Replying to Large Print Protection? K+

I recently got a hand full of photos printed 2'x3' on my neighbor's (who is a professional wedding photographer) printer. The prints are on rag paper ( a thicker rougher paper that feels realer than "photo" paper)

I am wondering if anyone on here has any thoughts on lamination? Staples says $2 a square foot, and I am wondering if that would work, or if it would make them look less good.

They are a portfolio, and would be brought from place to place.

k+ for good thoughts