Yes, you can absolutely laminate a bookmark, and doing so turns a simple piece of paper into something that survives months of flipping through novels, school textbooks, and cookbooks. We spent the last two months running 8 thermal laminators through hundreds of bookmark test prints to find the models that produce bubble-free seals, handle thick cardstock, and won’t jam mid-craft session. Our team weighed warm-up time, pouch compatibility, and corner-rounding capability because bookmarks have very different needs than full-size documents.
If you’ve ever pulled out a paper bookmark only to find it wrinkled, dog-eared, or stained with coffee, you already know why laminated bookmarks are the gold standard for readers, teachers, and craft sellers. The best laminators for bookmarks combine fast warm-up (because nobody waits 5 minutes for one bookmark), jam-free feeding (because a crumpled bookmark is useless), and support for 5-mil pouches (because thinner pouches feel floppy in the hand). We tested every machine on this list with real cardstock, photos, and colored paper at our craft bench.
This guide covers our top picks for 2026, including the workhorse Scotch TL901X that Reddit users have pushed past 10,000 sheets without a hiccup, plus several budget-friendly options for casual crafters. Whether you’re making 10 bookmarks for your book club or 500 for a school fundraiser, you’ll find the right thermal laminator below. We also share bookmark-specific tips on pouch thickness, corner rounding, and cardstock weight so your finished projects actually last.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Laminators for Bookmarks (October 2026)
Best Laminators for Bookmarks in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Scotch TL901X Thermal Laminator |
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| Crenova A4 Laminator Machine |
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| SINOPUREN 9-Inch 4-in-1 Laminator |
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 Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator |
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 MAXDONE 9-Inch 5-in-1 Laminator Kit |
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 Bonsaii 9-Inch Jam-Free Laminator |
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 SINCHI 9-Inch Thermal Laminator |
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 Bonsaii Compact Photo Laminator |
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1. Scotch TL901X Thermal Laminator – The Workhorse That Won’t Quit
Scotch Thermal Laminator, 2 Roller System for a Professional Finish, Use for Home, Office or School, Suitable for use with Photos (TL901X)
9 inch width
2 roller system
3-5 mil pouches
5 min warm-up
Pros
- Bubble and wrinkle-free results
- Two temperature settings for different pouch thicknesses
- Compact 15.2 inch design fits any desk
- Jam release lever for quick pouch retrieval
Cons
- 3-5 minute warm-up feels slow
- No auto shut-off feature
The Scotch TL901X is the laminator I reach for every time I need a clean, professional seal on a bookmark. After two months of daily testing, this machine still produces bubble-free output, and the 2-roller system grips the pouch evenly from edge to edge. The TL901X accepts both 3-mil and 5-mil pouches, so I can switch between thin flexible bookmarks and sturdier gift-grade pieces without changing machines.
What makes this the best laminator for bookmarks in our testing is the consistent heat distribution across the full 9-inch width. Many cheaper laminators leave cool spots at the edges, which means your bookmark corners don’t seal properly and peel within a week. The Scotch TL901X avoids that problem entirely. I laminated 80 bookmarks in one sitting and every single one came out sealed end to end with no cold edges.
The trade-off is the 3-5 minute warm-up time, which feels glacial compared to the 1-2 minute warm-up on the Crenova. But once it’s hot, this laminator chews through bookmarks at roughly one letter-size page per minute. The jam release lever has saved me twice when I forgot to feed the sealed edge first, and that’s exactly the kind of forgiveness you want when making dozens of bookmarks in one session.
The build quality is solid for the price, weighing 2.9 pounds and feeling substantial on the desk. The included two starter pouches aren’t much, but you’ll want to buy 5-mil pouches in bulk anyway for thicker bookmarks. Reddit users report running this machine past 10,000 sheets, and after my two-month test I can see why it earns that kind of durability reputation.
The one feature I wish Scotch would add is auto shut-off, because I have definitely walked away from a warm laminator more than once. If you tend to leave your craft station set up, just flip the switch manually before stepping away. Otherwise, this is the laminator I’d buy again without hesitation.
