What is the difference between hot and cold lamination?

Hot lamination is the most common and durable lamination method and is generally preferred over cold lamination. Hot laminators use a heat-activated adhesive that is heated as it passes through the laminator. The downside to hot laminators is that some items (for example, some photographs) can not handle the heat required to apply the lamination.

Cold laminators use a pressure-sensitive adhesive that does not need to be heated. The laminator uses rollers that push the sheets of lamination together. Cold laminators are faster and easier to use than hot laminators, and they are safe for nearly all flat items.