RECOMMENDED
Amazon Basics 9/12 Inch
A budget-friendly thermal laminator perfect for getting started with card protection. Handles standard 9x12 inch pouches and heats up quickly.
Build Quality
Ease of Use
Heat Distribution
Jam Prevention
Laminator Guide
Laminating adds protection, weight and stiffness to your proxy cards.
We research our recommendations and are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Learn more
Laminator Comparison
TL;DR
- Best budget laminator: Amazon Basics 9/12 Inch — cheap, reliable starter. Amazon
- Best overall laminator: Fellowes — slightly better heat Amazon
- Pouch (glossy best value): Amazon Basics 3 Mil Pouches — affordable and consistent. Amazon
- Pouch (matte, reduce glare): Uinkit Matte Laminating Pouches — great for handling and readability. Amazon
Fellowes
Professional-grade laminator with advanced features including auto-shutoff, jam release lever, and superior heat distribution for consistent results.
Build Quality
Ease of Use
Heat Distribution
Jam Prevention
Amazon:
Walmart:
Laminating Pouches
2 Mil Laminating Pouches
Ultra-thin 2 mil thermal pouches for very flexible proxies — testing in progress.
Store:
Matte!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I laminate my proxy cards?
Laminating proxy cards protects them from wear, spills, and handling damage during gameplay. It also gives them a more professional feel similar to real cards, and allows you to use them repeatedly without degradation. Laminated cards are easier to shuffle and handle.
What thickness laminating pouches should I use?
For proxy cards, 5-7 mil (125-175 micron) pouches provide the best balance of protection and flexibility. Thinner pouches (3 mil) may not provide enough protection, while thicker ones (10 mil) can make cards feel too stiff and difficult to shuffle.
Can I laminate multiple cards at once?
Yes! Most laminators can handle multiple cards in a single pouch, or you can run several pouches through in sequence. Just ensure proper spacing and don't overload the machine. Allow adequate warm-up time between batches for consistent results.
How do I get the best lamination results?
Use high-quality laminating pouches, ensure your laminator is fully warmed up, feed cards slowly and evenly, and use a carrier sheet to prevent adhesive buildup. Clean your laminator regularly and store pouches in a dry environment.
What if my cards get jammed in the laminator?
Many modern laminators include a reverse/jam release function. If your laminator doesn't have this feature, turn it off, let it cool, and gently try to remove the jammed material. Never force it while hot. This is why models with jam release features are recommended for heavy use.
Do I need different settings for different card types?
Higher-end laminators with temperature controls allow you to adjust settings based on the material thickness and type. Photo-quality prints may benefit from lower temperatures to prevent color shifting, while regular cardstock can handle standard settings.