How to Eliminate Glare on a Laminated Classroom Word Wall

That glare from a shiny, laminated word wall is killer. Between the florescent lights and the windows, there's always somewhere in the room where the glare coming off the lamination blocks sight of the references underneath it.

I've been on the search for matte laminate pouches for a while now. I even tweeted Staples, who replied that they'd send the idea to their corporate office. To date, there are no matte laminating pouches at Staples. Or anywhere else. 

But there is an easy solution! I finally figured this one out today and I want to share it with you! 

So what's the solution?

Clear, flat spray paint!

Here's the how-to...

1) Start with a laminated word wall. This is especially great if you already have your word wall laminated and are super bummed about it being shiny. 

I used this Testors brand, but I'm sure you can use any clear, flat (or matte) finish spray paint. My husband does a lot of hobbying so happened to have this brand.

laminated only (not sprayed)

This sales tax reference is laminated only. I did not spray paint it. You can see how much glare is coming off of it.

2) On a warm dry day, spray a thin coat of clear, flat spray paint on your laminated word wall references.

If the weather is too wet, the spray paint won't easily dry. If it's too hot, the paint will dry before it hits the lamination. I'm one to throw caution to the wind so spray painted today in close to 100% humidity... then used a hairdryer. This works, too, but a lot more work. If I were to do an entire word wall, I'd wait until a dry day.

3) Let dry. It's done!

laminated and sprayed with clear, flat spray paint

This calculating tip reference was laminated and then sprayed with the clear, flat spray paint. The glare is completely gone!

I hope this has been helpful. I felt really bad hearing that teachers were feeling defeated after putting so much work into their word walls only to have the references often unreadable. Spraying everything is a little more work, but I feel the end result is worth it and your word wall will be protected for a long time to come. And be glare-free! The coordinate grid bulletin board letters to spell "Math Word Wall" from the video can be found for free here.

See all math word walls.

More posts:

Math classroom decoration ideas

Absolutely free math bulletin board printables

Math Word Walls