How to Create Laminated ID Badges with Teslin and Laminating Pouches

Needed Supplies

Computer
Color printer
Teslin perforated sheets
Butterfly Laminating Pouches
Thermal Seal Laminator

Optional Supplies

Polaroid Camera
Polaroid 669 film
Slot Punch
Badge Clips

Many large companies make PVC badges using advanced computers, software and materials to make specialized ID badges. If you are looking to make durable badges for your organization without all of the specialized equipment that large companies purchase, follow our guidelines below for step by step instructions to make professional ID cards in your small office.

Layout your badge design

The first step in making your badge is to layout your badge design. You can easily create the look you want by creating cards in an graphic image-editing software on your computer. The size of standard ID cards, such as your driver’s license or credit card, is 3 3/8” x 2-1/8”.

Once your template is designed, you are ready to customize it with the information needed on the badge you are making. Picture, first and last name, title and other information needed on the badge can be placed in your template.

To add a picture of the person to the ID card, you can use a digital camera or Polaroid camera to take a head shot of the employee. If you will need to take a number of pictures for a continuing stream of badges, you may want to consider purchasing a digital or Polaroid camera. Polaroid ID cameras produce pictures that are standard size for professional badges. You can scan this picture and place the image on your badge design or you can use the actual picture and place it on the badge later in your process.

Printing your ID card

After you have completed your id design, you are ready to print your badge. The best way to print the badge is on a synthetic printing media called Teslin. Teslin is not paper, but rather extremely strong and waterproof plastic. The material works perfectly with inkjet and laser printers. We suggest purchasing perforated versions of teslin ready for printing the standard size ID card. The perforated teslin comes 8up on each sheet.

Print the front side of the badge first.. If you have a back side of your badge, carefully place the teslin into the printer so that you print the back image on the back of the badge and do not overwrite the printing on the front side.

Finishing the ID Card

Turn your laminator on and let it heat up according to the manufacturer’s instruction manual.

The next step is to punch the perforated cards out of the printed sheet. If you are placing the Polaroid picture on the badge, go ahead and place the picture on your printed badge.

Place each card into a laminate pouch. To make a standard wallet sized card, the recommended pouch is a credit card size butterfly 10 ml pouch. This will provide a completed card that is 30 ml thick. Place the pouch inside the cardboard carrier sleeve that was provided with the thermal (heat) seal laminator you will be using.

Run the pouch through the laminator and let the badge lie flat until it has cooled.

If you wish to wear the badges, punch a hole in the badge using a slot punch. Insert a badge clip into the hole created by the slot punch.

For more information about id cards and name badges or our custom id badge service bureau, contact us at 888-485-4696.