"SelfSeal" machine-free laminating sheets

[panache45]

I've begun working on some art projects that will, hopefully, continue well into the future. Part of the process involves a need to laminate many small photographic prints (printed from my inkjet). I was shopping around for a laminating machine, when I noticed some "SelfSeal Machine Free Laminating sheets," made by GBC. I bought a packet of 2 sheets and am experimenting with it. I'm getting good results as long as I burnish the back of each photo after contact. And I like the fact that the back is not laminated, to facilitate cementing it to another surface.

What I'm concerned with is the longevity of these laminates, compared with those from a machine. Is the bond permanent? Is there any discoloration or fading? Does anybody have experience with this, or know whether there have been studies done?

[Khadaji]

I have only one experience with it. The laminate was to a card-stock, sort of thick. After years, the laminate stayed on the front, but caused the stack to split. I'm not sure if there would have been any way around it.

[BigT]

The only real problem I ever had was that they were too thick. And, if you do both sides like most people do, it's really hard to get them perfectly aligned. But that can be remedies by using larger sheets than you need and cutting off the excess.