11 Best Laminating Services Near Me [Complete Guide]

Are you looking for the best laminating services? Yes? Here is a comprehensive guide on where to find affordable laminating services, what they cost, and what items are best not to laminate.

Lamination provides several benefits to your important documents and photos, such as:

• Water and Moisture Resistance
• Durability
• UV Protection
• Color and Ink Retention

You may be wondering where to find a cost-effective lamination service or whether it’s worth the investment. In this guide, I’ll tell you about the best places to laminate your important documents, from major office stores to budget-friendly options.

So, let’s get started!

How Much Does Lamination Cost?

The cost of lamination depends on several factors, including the size of the document, the type of lamination (hot or cold), the thickness of the lamination, the quantity, and where it is done.

🧾 Standard Lamination Costs (U.S. Averages)

Note: These prices are typical at office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot.

If you plan to laminate frequently, purchasing a home laminating machine can save you money in the long run. I’ll explain this option later in the post.

✅ What Should You Laminate?

As you might know, laminating is a great way to protect and preserve items from wear, moisture, dirt, and damage. Here’s a guide on what you should laminate.

Frequently Used Documents:

• ID cards, business cards, or luggage tags
• Instruction sheets or reference guides
• Recipes for kitchen use

Educational Materials:

• Flashcards and charts
• Classroom signs or posters
• Worksheets for dry-erase use

Signage:

• Temporary or reusable signs (e.g., event signs, sale posters)
• Outdoor notices (use weather-resistant laminate)

Certificates and Awards (copies only):

• Keep originals unlaminated for legal/archival reasons
• Laminating copies is fine for display

Checklists & Schedules:

• Cleaning schedules, to-do lists, and chore charts
• Reusable calendars and planners (with dry-erase markers)

Menus:

• Restaurant or café menus
• Home food menus or meal plans

Kids’ Activities:

• Activity sheets
• Game boards and tokens

Travel Documents (copies):

• Laminated maps, itinerary summaries, or emergency info

🚫 What You Should Never Laminate?

Before you gather all your documents to laminate, you need to know that some official documents should never be laminated. Laminating them can cover up security features that will void the validity of your documents.

Official or Legal Documents:

• Birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, deeds, etc
• Many agencies won’t accept laminated originals

Collectibles and Photos:

• Valuable items can be damaged or devalued by lamination
• Use archival sleeves or acid-free storage instead

Anything with Thermal Sensitivity:

• Lamination uses heat, which can damage some inks or papers (e.g., thermal receipts)

Original Art or Handmade Items:

• Unless intended for lamination, it can distort or ruin texture and detail

You can use a simple plastic sleeve or a document holder to preserve your sensitive documents.

Affordable Laminating Services Near Me

There are many places where you can get your items laminated. Also, many places offer affordable prices. I’ve also included a tip on how to laminate at home, which is the most affordable option.

Here are the best places to find affordable laminating services.

📌 Nationwide Office Supply & Print Chains

Office supply and print chains are known for offering affordable laminating services.

1. FedEx Office

FedEx Office, formerly known as Kinko’s, is a retail chain that provides printing, shipping, and business services. It is a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation and operates as an independent entity within the FedEx ecosystem.

FedEx operates over 2,000 stores and locations in the United States. You can visit your nearest FedEx location to have the lamination done. You can laminate a wide variety of items, from documents to educational materials.

💵 Pricing Overview:

• Letter-size (8.5″ × 11″): Typically $1.49–$1.99 per sheet
• Tabloid size (11″ × 17″): Around $3.49–$3.99 per sheet
• Oversized up to ~36″ wide: Usually $3.00 per square foot, or flat fees up to $6.99 per sheet

Finish options include glossy, matte, textured, and even dry-erase lamination. Most lamination is done the same day. However, busy centers may ask you to return the next day.

2. Staples

Staples is a well-known American office supply store that offers lamination services in around 1,000 locations across the United States. You can laminate everything from ID cards to posters.

💵 Pricing Overview:

• Letter (8.5 × 11″):
  • 5 mil pouches: $1.99
  • 7 mil (letter/ledger): $2.49
  • 10 mil (letter/ledger): $2.59
• Large‑format (posters, graphics):
  • 3 mil presentation grade: starting at $2.00 per sq ft

Most lamination is done on the same day (order by noon). However, same-day delivery depends on how busy the store is.

3. Office Depot / OfficeMax

Office Depot is a retail store for office supplies. It also offers laminating and printing services. Currently, it has approximately 1,400 stores across the United States.

Office Depot offers lamination services in its Print & Copy centers—perfect for documents, posters, menus, photos, etc.

💵 Pricing Overview:

• Typical price is around $2.50 per 5 mil pouch, and $4.50 for 10 mil
• $0.40 to $1.99 per 8.5″×11″ sheet
• Pricing varies by store and size

Same-day laminating is available for standard sizes. However, larger jobs, posters, or roll lamination may need extra time.

4. Minuteman Press

Minuteman Press is a global printing and marketing services franchise with over 1,000 independently owned and operated locations in countries such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and South Africa.

Minuteman Press offers lamination services at many of its locations. You can laminate many items, such as business cards, menus, posters, flyers, etc. It offers lamination options like glossy or matte finish, hot or cold, and single or double-sided lamination.

💵 Pricing Overview:

• Usually by quote only—pricing based on size, thickness (3 mil, 5 mil, 10 mil), and quantity
• Expect around $1–$2 per square foot in the U.S.

