Selecting The Right Crystal Clear Bag

How do I manually calculate the correct size bag for my product?

Add the product depth to the width of the bag
Add 1/2 the product depth to the length of the bag
Add extra space to the final width and length of the bag for play. For the best fit we generally recommend adding 3/16” to the width and 1/16” to the length to provide the best balance of snug fit and ease of insertion. Add at least 1/8” to the width to allow for enough play to insert the product.

For Example

For a product that is 5" x 1/4" x 7"...
Add the depth (1/4") to the width (5")(opening side) = 5" + 1/4" = 5 1/4"
Add 3/16" for tolerance = 5 1/4" + 3/16" = 5 7/16".
Add 1/2 the product depth to the length of the bag.
7" + 1/8" (1/4"divided by 2 = 1/8") = 7 1/8"
Add 1/8" for tolerance = 7 1/8" + 1/8" = 7 1/4".
The final result gives you the minimum bag size required at 5 7/16" x 7 1/4". This would fit a 5" x 7" product with a backing board and mat (overall depth 1/4") fairly snug. Check your measurement against the list of bag sizes we offer. You will find we have a 5 7/16" x 7 1/4" bag to fit most 5" x 7" products.

Additional Considerations When Calculating Sizing

If you are having a hard time finding the exact size in stock you may consider using a standard flap seal Crystal Clear Bag with extra length to fit your product. By using a flap seal style closure, you can fold the flap down as far as necessary to achieve a snug fit. For example, a 16" x 18" product 1/4" thick fits well into a 16 7/16" x 20 1/8" bag (B16) by simply folding the flap down 2 inches when you seal it.

Now... If the prints are photographs or have a sensitive surface, then we recommend you use the "PC" Protective Closure style... where the glue is on the bag portion and not the flap. These means, when your customer extracts the photo from the bag, there is no glue on the flap that may touch the surface and possible damage the print.

The draw back of using the "PC" style is the bag sizes are limited...also, there is less flexibility as to folding down any extra bag height when packaging smaller prints. An option is to put your prints in backward...talk to our sales reps for more info.

For CARDS & ENVELOPES

The Secret to selecting the right size Crystal Clear Bag for art cards is to measure the EXACT SIZE of your ENVELOPE! The envelope is larger than the card and determines the size of the Crystal Clear Bag you select.

First, measure the height and width of your envelope… as an example: If your envelope measures 5 1/4" x 7 1/4" in width, then you would select the B75 which is 5 7/16" x 7 1/4"…a perfect fit.

Just fold over the flap and seal. OR… select the B75PC if it is a photo, OR select the B75NF which has no flap and no glue!

With over 400 sizes in the Crystal Clear Bags, there are so many options when it comes to packaging…if you want to
package 6 to 8 Cards and Envelopes or 25 Cards and Envelopes..or having problems selecting the right size envelope
because you make your own Cards...THAT IS WHY WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CALL US!
WE CAN HELP YOU SELECT EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED! ... Call us Toll Free 1-888-436-6197