Waterproof paper, a versatile and often overlooked gem in the world of printing and documentation, offers a host of advantages that set it apart from the more conventional laminated paper. These include enhanced durability, a lower environmental impact and true waterproofing - unlike laminate which is not wholly waterproof. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the key advantages of waterproof over laminated paper.
All The Crisp Detail Of Standard Paper
One of the distinct advantages that waterproof paper has over laminated paper is the fact that it maintains the appearance and printability of standard paper. This means that you can run it through any standard dry printer and enjoy the sharpness and quality of print that you’ve come to expect from normal paper. Unlike laminated paper, there’s no covering to detract from the crispness of the print either, so you’ll be able to enjoy a high quality image while also boasting the other fantastic properties of waterproof paper.
Withstands Damage
Despite the protection that comes with lamination, waterproof paper in many ways is much more durable. As we covered in our previous blog ‘Is Laminated Paper Waterproof?’, lamination doesn’t do much to protect the paper from water damage. It is water resistant, not truly waterproof. It also struggles in hot and humid conditions. On the other hand, waterproof paper is not affected by these things, and is capable of wearing complete submersion, high heat, freezing conditions and damage from greases and solvents. Durability wise, laminated paper is completely outclassed by waterproof paper.
Lessens Environmental Impact
The majority of laminated paper consists of synthetic plastics that are non-recyclable, ultimately destined for disposal in landfills. Conversely, Rite In The Rain waterproof paper employs a water-based coating, generating only steam as a byproduct. Moreover, all paper materials originate from suppliers certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council, prioritising sustainability throughout the product's creation and manufacturing journey.
Cheaper, Easier And Quicker To Produce
A common misconception that flies around is that laminated paper is a cheaper option than waterproof. But the cost of lamination builds up fast, and often becomes much more expensive to produce than the equivalent in waterproofed pages. Investing in waterproof over laminated paper can also be a major time saver. Rather than taking the time to put every individual sheet through the laminating machine, which adds up quite quickly, waterproof paper requires no such thing. Instead, once it has been run through a dry printer the sheet is ready to go, simple as that. That’s not to mention the various difficulties that you may encounter when laminating, such as air bubbles, misaligned paper and cutting or uneven edges. Being convenient, quick and cheaper to produce is what really sets waterproof and laminated paper apart.
A More Professional Feel
It’s no secret that laminated documents have a certain tackiness to them. Nobody wants to be handed a menu that looks like a handout from primary school. Not to mention that over time laminated paper tends to peel. This kind of presentation gives your restaurant, or indeed any other setting, a cheap vibe.
If you want to present yourself in a more professional light, then opting to use waterproof paper is certainly the way forward. Aesthetics are key when designing a product, and in that respect waterproof beats out laminate hands down.
