September 5, 2025
DISCOUNTED EDUCATION PRICING! CALL 1-877-891-8411. We Gladly Accept School Purchase Orders!
DISCOUNTED EDUCATION PRICING! CALL 1-877-891-8411. We Gladly Accept School Purchase Orders!
Whether you’re a teacher, office manager, small business owner, or crafter, you probably know the importance of protecting your documents and materials. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to do this is with cold lamination. But what happens when you run out of film? That’s where a cold laminate refill comes in.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cold laminate refills—what they are, how they work, who needs them, and how to replace them. Plus, we’ll cover where to buy them and how to choose the right one.
Let’s get started.
A cold laminate refill is a replacement roll of lamination film used in a cold laminating machine. Unlike hot laminators, which use heat to bond film to paper, cold laminators use pressure and an adhesive backing. This makes cold lamination ideal for heat-sensitive items like photographs, inkjet prints, and vinyl stickers.
Cold laminating film usually comes in two rolls:
When you run out of film, you simply replace the empty roll with a cold laminate refill, which restores the machine’s ability to laminate documents.
People choose cold lamination for a variety of reasons:
Cold laminate refills are used by a wide range of people across different industries:
Lamination is essential for creating long-lasting flashcards, bulletin board decor, signs, and class schedules. Cold laminators are safer in classroom settings, especially around children.
Product labels, price sheets, and in-store signage often require protection from handling or weather. Cold laminating offers a professional look without expensive printing.
From stickers to custom-made covers and die-cuts, cold lamination preserves intricate and colorful designs that may melt in a hot laminator.
Display notices, ID cards, health & safety signage, or frequently used forms can all benefit from lamination. Cold laminate refills keep machines ready for quick and repeated use.
If your laminating film is running low or has already run out, you’ll notice signs like:
Inspect the rolls by opening the machine cover—if one roll is nearly empty or the core is exposed, it’s time to refill.
Refilling your cold laminator is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it:
Safety first. Make sure the machine is powered off and unplugged if applicable.
Lift the cover or release latch, depending on your model. Expose both the top and bottom rollers.
Carefully slide out the old laminate rolls. Most are held in place with side brackets or spindles.
Pull the film across the rollers and into the machine’s intake slot. Be sure it is centered and smooth.
Close the lid and run a test document through. Adjust tension or alignment if necessary.
Pro Tip: Always refer to your laminator’s manual for model-specific instructions.
Not all laminating refills are the same. Consider the following when buying:
Match your refill width to your laminator. Common widths are 9″, 12″, 18″, and 27″.
Some machines require a specific core diameter, usually 1” or 2”. Check your machine’s specs.
Measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch). Popular choices:
You might also see self-adhesive laminating pouches or sheets marketed as cold lamination. Here’s how they differ:
| Feature | Refill Rolls (for machines) | Self-Adhesive Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Machine? | Yes | No |
| Best for | Bulk or continuous use | Occasional or small projects |
| Precision | High | Medium |
| Cost per sheet | Lower | Higher |
If you laminate documents regularly, go with a machine and refill rolls.
You can find cold laminate refills at:
Search Tips:
Use terms like:
Make sure to double-check compatibility with your specific laminator model.
A: Not always. Some machines (like Xyron) are proprietary. Check your manual before ordering.
A: The adhesive won’t contact the document, resulting in failed lamination. Always double-check orientation.
A: It depends on your usage. A 100-foot roll may last months in low-volume settings, but only weeks in a busy office.
A: It’s designed to be permanent, but with heat or solvents, you may be able to peel it off. Results vary.
Cold laminate refills are a small but essential part of maintaining your laminating workflow—whether you’re crafting, teaching, managing an office, or running a business. By understanding how they work, when to replace them, and how to choose the right one, you can save time, reduce waste, and get consistently great results.
Ready to restock? Don’t wait until you’re out—keep a cold laminate refill on hand so you’re always prepared.
