To laminate or not to laminate, that is the question. We all have those special projects, pictures, and children's art work where we wonder whether we should laminate them or not. This is also true with Bible lesson material, whether it is a visual aid, a TV scroll (see February - Visual Aid #1 on this blog), or completed students' attendance charts.
Because lamination can be expensive (some stores charge $1.00 a linear foot), you might consider some of the thoughts below before heading to the school supply store or print shop.
Here are some pros and cons of laminating your Bible maps, 9' 9" picture of Goliath,and, of course, that one beautiful picture of a camel that finally came out right! May these suggestions serve only as a guide to help. Ask these questions to answer the ultimate question: Should I laminate or not?
ADVANTAGES OF LAMINATING:
- Do you want to keep this item forever?
- Do you want your item to have a polished and professional look?
- Do you feel like you need to protect your item from moisture of any kind?
- Do you want to improve the overall appearance of your item?
- Do you want to make the colors in your item richer, deeper, or brighter?
- Do you ever want to reuse this item?
DISADVANTAGES OF LAMINATING:
- Will you only be using your item for a short period of time?
- Can your item be easily replaced?
- Will you be tossing your item in the trash at some point?
- Will laminating your item change the thickness of your item, so that it will not be able to be used in the same way again?
- Will laminating your item devaluate your item?
- Will it not make any difference at all if this item is laminated a month from now?
If you answered, "Yes!" to any of the questions above, then lamination may not be what you are looking for!
Hope this has helped in some way.
