Pouches come in a variety of sizes and thickness. The thicker the material used, the stiffer and more durable the laminated item will be. Laminating films come in a variety widths and thickness. As with pouches, the thicker the film, the stiffer and more durable the laminated item will be. These films require less heat and are used when laminating materials that are sensitive to high temperatures, such as photographs.
Films also provide the option of laminating one side or both sides of an item.
Single-sided lamination is used, for example, to laminate over a poster that is to be mounted on a backing board. Laminating films are available in a variety of finishes such as gloss, matte and satin.