5. The UPS Store

Most UPS Store locations provide lamination for documents of various sizes. Currently, The UPS Store has over 5,000 stores in the United States and Canada.

💵 Pricing Overview:

• Available sizes and pricing may vary by location
• Call ahead or check your nearest store’s website to confirm they offer lamination and ask about the cost

Lamination is usually done on the spot or the same day, depending on volume.

🏫 Public Institutions & Local Shops

6. Public Libraries

Many public libraries offer lamination services at affordable prices. Contact or visit your local public libraries to inquire whether they offer lamination services.

💵 Pricing Overview:

• Lamination at very low prices
• Rates as low as $0.25–$0.50 per square foot

7. Teacher Supply / Stationery Stores

Your local stationery store often provides lamination services. This option is ideal for posters, name tags, and teaching materials.

💵 Pricing Overview:

• Around $0.25–$0.50 per square foot
• Price varies by location

Visit your local teacher or stationery stores to inquire whether they offer lamination services.

8. Independent Print & Copy Shops

Your local print and copy shops can often provide lamination services as an additional option.

💵 Pricing Overview:

• Prices typically range from $1–$4 per page
• May offer custom formats and bulk discounts

📦 Online & Bulk Services

9. Lamination Depot / Binding101 / Doxzoo

Lamination Depot, Binding101, and Doxzoo offer online lamination services. This option is ideal if you’re laminating in bulk or need specialty sizes.

Here’s how it works:

• Mail in your documents.
• Get laminated items shipped to you.
• Instant quotes available, plus bulk discounts.

10. BulkLaminating.com

BulkLaminating.com is a commercial print-and-laminate service offering:

• Bulk film lamination (2 – 5 mil gloss, matte, UV‑resistant)
• Options include edge seal or flush cut
• Prices around $0.20–$0.25 per 8.5×11 sheet, cheaper in higher quantities

They serve areas like Memphis & Nashville, TN, and nationwide shipping is also available.

🧰 DIY Lamination

11. Cost-Effective DIY Lamination

DIY Lamination is a cost-effective way to protect important documents at home or in a small office, without needing to pay for professional services.

There are three different options for DIY lamination.

Option 1: Using a Laminating Machine (Best Quality)

Tools you need:

• Thermal Laminator (e.g., Scotch, Fellowes, AmazonBasics)
• Laminating Pouches (3 mil or 5 mil are common thicknesses)
• Scissors or a paper trimmer (optional)

Lamination steps:

• Warm up your laminator (usually 1–5 mins).
• Insert your paper into a laminating pouch.
• Align it properly to prevent crooked lamination.
• Feed the pouch (sealed end first) into the machine.
• Let it cool and trim edges if needed.

This option is ideal for documents, flashcards, ID cards, bookmarks, recipes, and certificates.

Option 2: No-Heat / Self-Adhesive Lamination (No Machine Needed)

Tools you need:

• Self-laminating sheets or rolls (e.g., Avery, Scotch brand)
• Flat surface + ruler or scraper to press out air bubbles

Lamination steps:

• Peel back one side of the adhesive sheet.
• Place your document on the sticky side carefully.
• Lay the second sheet on top and press out bubbles.
• Trim edges for a clean look.

This option is ideal for quick lamination, on-the-go use, and items sensitive to heat (like crayon or pastel drawings).

Option 3: DIY Lamination With Clear Packing Tape (Budget-Friendly Hack)

Tools you need:

• Clear packing tape or contact paper
• Scissors
• A ruler or a card to smooth air bubbles

Lamination steps:

• Place your item face up.
• Cover with clear tape, slightly overlapping the edges.
• Flip and repeat on the back.
• Press out bubbles and trim to size.

This option is ideal for flashcards, bookmarks, and temporary signs. Not waterproof or as durable as real lamination.

Laminating Services Quick Comparison

FAQs

What is lamination?

Lamination is the process of sealing a document or item between two layers of plastic film. This process protects the item or document from moisture, dirt, and wear. Also, it enhances durability and appearance.

What types of lamination are available?

Most lamination service providers offer four types of lamination, such as:

• Hot lamination
• Cold lamination
• Glossy finish
• Matte finish

Can I laminate anything?

You can laminate regular paper-based items like documents, photos, art, and cardstock. However, you should avoid laminating government documents like Social Security Numbers. If you’re unsure, consult the authority.

Is it safe to laminate original documents or photos?

It’s not recommended to laminate original documents or photos. The lamination process may damage them. Make a photocopy of your document, then laminate.

What thickness of laminate should I choose?

Laminating pouches and films come in different thicknesses, usually measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch):

• 3 mil: Flexible, basic protection
• 5 mil: Ideal for daily use items
• 7 mil: Sturdy, slightly rigid
• 10 mil: Thick and rigid, heavy-duty

How long does lamination take?

Basic in-store lamination takes 5-30 minutes, depending on size and quantities. Most lamination services like FedEx and Staples offer same-day lamination. However, large orders or oversized items may take 1–2 business days.

Can laminated items be cut after lamination?

You can cut laminated items only if there’s a border seal around the edges. Otherwise, cutting to the edge may break the seal and allow moisture to enter.

Final Thoughts

Lamination protects your important documents and art pieces from water, moisture, and dirt. This enhances the durability and appearance of your documents and items.

As you can see, many stores offer lamination services at your convenience. If you need lamination service very often, I would recommend investing in a lamination machine.

What do you think about the lamination service? Let me know in the comments.

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