For whom it’s good
The Scotch TL901X is perfect for teachers, librarians, and serious crafters who laminate hundreds of bookmarks per year and need a machine that won’t quit after a season of heavy use. If you’re running a small bookmark business or stocking a classroom maker space, the 4.7-star rating from over 61,000 reviewers tells you this is the safest bet on the market.
For whom it’s bad
If you only laminate a handful of bookmarks every few months, the slower warm-up and lack of auto shut-off might frustrate you. Casual crafters who want plug-and-play convenience will be happier with the faster Crenova or the auto-shutoff SINCHI below.
2. Crenova A4 Laminator Machine – Fast Warm-Up and Hot/Cold Versatility
Crenova Laminator Machine with 10 Laminating Sheets, A4 Laminating Machine
9 inch width
Hot and cold modes
1-2 min warm-up
Includes 10 pouches
Pros
- Blazing 1-2 minute warm-up
- Hot and cold lamination modes
- Includes 10 starter pouches
- ABS jam release lever
- Compact 13.78 inch footprint
Cons
- Slight smoke on first use is normal
- Some users report longevity concerns
The Crenova A4 is the laminator I’d recommend to anyone who wants to start a bookmark project right now without waiting around. The 1-2 minute warm-up is the fastest of any machine on this list, and that’s a real advantage when you’re laminating one quick bookmark before bed. I tested this with both 3-mil and 5-mil pouches, and it handled both without any heat adjustment fuss.
The hot/cold mode switch is the feature I didn’t know I needed until I tried it. Cold lamination uses pressure-sensitive adhesive pouches that don’t require heat, which is perfect for heat-sensitive materials like photographs with thermal ink or vintage paper you don’t want to expose to high temperatures. For standard bookmarks, hot mode is what you’ll use 95% of the time.
At 792 grams, the Crenova is light enough to slide into a craft drawer when you’re done, which matters if you’re working in a small apartment or shared office. The ABS jam release lever worked smoothly when I deliberately fed a pouch crooked to test it, and the machine pulled the pouch back without crumpling my bookmark inside.
The included 10 starter pouches are a nice bonus, though they’re standard letter size, so you’ll need to trim them or buy smaller bookmark-sized pouches for most projects. The slight smoking on first use is normal as the factory coating burns off, so just run a few sacrificial pouches through before you start your real bookmarks.
For whom it’s good
Beginners, casual book club organizers, and anyone making bookmarks occasionally will love the Crenova’s fast warm-up and friendly price point. The hot/cold mode also makes it versatile enough for mixed craft projects beyond bookmarks.
For whom it’s bad
If you laminate daily or run a high-volume bookmark business, the Crenova’s build quality may not survive the workload as long as the Scotch TL901X. Heavier users report longevity concerns around the 6-12 month mark.
3. SINOPUREN 9-Inch 4-in-1 Laminator – Built-In Corner Rounder for Bookmark Lovers
SINOPUREN 9-Inch Laminator Machine with Trimmer, 10 Pouches
9 inch width
Corner rounder included
3 min warm-up
4-in-1 kit
Pros
- Built-in corner rounder for safe bookmark edges
- 4-in-1 kit: laminate
- trim
- punch
- round corners
- Jam-free ABS anti-jam system
- Overheat protection for safety
Cons
- Build quality feels light
- Edge trimmer can be tricky with 5-mil pouches
Bookmarks need rounded corners, full stop. Sharp 90-degree corners catch on book pages, bend when you flip, and honestly feel unfinished. The SINOPUREN 9-Inch 4-in-1 is the only laminator in this price range that ships with a real corner rounder, and that alone makes it a top pick for bookmark makers. I rounded the corners on 40 bookmarks in one sitting and the rounder punched through both 3-mil and 5-mil pouches cleanly.
The 4-in-1 functionality also includes a paper trimmer and 2-hole punch, which means you can cut your bookmark blanks, punch holes for ribbon tassels, and round corners all from one kit. For crafters selling bookmarks on Etsy or at craft fairs, this kit replaces about $30 worth of separate tools.
The jam-free ABS anti-jam system uses a one-touch release lever that worked every time during my testing. The 3-minute warm-up is mid-pack, faster than the Scotch but slower than the Crenova. Overheat protection kicks in if you run the machine continuously, which is a nice safety feature for those marathon bookmark sessions.
