Lamination is the process of applying a thin layer of plastic to paper or card sheets in order to enhance and protect the printed matter. It's still good practice to keep your laminated paper in a waterproof case. Laminating has been used for years to make printed resources more durable, but is laminated paper waterproof?
The answer to this question is “no”. The thin layer of plastic that’s applied to the paper makes it water-resistant but not waterproof. If exposed to the elements, creased frequently: i.e. a laminated map or fully submerged in water, laminate products are likely to tear, crease, rip or damage.
So, as the answer to the question “is laminated paper waterproof” is “no”, what can you do if you need your paper products to be waterproof?
There are many reasons that you may need to use waterproof paper, for example, if you work outdoors in the elements, or enjoy outdoor hobbies like birdwatching, fishing or hiking. Waterproof paper provides a more durable alternative to laminate that is able to take on any weather elements in any environment.
Why Choose Waterproof Paper Rather Than Laminate?
Although laminating paper improves its durability, it doesn’t offer the same waterproofing properties and toughness as waterproof paper. Student pilots laminating their aircrew maps will know the process I am referring to, time consuming, creased maps and painful if you get it wrong but it will lengthen the durability of the map. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main benefits of choosing waterproof paper:
100% Waterproof
As we mentioned when answering the question “is laminated paper waterproof”, laminate provides water-resistant qualities, however does not make the paper fully waterproof. Waterproof paper from Any Weather Paper will not tear, smudge or disintegrate when exposed to the elements or even when fully submerged in water. This is all thanks to a durable water-based coating.
More Durable
The Rite In The Rain waterproof notebooks and paper that we stock at Any Weather Paper aren’t just resistant to water, they’re also resistant to the likes of mud, oil and sweat. This means that the pages won’t tear or disintegrate even when used in the harshest of environments. This is why Rite In The Rain products are used for military purposes, as well as by people who work outdoors, such as agriculturists.
Time-Saving
Another benefit of choosing waterproof over laminate paper is that you do not need to spend time going through the process of laminating paper. You can buy waterproof printing paper that you can print onto directly, or loose leaf sheets that you can write and draw on. There are also a range of waterproof notebooks you can use for different purposes. These are made using waterproof pages and have durable, waterproof covers to match.
More Eco-Friendly
Most lamination paper is made from synthetic plastics which can’t be recycled and will end up going to landfill. Rite In The Rain waterproof paper on the other hand uses a water based coating, the only byproduct of which is steam. Any additional printing required is done so using soy-based inks. All paper stock is sourced from Forestry Stewardship Council certified suppliers to make the product and manufacturing process as sustainable as possible.
By answering the question “is laminated paper waterproof”, we’ve established that no it isn’t, however that Rite In The Rain paper provides a much more durable alternative. For information on any of the waterproof products available from Any Weather Paper please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
