How to remove lamination from documents?

I really don’t know why I even laminated my 12th marksheet. While getting admission in a college, I was asked to remove the lamination so that they can give a stamp on the result. I requested them a lot but they said if I am unable to remove the lamination, I can find some other college. I did not know how to remove laminate from paper so thought I had to find some other college only. However my friend gave me an idea that removes lamination from paper. If you are struggling to find the answer, let me help you out.

How to remove lamination without damaging the paper?

Here are the steps to remove the lamination:

• Cut the edges of the lamination

• Use a blow dryer to blow warm air into the lamination

• You will notice that the lamination is heated and the air is pushing between the plastic and paper

• Try to slide the paper and the edges of the lamination will peel away from each other

I would personally say that for removing lamination from documents, it is better to use a blow dryer than an iron as, if the iron gets too much heated, it will let the lamination stick more with the paper and can ruin the entire process as well as the document.

These steps helped me to get my lamination removed so for your question on how to remove laminate from paper, I think my answer has definitely been helpful.

Laminating a document takes a few minutes, but delaminating is hard. I needed to delaminate a certificate, so I asked a shopkeeper to help me understand how to remove a laminated document, but he couldn’t. I, therefore, started researching it online and, came across the method of using a hair dryer from the previous comments. I did not have it either, so I implemented some other strategies. If you are also looking for how to delaminate a document, let me help you.

How to remove lamination from document safely?

Here are some ways in which you can remove lamination from a document:

• Heat Method:

Use a hair dryer on a low heat setting to gently warm the lamination, making the adhesive more pliable. You can also hold the document over a pot of gently steaming water to soften the adhesive. Once the lamination starts to loosen, carefully peel it off using a plastic card, moving gradually to prevent tearing.

• Freezer Method:

Place the laminated document in a plastic bag and freeze it for a few hours to make the adhesive brittle. After freezing, bend the lamination gently to separate it from the paper, using a plastic card to aid separation.

• Solvent Method:

Dab a cotton ball or cloth with isopropyl alcohol and gently rub the edges of the lamination to weaken the adhesive. After the adhesive softens, use a plastic card to slowly lift and peel off the lamination, taking care not to damage the paper.

• Steam Method:

Hold the document over a pot of gently steaming water to soften the adhesive. Peel delicately. That means, once the lamination edges become loose, carefully peel using a plastic card while continuing to apply steam.

• Sandwich Bag Method:

Place the laminated document between moist paper towels and insert it into a plastic bag. Leave it overnight to soften the adhesive. The next day, gently peel the lamination off and use a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining adhesive residue.

These are some methods on how to remove a laminated document that I learned.

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We need lamination to protect our important documents from getting turned or damaged. But at times when the original document is asked, we get confused about how to remove lamination. Either we have to go to the store to get the lamination removed or we try to remove it by ourselves which can be dangerous. I have successfully removed lamination before and I will share with you all the important steps to remove lamination from paper. But to know how to remove lamination from documents, I should also share with you what points to remember before removing the lamination.

What do you check before removing the lamination?

• To remove the lamination check how old the document is, check the paper inside the lamination. If the paper is brittle then your document can get damaged while removing the lamination.

• Check if there is any stamp that can get damaged by heat.

• Older plastics are easier to remove if the plastic is not fused.

How to remove lamination from paper?

To remove the lamination from the paper you will require:

1. Iron

2. Cotton rag or sheets

3. Scissors

Step by step process on how to remove lamination from paper:

Heat up the iron for a few minutes. After heating the iron, use it carefully.

If the lamination expands above the document, trim it up as close to the document as possible. Carefully trim up the laminated plastic by not damaging the paper.

Place a cotton rag or a sheet on the top of the laminated paper to prevent the plastic from melting or getting burnt. 

Do not iron the cotton rag for more than 10 seconds. Try to carefully heat up the edge and corners of the lamination. Take your time and apply a short amount of heat. If the paper or the plastic starts curling, stop ironing the laminated document.

The plastic will start getting detached. Slice the plastic to open the lamination.

Carefully remove the plastic from the paper. You can use a stapler or a plastic wrap to prevent the paper from getting peeled off. Try not to heat the portion which has ink. You may need to re-heat the document depending on the kind of lamination.

Do not rush while delaminating.

If your paper isn't delaminated yet you can use scissors to cut the plastic. Cut the edges of the plastic and create a lip. Do not cut the document while cutting plastic. Be mindful while using the scissors. Check out the seam present between the two portions of the plastic and cut the two sides accordingly.

I hope you like my answer on how to remove lamination from paper.