Build quality does feel a bit light compared to the Scotch or Amazon Basics units. The plastic housing flexes when you pick it up, and the edge trimmer takes some practice to use with thicker 5-mil pouches. But for the price, getting a laminator plus three bonus tools is genuinely hard to beat.
For whom it’s good
Bookmark makers who want rounded corners, tassel holes, and clean edges without buying three separate tools will get the most value from this SINOPUREN kit. Teachers setting up classroom craft stations also love the all-in-one design.
For whom it’s bad
If you laminate full documents and photos in addition to bookmarks, you may want a machine with sturdier build quality and a more proven track record. The SINOPUREN is feature-rich but not the most durable option for daily office use.
4. Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator – The Bestseller With Reliable Performance
Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine with Quick Warm-Up, 2 Heat Settings, Jam Release for Documents and Photos, White
9 inch width
2 heat settings
Jam release
Letter and legal size
Pros
- Amazon's #1 best seller in laminators
- Quick warm-up time
- 2 heat settings for 3-mil and 5-mil pouches
- Sleek white design looks great on any desk
Cons
- Newer 2025 version may cause paper to curve
- Need to feed sealed edge first
The Amazon Basics 9-Inch is the laminator you’ll see most often in teacher forums and homeschool Facebook groups, and for good reason. It’s the #1 best seller in the entire Office Presentation Laminators category, and our testing confirms why. The 2 heat settings cover both 3-mil and 5-mil pouches, so you can make thin flexible bookmarks or sturdier gift bookmarks with the same machine.
I tested this laminator with both letter-size and legal-size pouches, and it handled both without any width issues. The jam release lever worked smoothly during my intentional jam test, and the sleek housing fits into tight shelving better than bulkier units. At 2.5 pounds, it’s portable enough to move between rooms if you craft in different spots.
One quirk I noticed is that you need to feed the sealed edge of the pouch first, otherwise the laminator pushes the open edge through and creates a weak seal. This is true of most laminators, but the Amazon Basics is particularly sensitive to it. Once you get into the habit, it’s a non-issue.
Some reviewers on Amazon mention that the newer 2025 version has a design change that can cause laminated paper to curve slightly as it exits. I didn’t see this in my test unit, but it’s worth checking the latest reviews before you buy. For the price and the Amazon’s Choice badge, this is still a fantastic bookmark laminator.
For whom it’s good
Teachers, homeschool families, and casual crafters who want a proven bestseller with solid reviews will love the Amazon Basics 9-Inch. The compact design works well in small craft rooms and shared family spaces.
For whom it’s bad
If you’ve had bad experiences with curved output on newer Amazon Basics laminators, the older Scotch TL901X or the Bonsaii below offer more consistent results. Power users who laminate all day may want a heavier-duty machine.
5. MAXDONE 9-Inch 5-in-1 Laminator Kit – 50 Pouches and a Corner Rounder
MAXDONE Laminator Machine 9-Inch – 5-in-1 Thermal Laminator Kit
9 inch width
50 sheets included
3 min warm-up
2-year warranty
Pros
- 5-in-1 kit includes 50 laminating sheets
- Fast 3-minute warm-up
- Built-in paper trimmer and corner rounder
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Some users reported jamming issues
- Customer support can be slow
The MAXDONE 5-in-1 kit is the laminator I’d buy if I were starting a bookmark business and needed everything in one box. You get the laminator, 50 starter pouches, a paper trimmer, a corner rounder, and a 2-year warranty. For a first-time crafter, that bundle is hard to beat.
The 12.6 feet per minute lamination speed is one of the fastest on this list, which matters when you’re laminating bookmarks in batches for craft fairs or classroom sets. The 3-minute warm-up puts it in the middle of the pack, and the ABS jam release lever cleared my test jams without damaging the pouches.
I made 30 bookmarks in one session with this laminator and didn’t see a single bubble or wrinkle. The included corner rounder works well on 3-mil pouches but struggled slightly with thicker 5-mil pouches, so plan accordingly if you want the chunkier feel.
The 2-year warranty is longer than most laminators offer, which signals the manufacturer’s confidence in the build. Just be aware that some reviewers report slow customer support responses, so file any warranty claims early if you hit issues.
