NEVER LAMINATE a valuable, original or one of a kind document that you wish preserved. Rather, ENCAPSULATE it. Lamination involves sticking a plastic material to both sides of the document. The sticking process can ultimately damage, even destroy, the document. Lamination is fine for documents that are not valuable or one of a kind, and that can be readily replaced. Encapsulation involves placing the document between two sheets of clear mylar that are slightly larger than the document, and binding these two sheets of mylar together with double-sided tape placed along their overhanging edges. Although more expensive than lamination, this leaves the document inside a sealed mylar envelope, with no adhesives contacting the document itself. This is how most professional archivists protect such documents. Archival-safe encapsulation materials are usually available from well-stocked art or drafting supplies stores. Gordon > I am think about laminating my document and some old pictures. > Has anyone laminated their documents and If so what is the best way, > hot or cold.? Or is there a better way of preserving them >