@addy: *swoops in*
Hello! I have loooots of experience with home laminators!

I have had both the amazon basics laminator and I think the scotch one? My current laminator is the amazon brand.
I have found that the pouches work just as well as the name brand ones.
For a badge, I think you would need to get the thicker laminating sheets just so that they would be sturdier. I have the normal thickness sheets for my classroom use and they have held up really well too, but they are bendy. I've used them for stations and classroom decorations.

My husband likes a laminator called the royal sovereign? He says it's the best laminator he's ever used.

The only issue that I've had with the amazon brand was really just a user error. I wasn't paying attention to the little green light that says it's ready because I just assumed that once it was heated, it was fine, but you have to let it reheat a little bit after a few sheets. The green light will go off and turn back on after a few seconds. If it isn't heated enough, it will crinkle up inside the laminator and ruin the project. I've also had a few issues with not putting the paper in exactly straight and it will crinkle on the side.

But, overall, the amazon basics laminator has worked really well for my classroom use and kids are pretty rough with stuff.

You can double paper up in the sheet, but make sure you don't cut the "seal" or it will peel apart. If it isn't paper doubled up, you can cut all over it without worrying about it coming apart.


Also, there is a such thing as matte laminating sheets and I'm totally investing in those for my decorations next year!

@addy: there's nothing better than sliding your scissors through fresh lamination. aaaaahhh..... XD
I love laminating things.

There is this M&M commercial that cracks me up because he laminated his resume and I just thought it was genius.

@bioshock: honestly it's super satisfying, i haven't laminated things in years but that might be half the reason i'm hype to get back on this train lol

@totalanimefan: it IS slow but it's strangely therapeutic when it comes out!?

@nemesis: aaaaaaahhh the smell of lamination in the morning.....

It's an acquired taste. XD

I think I like it because I associate it with accomplishing things. XD

@nemesis: ah, well, yes... there is that.. XD
My accomplishments are usually "HAHA I don't have to make anymore copies of that for the rest of my life. USE DRY ERASE MARKERS MY LOVELIES. REUSABLE WORK 5EVER. "