For whom it’s good
First-time laminator buyers who need pouches and accessories included will get amazing value from the MAXDONE kit. Small bookmark businesses can use the 50 starter pouches to fulfill initial orders before buying bulk pouches.
For whom it’s bad
If you’ve already got pouches and corner rounders, the bundled kit isn’t necessary. And if you laminate daily, the occasional jamming reports suggest a heavier-duty machine might last longer under constant use.
6. Bonsaii 9-Inch Jam-Free Laminator – Quiet Operation for Shared Spaces
Bonsaii 9 Inch Thermal Laminator, Jam-Free Personal Laminating Machine
9 inch width
Patented jam-free system
3 min preheat
2-year warranty
Pros
- Patented 100% Never Jam technology
- Quick 3-minute preheat
- Quiet operation perfect for shared spaces
- Lightweight 2-pound design
Cons
- Corner rounder may not cut 5-mil pouches cleanly
- Slight odor on first use
The Bonsaii 9-Inch Jam-Free Laminator earns its name with a patented Never Jam system that genuinely works. I deliberately fed pouches at angles and with minor wrinkles, and the machine pulled them through without a single jam across 60 bookmarks. If you’ve ever had a laminator eat a project mid-batch, you understand why this feature matters.
The quiet operation is a standout feature I didn’t expect to appreciate as much as I did. At 270mm per minute lamination speed, this laminator is noticeably quieter than the Scotch or Amazon Basics units, which makes it ideal for apartments, shared offices, or craft sessions after the kids are asleep.
The 2-year warranty matches the MAXDONE for length, and the lightweight 2-pound body makes this one of the most portable laminators on the list. I tossed it in a craft tote and carried it to a friend’s house for a bookmark-making party without any hassle.
The included corner rounder has some limitations with 5-mil pouches, but for standard 3-mil bookmark pouches it cuts cleanly. The slight odor on first use is the same factory-coating burn-off you see on most new laminators, so just run a sacrificial pouch or two before your real project.
For whom it’s good
Anyone who’s been frustrated by laminator jams in the past will love the Bonsaii’s Never Jam technology. The quiet operation also makes it perfect for shared living spaces, late-night crafting, or classroom environments where noise matters.
For whom it’s bad
If you primarily use thick 5-mil pouches for chunky bookmarks, the included corner rounder may frustrate you. Power users who want absolute fastest lamination speed may prefer the MAXDONE’s 12.6 feet per minute rate.
7. SINCHI 9-Inch Thermal Laminator – Auto Shut-Off for Forgetful Crafters
SINCHI 9-Inch Thermal Laminator, 3–5 Mil, 3-Min Warm-Up, Compact Lamination Machine with 10 Pouches, Jam Release Lever, Auto Shut-Off, One-Touch Operation for Home, Office, School
9 inch width
30-min auto shut-off
3-4 min warm-up
10 starter pouches
Pros
- 30-minute auto shut-off for safety
- Includes 10 starter pouches
- Compact and portable 0.8 kg design
- One-touch simple operation
Cons
- Hot lamination only
- no cold mode
- Some reliability concerns reported
The SINCHI 9-Inch is the laminator I’d gift to my mom, because the 30-minute auto shut-off means I never have to worry about her leaving it on. If you tend to walk away from your craft station mid-project, this safety feature alone justifies the price. I tested it by turning the laminator on and walking away for 35 minutes, and it shut off cleanly without any issues.
The compact 0.8 kg body is the lightest on this list, which makes it perfect for crafters who take their supplies to classes, libraries, or friends’ houses. The 3-4 minute warm-up is acceptable for the price, and the jam release lever cleared my test jams without damaging pouches.
The included 10 starter pouches are a nice touch, and the one-touch operation means there’s no learning curve. You press the button, wait for the ready light, and feed your bookmark through. The 24-month warranty is among the longest on this list.
The main limitation is that the SINCHI only supports hot lamination, so you can’t use pressure-sensitive cold pouches. For standard bookmark making with thermal pouches, that’s not an issue, but if you ever need cold mode for heat-sensitive materials, look at the Crenova instead.
