Laminate map?

[Ponchot]

Hello,
Has anyone had their map laminated at Kinkos?
Im real nervous about lamination. I wonder how
it will look since custom maps have sooo many
seems from the printer pages being taped together.
Im curious if there will be air pockets or lines on
every single paper seam. Luckily, I used all tape
on the back and none on front, so this should help.
Also, should I laminate both sides?

I really want to laminate it to keep my map alive.
Its taken some abuse, but its still ok so far. Let me
know what you think. Thanks!

[rctpool]

This is just a thought, not sure how it would work but I'll throw it out here. How would clear contact paper work? It may take some time to avoid air bubbles . As I said just a thought.

[hair10]

Nice map. Let me know if you find something that works. I've been thinking of doing something too.

[Silver Lantern]

I've laminated 3 maps at kinkos. They have different prices at different kinkos so call around for the best price per square foot.
You cannot only laminate one side. The process laminates both sides, its inescapable. Also it is not a perfect process. It MAY end up with bubbles and or crinkles on it, and you have no choice. They make you sign a waiver of liability for what is being laminated so that they are not responsible. You have to understand up front that the map may even rip or become ruined, but it is a small chance if they know what they are doing.
Your best bet is to get the entire map on a computer file take it to a company that specializes in map lamination (look up lamination or map maker in the phonebook) and have them print it out as ONE sheet and laminate it. That is your best bet, as these people are used to laminating big maps. That said, even with a few bubbles and crinks, a laminated map is a million times better than a non laminated one. No more uneven surface, wear on the map, and no spills ruining the map, etc.

[Ed0825]

I have had all the HC Maps laminated at Kinkos. Mine laminates them for $20 each. So so far I have spent $120 for the 6 sets. I have never had any problems whatsoever. There are sometimes small creases in the finished product. However, you do know that what you get out will not degrade any further. We have been using these maps, plus some regular unlamented ones once a week at my venue. They have held up nicely. The venue is thinking about getting their maps laminated as a result because after a year their maps are definitely showing some where. I also have bought poster tubes at staples (2 for $3 I believe) each map rolls up nicely in the tube. Sometimes the map will not lay flat, but I just roll it up the opposite way the next time and that takes care of it. All six tubes so far fit in the giant bag that kinkos gives your map back to you in. Lamination will definitely save your maps, however, they are a pain to carry around. Hope this helps.

[hair10]

I just got maps back from Kinko's yesterday. I took 2 starter maps in (have several extras) just to see how they would come out... kind of a test run. They look great! You can barely see any creases and the laminate that they used is very heavy so they should last a very long time. The charge was $2 a square foot (the maps are 9 square feet).

The result was so good, I'm taking in 6 more maps today (the 2 premier maps, the 2 adventure kits, and 2 more starters). I asked if they would give me a volume discount and they said yes. I'm getting them done for $1.50 a square foot. I'll take 25% off any time I can get it! :)

It's a bit of money up front, but it will be worth it to have these protected!

[jklass1]

I had all my tournament maps laminated at a local shop. Found them in the Yellow Pages. Kinko's for upwards of $20 each was pricey, as I had 10 done. The shop I found is $9 each, same mil thickness as Kinkos was offering. Search around for the best price. This is the best thing to have done to your maps, as it makes them darn near indestructible. No air bubbles, and you can barely see the fold lines. now spills, folds, and wear & tear are no longer an issue. Transport is easy, just roll them up and secure with a couple Velcro straps.

When the new maps get here, I will get those bdone brand new out of the box, so they should look even better. Spend the dough, and save your maps!

[hair10]

Originally posted by jklass1
I had all my tournament maps laminated at a local shop. Found them in the Yellow Pages. Kinko's for upwards of $20 each was pricey, as I had 10 done. The shop I found is $9 each, same mil thickness as Kinkos was offering. Search around for the best price.

Yeah, I called several places... local printing shops, local school supply shops... Pip printing wanted $38 per map!! Kinko's was the cheapest around here. Even though I paid a bit more than jklass1, it was well worth the investment.

[MadCap#1]

Sorry guys, I laminate mine for free at my school (I'm a teacher!) I usually have to cut them in half, but this is not a problem with most maps. laminating maps is the best!!