Protecting folding campaign maps.

[Flexor the Mighty!]

A while back I posted about some method to protect campaign maps from falling apart by laminating them or whatever. A poster put me on to some kind of tape, that I think he said the Army uses, to put over maps that still allows them to fold but makes them markable and resistant to tearing and whatnot. I lost the post and I can't remember what the stuff was called.

Any help?

 

[XCorvis]

While the tape sounds interesting, I bet it is expensive. It's probably faster, easier, safer and about the same cost to have the map laminated professionally. Just don't go to Kinkos - find a pro print shop that will do it. They're usually cheaper. Kinkos is like LensCrafters. You're paying extra to get it done fast.

 

[Emirikol]

While the tape sounds interesting, I bet it is expensive. It's probably faster, easier, safer and about the same cost to have the map laminated professionally. Just don't go to Kinkos - find a pro print shop that will do it. They're usually cheaper. Kinkos is like LensCrafters. You're paying extra to get it done fast.

I've had some of our work posters laminated at Kinkos. It was $18 for a 2x3. I didn't do a cost comparison for other companies, but that would be wise


jh

 

[Agent Oracle]

I just fold my maps up, put them in a folder, and tell my players that if they spill anything on them, they have to buy me a new map.

/prints out his own.

 

[DragonLancer]

But if you laminate the maps don't they go hard (I'm assuming Eric's gran does not have a filthy mind there!)? How can you fold a laminated map?

 

[Glyfair]

But if you laminate the maps don't they go hard (I'm assuming Eric's gran does not have a filthy mind there!)? How can you fold a laminated map?

You don't fold them, you roll them (like most people do with their battlemats, if they use them).

From my understanding, the best place is a school supply store. Go for the thinner lamination.

 

[DragonLancer]

You don't fold them, you roll them (like most people do with their battlemats, if they use them).

Ah.. I hadn't thought about that.

 

[BlackMoria]

I recall responding to a similar thread so I was probably the poster in question.

The material is called 'Mac Tac' though that may be a trade name rather than a generic name. It is a clear vinyl like material that comes in rolls. It comes in two types - textured or smooth. You want the smooth.

It is usually used as a shelf covering so it is found in home improvement stores or stores than deal in home hardware, etc.

Excellent for covering documents and maps. The military buys the stuff by the truckload for just that purpose. Used it of years when I was in the military and I still use it today for covering maps.

You can mark on it with grease pencil, erasable marker or even pencil (though I would be careful with the pencil - too hard a graphite and the lead will make impression in the Mac Tac that while it erases will leave a transparent 'scratch' llike appearance on the vinyl).

 

[Flexor the Mighty!]

I recall responding to a similar thread so I was probably the poster in question.

The material is called 'Mac Tac' though that may be a trade name rather than a generic name. It is a clear vinyl like material that comes in rolls. It comes in two types - textured or smooth. You want the smooth.

It is usually used as a shelf covering so it is found in home improvement stores or stores than deal in home hardware, etc.

Excellent for covering documents and maps. The military buys the stuff by the truckload for just that purpose. Used it of years when I was in the military and I still use it today for covering maps.

You can mark on it with grease pencil, erasable marker or even pencil (though I would be careful with the pencil - too hard a graphite and the lead will make impression in the Mac Tac that while it erases will leave a transparent 'scratch' llike appearance on the vinyl).

That is it! You 'da man!

 

[JohnnFour]

I use to use MacTac a lot and you can find it cheap in hardware stores. Staples might have it as well.

Personal laminators are cheap these days: $30 CAD + ingredients. Your best bet might be to colour photocopy your maps and laminate them, if you don't mind having your maps in notepaper size so that they fit in binders or folders, are more portable, and are easier to spread out on tables.