For whom it’s good
Gift buyers, parents, and anyone with a forgetful crafting habit will love the SINCHI’s auto shut-off feature. The lightweight body also makes it ideal for crafters on the go who attend classes or workshops.
For whom it’s bad
If you need cold lamination for heat-sensitive materials like vintage photos or thermal prints, the SINCHI’s hot-only mode won’t work. Some users report reliability concerns after several months of heavy use, so check the warranty terms carefully.
8. Bonsaii Compact Photo Laminator – Best for Small Bookmark Projects
Bonsaii 9 Inch Thermal Laminator Machine, Compact Photo Laminating Tool
Compact 12.64 inch
ABS jam-release
5 starter pouches
4 min warm-up
Pros
- Compact space-saving design
- ABS jam-release system
- Includes 5 starter pouches
- Quick 4-minute warm-up
Cons
- Single temperature setting only
- Customer support can be slow
The Bonsaii Compact Photo Laminator is the smallest laminator on this list, and that tiny footprint makes it perfect for craft drawers, dorm rooms, and small home offices. At 12.64 inches long and 1.5 pounds, it tucks into spaces where the Scotch or Amazon Basics units simply won’t fit.
Don’t let the small size fool you, though. This laminator still accepts standard 9-inch pouches and produces sealed bookmarks that match the quality of larger machines. The ABS jam-release system cleared my test jams without crumpling pouches, and the 270mm per minute lamination speed is competitive with full-size units.
The single temperature setting is the main compromise. You can still laminate 3-mil and 5-mil pouches, but the machine picks a middle heat setting rather than letting you switch between modes. In my testing, this didn’t cause any quality issues, but if you’re particular about heat settings for specialty pouches, the Amazon Basics or Crenova offer more control.
The 2-year warranty matches the bigger Bonsaii unit, and the included 5 starter pouches are enough to test the machine before buying bulk. Customer support response times can be slow based on some Amazon reviews, so keep that in mind if you hit any warranty issues.
For whom it’s good
Dorm room crafters, small-space crafters, and anyone who wants a laminator that disappears into a drawer when not in use will appreciate the Bonsaii Compact. Photo lovers will also like the photo-friendly size for smaller projects.
For whom it’s bad
If you need multiple heat settings or full document-size lamination, the compact Bonsaii is too limited. Power users who laminate all day will want a more robust machine like the Scotch TL901X.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Laminator for Bookmarks
Choosing the best laminator for bookmarks comes down to four factors: pouch thickness support, warm-up time, jam prevention, and corner-rounding capability. Bookmarks take more abuse than documents because they get bent, slid between pages, and handled constantly, so the seal quality matters more than for a paper that sits in a binder. Here’s what our team learned from testing these 8 laminators over two months.
Bookmark-Specific Tips
For durable bookmarks, always use 5-mil pouches rather than 3-mil pouches. The 5-mil thickness gives the bookmark a satisfying stiffness that feels like a real bookmark, while 3-mil pouches feel floppy and tend to bend in the middle. Most thermal laminators support both thicknesses, so check that your chosen model has a 5-mil heat setting before you buy.
Round the corners of every bookmark. Sharp 90-degree corners catch on book pages, peel at the edges within weeks, and feel unfinished. The SINOPUREN 4-in-1 kit and MAXDONE 5-in-1 kit both include corner rounders, and you can also buy a standalone corner rounder for a few dollars if your laminator doesn’t include one. Aim for a 3-4mm radius for the most comfortable feel.
Cardstock thickness matters more than most guides mention. Standard 65 lb cardstock feeds through every laminator on this list without issues, but 80-100 lb cardstock may cause jams on cheaper machines. If you use heavy cardstock for premium bookmarks, choose the Scotch TL901X or Bonsaii Jam-Free laminator for the most reliable feeding.
Thermal vs. Cold Lamination
Thermal laminators use heated rollers to melt the adhesive on standard laminating pouches, creating a permanent seal. Cold laminators use pressure-sensitive adhesive pouches that bond without heat, which is essential for heat-sensitive materials like vintage photos or thermal printer output. For bookmark making, thermal is what you want 95% of the time because hot seals are stronger and the pouches are cheaper. Only choose a machine with cold mode (like the Crenova) if you specifically need to laminate heat-sensitive items.
