Laminating is typically used for printing that will be handled frequently, including menus, price lists, maps, instructional materials, bookmarks, membership cards, etc. Laminated pages are frequently used as book covers or in salespeople's "flip" books. The brighter colours on printed materials are another advantage of lamination.

For printed materials used in soiled or moist conditions, such as machine warnings and operating instructions, safety and emergency signage, factory rules, reusable tags, etc., lamination is also advised. In order for the top and bottom layers of transparent laminate to adhere to one another in conditions where there is a lot of moisture or oil present, the lamination film is frequently extended by 1/8" to 1/2" beyond the edge of the printed piece. This prevents the edge of the printed piece from becoming wet, oily, or dirty.