Janell Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 This is our first year homeschooling and DS will be doing Kindergarten. A lot of the teacher guides say to cut out some of the visual aids and cover them in contact paper. i know some poeple use laminators and I was just trying to see what option is better. Contact paper isn't exactly cheap, but neither is a laminator, but I think laminating would last longer and is stronger? Maybe? If i'm going to be using these materials over the next few years I want them to last and i'm not sure plain contact paper would. Let me know what you think? What do you use/prefer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edeemarie Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 I absolutely love my Scotch laminator and probably use it more than I should:) It is definitely sturdier than contact paper and we use it to make papers reusable by writing on laminated paper with dry erase makers. They are reasonably priced on Amazon and are occasionally a Gold Box special. I consider my laminator a must-have for our homeschool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luv2stamp82 Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 I used contact paper for awhile. When I finally broke down and got the laminator I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner, I was in heaven!!! It's sturdier, easier to use, and has less trash than contact paper. I would say definitely go with the laminator, it's well worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuzor Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Laminator hands down one of the best decisions you will make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IsabelC Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 I love the laminator. It's faster, easier, neater, sturdier and can't be picked off at the corners by 'fiddly' kids. Sure, it's a little more expensive because you have to buy the machine, but it is really worth it. And once you have a laminator you'll probably find more uses for it than you anticipated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallorie Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Scotch laminators are reasonably priced and work well. I get the laminating pages at Sam's Club, though, MUCH cheaper. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boscopup Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 The Scotch laminator that most people use is not expensive at all. It's regularly on sale for around $25, I think? I paid $15 for mine (Amazon Deal of the Day a couple years ago). The pouches are about $20 for a huge amount. I haven't used half of them. I got the Universal brand from Amazon. They work great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thia Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 I think a laminator would be better, but don't stress if it isn't in your budget. It hasn't been in mine yet, so for the last few years I've squeaked by with just using laminating sheets. I have no complaints as far as how stuff has held up. It does take more time to do and there are a few pieces of paper trash, but it isn't significant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BibleBeltCatholicMom Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 This is our first year homeschooling and DS will be doing Kindergarten. A lot of the teacher guides say to cut out some of the visual aids and cover them in contact paper. i know some poeple use laminators and I was just trying to see what option is better. Contact paper isn't exactly cheap, but neither is a laminator, but I think laminating would last longer and is stronger? Maybe? If i'm going to be using these materials over the next few years I want them to last and i'm not sure plain contact paper would. Let me know what you think? What do you use/prefer? I wish I had a laminator . . . not so much now but in the early grades. Contact paper kicks my hiney every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teeniebeenie6 Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Laminator, hands down. About twice a year Scotch laminators go on sale for $10-$15 on Amazon. I got one during a sale and LOVE it! I buy cheap universal pouches 100 for $12 something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitterpatter Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Are you sure you need to do either? I just print on cardstock, which it plenty sturdy for my one DD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirstenhill Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Another vote for scotch laminator (I think I paid $25 at Walmart a few years ago). I use generic laminatin sheets from SAMs club. A package of 200 sheets was maybe $20? This weekend is "non members get in free and don't pay extra" at Sam's club so it's a good time to check it out there if you don't have a membership. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janell Posted August 2, 2012 Author Share Posted August 2, 2012 Laminator, hands down. About twice a year Scotch laminators go on sale for $10-$15 on Amazon. I got one during a sale and LOVE it! I buy cheap universal pouches 100 for $12 something. wow. Do you know when they go on sale? i'll have to stalk amazon every day and make sure i'm not going to miss the sale! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janell Posted August 2, 2012 Author Share Posted August 2, 2012 Another vote for scotch laminator (I think I paid $25 at Walmart a few years ago). I use generic laminatin sheets from SAMs club. A package of 200 sheets was maybe $20? This weekend is "non members get in free and don't pay extra" at Sam's club so it's a good time to check it out there if you don't have a membership. I do have a membership so I'll have to check them out. I think i'm going to go ahead and buy a laminator. I wished I had one last year and I kept telling myself that for Kindergarten i would get one....just wasn't sure if it would be worth the investment. but i'm pretty sure i'm going to do it. thanks everyone for your input! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aprilleigh Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 I really want a laminator. :drool5: Time to start lurking on Amazon again... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyerin Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 I have the Scotch laminator (LOVE!) and use the inserts that Sams Club sells. They're like 200 for $20 or something like that. It's shameful how much I laminate just because I can. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aprilleigh Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 I wonder if Costco carries them too - we have both, but the Costco is so much more convenient. Pity I didn't know I'd want them when we were visiting my ILs - they have a Sam's CLub membership (no Costco near them) and we were there at one point while running errands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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