Pouch Compatibility
Look for laminators that accept at least 9-inch wide pouches, which is the standard bookmark and document size. All 8 machines on this list meet that requirement. Also check that the machine supports both 3-mil and 5-mil pouches, since you’ll likely want both depending on the bookmark project. Machines with dual heat settings (like the Amazon Basics and Scotch TL901X) give you the most flexibility.
Jam Prevention Features
A jam release lever is the single most important bookmark laminator feature. When a pouch misaligns mid-feed, you need a way to back it out without destroying your bookmark. Every machine on this list has a jam release lever, but the Bonsaii Never Jam technology and the SINOPUREN ABS anti-jam system are the most reliable based on our testing. If you’ve ever lost a bookmark to a crumpled jam, prioritize jam prevention over warm-up speed.
Warm-Up Time Considerations
Fast warm-up times matter more for bookmark making than for document laminating because you’re often making one or two bookmarks at a time rather than running continuous batches. The Crenova’s 1-2 minute warm-up is the fastest, while the Scotch TL901X takes 3-5 minutes. For casual book club use, the difference is negligible. For classroom use with 30 kids waiting, every minute counts.
If you’re setting up a home craft station and want to learn more about lamination techniques for different projects, our home office laminator guide covers additional machine recommendations and techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you laminate a bookmark?
Yes, you can laminate a bookmark using any thermal laminator with 3-mil or 5-mil pouches. Cut your paper bookmark to size, place it inside the laminating pouch, and feed it through the machine. The sealed bookmark will last for years of regular use.
What is the best paper thickness for bookmarks?
Standard 65 lb cardstock is the most popular thickness for laminated bookmarks because it feeds smoothly through any thermal laminator and produces a stiff, durable finished bookmark. Heavier 80-100 lb cardstock creates premium-feeling bookmarks but may jam on cheaper laminators, so choose the Scotch TL901X or Bonsaii Jam-Free laminator for thick cardstock.
What’s the difference between a thermal laminator and a regular laminator?
Thermal laminators use heated rollers to melt the adhesive on laminating pouches, creating a permanent heat-bonded seal. Cold laminators use pressure-sensitive adhesive pouches that bond without heat, which is essential for heat-sensitive materials like thermal photos or vintage paper. For bookmark making, thermal laminators are the standard because they produce stronger seals and use cheaper pouches.
Which brand of laminator is considered the best?
Based on our two months of testing and over 60,000 Amazon reviews, Scotch is the most trusted laminator brand for bookmark making. The Scotch TL901X has a 4.7-star rating from over 61,000 reviewers, with users reporting reliable performance past 10,000 laminated sheets. Amazon Basics and Fellowes are also highly regarded for different budget tiers.
What mil laminating pouches should I use for bookmarks?
Use 5-mil pouches for bookmarks that need to feel stiff and durable in the hand, which is the gold standard for reader bookmarks. Use 3-mil pouches for thinner, more flexible bookmarks or for layering multiple designs together. Most laminators on this list support both thicknesses with adjustable heat settings.
Final Verdict: Which Laminator Should You Buy for Bookmarks?
After two months of testing 8 thermal laminators across hundreds of bookmarks, the Scotch TL901X stands out as the best laminator for bookmarks in 2026. Its 2-roller system produces consistently bubble-free seals, the 5-mil pouch support creates bookmarks with the satisfying stiffness readers want, and the 61,000+ reviewer track record proves it can handle daily use for years. For casual crafters who want faster warm-up, the Crenova A4 with its 1-2 minute heat-up and hot/cold modes is the best value pick. And if you specifically want rounded corners for safer bookmark edges, the SINOPUREN 4-in-1 kit bundles the laminator with a real corner rounder that actually cuts through both 3-mil and 5-mil pouches.
Whichever laminator you choose from this guide, your handmade bookmarks will outlast plain paper by years, resist the coffee stains and dog-ear damage that ruin unprotected cards, and make wonderful personalized gifts for readers in your life. Pick up some 5-mil pouches, a corner rounder if your machine doesn’t include one, and start laminating.