View Full Version : laminating SK style maps
Anyone done this?
I dont like the colour photcopy then laminate because of the sever graphics degradation.
I have never laminated anythign as thick as the SK maps.
What graphics degredation? I photocopied all my maps, even enlarging them by 30%, and they look as good as the originals, at least to my eye. Where are you getting your photocoping done ?
I have done color photocopying of ASLSK maps, then laminated them, with extremely good quality. No complaints whatsoever.
I have tried on different copiers at kinos and i dont liek the way copied maps look.
What i was asking is if anyone has ever laminated a SK style map (as is) without photocopying.
Canadian Dude
10 Aug 06, 23:10
Do the SK maps really need lamination?
- The Canadian Dude
Swiftandsure
11 Aug 06, 02:16
Do the SK maps really need lamination?I pre-ordered the complete set of SK-style maps, as I do find that format will equate laminated unmounted maps more or less... Of course, one can still spill coffee on them with a nastier effect than on laminated maps, and I believe that using adhesive to stick them on a table won't do them good... Now I use a fine acrylic glass over my maps anyway...
I used the clear (transparent) adhesive covering that you can find at Wal-mart or any grocery store even (in the shelving paper area). It comes in large rolls that are plenty wide enough to cover the playing surface side of the map and then fold under nicely to cover that back. No warping and the board folds just fine.
Contactbrand.com (http://www.contactbrand.com/MC/Regular/mc_adhesive.htm) (doesn't really show what it looks like, the paper backing looks like the small image that they show here - you'll know it when you see it).
I've used this same adhesive since I first began wargaming in the late 70's to cover the old mapboards and charts. Those games still look fine, no bleeding, peeling or warping after all of these years.
Do the SK maps really need lamination?It depends on how much you play on them. One of my opponants has been pretty active with his copies and they are already a bit scuffed around the edges. I got a glass picture frame to use with my copies.
Hey thanks! i may have to try that.
I am alaminating maniac. I laminate ALL my maps. Literally I have very single unmounted map laminated. the mounted ones I havent. I am really not sure what i want to do with these guys. But I think your adhesive idea might work bloody well on these too!
I used the clear (transparent) adhesive covering that you can find at Wal-mart or any grocery store even (in the shelving paper area). It comes in large rolls that are plenty wide enough to cover the playing surface side of the map and then fold under nicely to cover that back. No warping and the board folds just fine.
Contactbrand.com (http://www.contactbrand.com/MC/Regular/mc_adhesive.htm) (doesn't really show what it looks like, the paper backing looks like the small image that they show here - you'll know it when you see it).
I've used this same adhesive since I first began wargaming in the late 70's to cover the old mapboards and charts. Those games still look fine, no bleeding, peeling or warping after all of these years.
Whizbang1963
11 Aug 06, 10:47
You can laminate them. You have to use a good, hot roller system, preferrably with 5mil matte film. Kinko's and some other places can do it, Kinko's usually has to send it out to get it done.
If you have an extra board, do a test to make sure that you will get the results that you desire.
You can buy your own laminator and do it. Hot lamination is better than "cold" lamination by a long shot. I know people have laminated the ASLSK boards with no complaints. Just make sure you cut them in half first.
I have laminated starter kit style boards. No problem.
Whizbang1963
11 Aug 06, 13:39
You can buy your own laminator and do it. Hot lamination is better than "cold" lamination by a long shot. I know people have laminated the ASLSK boards with no complaints. Just make sure you cut them in half first.
I've got a nice unit and have found pouches large enough to do the maps without cuttung them in half, of course then you have the storage problem...
why cut them in half?
is that jsu for when using half a map? ( i keep al mine fully extended even then.... just blocking off the unused section)
I've got a nice unitTMI? :shock: And it's large enough to do what? :crosseye: Without what? :cheeky:
- Chad :clown:
// not sure if I'll be laminating my new-style boards or not, but will definately be cutting them in half...
You DEFINITELY want to cut them in half. Trust me on this. I did it the hard way. I bought a set of unmounted maps, laminated them all, then found out 1) they were extremely awkward to hold and go through, being both slippery and unwieldy, and perhaps more importantly, 2) because they cannot bend, they are quite user-unfriendly when you have to have two half maps laid end to end.
In the end, I ended up getting rid of that set, buying ANOTHER set of unmounted maps and doing it right this time. Now they store easily, they handle easily, and they are easy to set up and play on.
Whizbang1963
11 Aug 06, 15:20
You DEFINITELY want to cut them in half. Trust me on this. I did it the hard way. I bought a set of unmounted maps, laminated them all, then found out 1) they were extremely awkward to hold and go through, being both slippery and unwieldy, and perhaps more importantly, 2) because they cannot bend, they are quite user-unfriendly when you have to have two half maps laid end to end.
In the end, I ended up getting rid of that set, buying ANOTHER set of unmounted maps and doing it right this time. Now they store easily, they handle easily, and they are easy to set up and play on.
How do you cut them? On the crease line or in some other place?
Chas Argent
11 Aug 06, 15:22
Cut them right smack down the center of Row Q.
Whizbang1963
11 Aug 06, 15:24
Cut them right smack down the center of Row Q.
Thanks...
I'll play with one of them this weekend...(yeah like I'll have time after I attack the jungle, errrr I mean the front yard)
Cut them right smack down the center of Row Q.
Correct. And yell, "Who's your daddy" when you do it.
How do you cut them? On the crease line or in some other place?
As the others stated - right down the center of hex row Q. Split the center dot.
I'm fortunate that my wife is heavily into quilting. I place the map on a cutting board (lining it up on the guides). Place one of those clear cutting rulers they use so the center dots are split on the edge and then use her rotary blade to cut it in half. Workds everytime and very accurate.
Chris
Faded 8-1
12 Aug 06, 03:04
What to use if you don't have access to such an apparatus? Too thick for X-acto I think, and I don't trust a standard office paper cutter to stay on line.
Kinko's will do it.
By the way, it doesn't really matter if it is not exactly on-line, because you will not have to mate it up with anything else.
Faded 8-1
12 Aug 06, 14:51
Good point. Scissors and a steady hand could do the job I guess. I have >= 1 of those. :D
What to use if you don't have access to such an apparatus? Too thick for X-acto I think, and I don't trust a standard office paper cutter to stay on line.
If you use a standard paper cutter in a well lit room including a lamp at the same height or lower than that cutting edge, the shadow of the metal edge will keep you in line. I cut all 52 unmounted boards in half before laminating without a misstep. Once you start laminating, take your time to feed the machine ... just right.
Bumping...
I just got back my SK maps that I laminated.
VERY nice. I decided not to cut them as my shelf is the perfect size for them not cut to store.
But anyone thinking about getting them laminated that work very well and are insanely sturdy afterwards.
Bumping...
I just got back my SK maps that I laminated.
VERY nice. I decided not to cut them as my shelf is the perfect size for them not cut to store.
But anyone thinking about getting them laminated that work very well and are insanely sturdy afterwards.
Where/how did you laminate them? If you had it done, approx. what were the costs?
Kinkos..
$3.23 per map :-)
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