Using Laminate For Puzzles - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Scrolling Days · 05-28-2009, 11:53 PM

I've been thinking about trying to use a laminate on my puzzles to further improve their durability. Options include buying simple laminate sheets and adhering them myself (about $1.00/sheet) vs. having my local office store laminate the picture for me (about $2.00) with a heat laminator, or to buy my own heat laminator ($150-$200). I'll definitely pass on the machine for now aand maybe try the single sheets first, however.

Has anyone tried using and working with laminate before on puzzles, or another scrollsaw project? Does it hold up well to the "trauma" of a scroll saw blade ripping through it, or will it fray or tease? Does it have a good permanent attachment? If a picture is laminated on both sides, will the backside glue well to the puzzle board?

Just a thought I'm playing with. Anyone's experience would be appreciated.

wood-n-things · 05-28-2009, 11:59 PM

I'm still trying to get the old way perfected and yer thinking of new ways to confuse me....LOL

Scrolling Days · 05-29-2009, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wood-n-things

I'm still trying to get the old way perfected and yer thinking of new ways to confuse me....LOL

Yeah, it's probably overkill anyhow, as many old puzzles cut earlier in the century have held up fairly well without being laminated. Still, if people have tried it with good success, maybe it will be worth giving it a go.

BRG · 05-29-2009, 12:21 AM

Shawn,

I have used laminate on photo puzzles and it seems to hold up well. I used permanent spray bond to attach the photo to 3/8 BB ply, then carefully smoothed the laminate over the photo. I used a pastry roller to apply even pressure without pushing. I covered the laminate with blue painters tape and used the Flying Dutchman puzzle blade. The laminate did not fuzz, the layers did not separate when the tape was removed, but removing the tape was a bit of a hassle. I would think using a piece of heavy card stock or very thin ply would serve the same function as the tape and be easier and less time consuming at the finish stage.

Bonnie

JohnB · 05-29-2009, 12:54 AM

G'day Shawn,
The adhesive type laminate may work, but the heat pressed type wont.

I does stick to the paper, but relies more on the edges sealing, so once the seal is cut it will tend to lift with time and use.

Scrolling Days · 05-29-2009, 03:09 AM

Hi, Bonnie. Thanks for sharing your technique. What is the blue painter's tape for, by the way?

John, that's really good to know about the heat laminate. I won't waste my money on that! Thanks.

bluelucky · 07-12-2009, 03:01 PM

What if you use the adhesive laminate and put a coat of Acrylic spray on it? Will that work?
Michael
Only a ? I am new at the puzzles.

Scrolling Days · 07-12-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluelucky

What if you use the adhesive laminate and put a coat of Acrylic spray on it? Will that work?
Michael
Only a ? I am new at the puzzles.

I think the laminate itself would add all the protection you need, Mike, so I don't think you would even have to spray afterwards.

Big_red_S · 07-13-2009, 03:48 PM

I am starting to learn how to dry mount. I bought a press on Craig's list, got some sample materials and am slowly learning how to use it.

Scrolling Days · 07-13-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_red_S

I am starting to learn how to dry mount. I bought a press on Craig's list, got some sample materials and am slowly learning how to use it.

Good for you, Red. Buying one used seems to be the way to go...they are so darned expensive. Did you get a Seal?

05-28-2009, 11:53 PM	#1
Scrolling Days Jigsaw Puzzle Maker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Along the Lower Niagara River Posts: 1,461 Blog Entries: 5	Using Laminate For Puzzles I've been thinking about trying to use a laminate on my puzzles to further improve their durability. Options include buying simple laminate sheets and adhering them myself (about $1.00/sheet) vs. having my local office store laminate the picture for me (about $2.00) with a heat laminator, or to buy my own heat laminator ($150-$200). I'll definitely pass on the machine for now aand maybe try the single sheets first, however. Has anyone tried using and working with laminate before on puzzles, or another scrollsaw project? Does it hold up well to the "trauma" of a scroll saw blade ripping through it, or will it fray or tease? Does it have a good permanent attachment? If a picture is laminated on both sides, will the backside glue well to the puzzle board? Just a thought I'm playing with. Anyone's experience would be appreciated. __________________ Shawn Ferguson Come visit at The Ferguson Puzzle Company !

05-28-2009, 11:59 PM	#2
wood-n-things Behave Yourself..I can't. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Right here ---silly Posts: 5,691 Blog Entries: 1	I'm still trying to get the old way perfected and yer thinking of new ways to confuse me....LOL __________________ The Mike One of them anyway. I don't make mistakes..I thought I made a mistake once, but I was wrong. Mike's Wood-n-Things

05-29-2009, 12:54 AM	#5
JohnB 1 Tin Soldier Rides Away Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia Posts: 5,130	G'day Shawn, The adhesive type laminate may work, but the heat pressed type wont. I does stick to the paper, but relies more on the edges sealing, so once the seal is cut it will tend to lift with time and use. __________________ Regards John "The Golden Mile" Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, here I am, Stuck in the middle with you. Some of my Stuff Retired Medically Unfit WA Police Officers

05-29-2009, 03:09 AM	#6
Scrolling Days Jigsaw Puzzle Maker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Along the Lower Niagara River Posts: 1,461 Blog Entries: 5	Hi, Bonnie. Thanks for sharing your technique. What is the blue painter's tape for, by the way? John, that's really good to know about the heat laminate. I won't waste my money on that! Thanks. __________________ Shawn Ferguson Come visit at The Ferguson Puzzle Company !

07-13-2009, 03:48 PM	#9
Big_red_S Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: The People's Republic of New Jesey Posts: 869	I am starting to learn how to dry mount. I bought a press on Craig's list, got some sample materials and am slowly learning how to use it. __________________ Zohar - probably the only one. Living well is the best revenge Visit my gallery

05-29-2009, 12:21 AM	#4
BRG Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Laceyville, PA Posts: 50	Shawn, I have used laminate on photo puzzles and it seems to hold up well. I used permanent spray bond to attach the photo to 3/8 BB ply, then carefully smoothed the laminate over the photo. I used a pastry roller to apply even pressure without pushing. I covered the laminate with blue painters tape and used the Flying Dutchman puzzle blade. The laminate did not fuzz, the layers did not separate when the tape was removed, but removing the tape was a bit of a hassle. I would think using a piece of heavy card stock or very thin ply would serve the same function as the tape and be easier and less time consuming at the finish stage. Bonnie

07-12-2009, 03:01 PM	#7
bluelucky Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 355	What if you use the adhesive laminate and put a coat of Acrylic spray on it? Will that work? Michael Only a ? I am new at the puzzles.

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