inks can expect a six to twelve month outdoor lifespan without experiencing significant U.V. fading.
Thermal paper (e.g. movie tickets, concert tickets), x-rays, ultrasounds, tracing paper and plastic covers. Collages in which water based glue has been used. It is also advised that offset prints be wiped with a clean cloth prior to lamination.