One reason lamination processes came so strongly to the fore is because it meant anyone with access to a printer and paper could create and customize paper materials, then protect those materials with a semi-flexible plastic exterior. The downside, as you may have experienced, is that once the paper has been laminated, it’s more or less impossible to change the contents of the printed material. Peeling the lamination off inevitably ruins the materials within, and neither the paper nor the laminate material is reusable or recyclable.
At TerraSlate, our goal is to make a waterproof and weatherproof paper product that is useful in real-life situations. This means hours upon hours of toil in order to create a product that functioned like paper in terms of writing or printing but would not allow the ink to bleed, smudge, or blur. And, perhaps more importantly, create a paper product that will not turn into a sodden, soggy mess when precipitation happens. The result is our specially designed waterproof printer paper, which offers the ease of use that is standard to any printer paper, but offers protection against moisture and water. What makes our waterproof paper stand out above other options is that you can print on it like a regular sheet of printer paper. There is no special printing process that requires in-house printing services—though we do offer printing services for those who want them—and there is no need to laminate your materials once they have been printed.
The idea behind waterproof paper is one that is inherently contradictory. On one hand, the demand is for a paper-like product that repulses and repels all moisture directed at it. On the other hand, the need is for the paper to still function as, well, paper. Waterproof paper that is strong enough to withstand moisture but still accepts toner from printers and copy machines or ballpoint pens without smudging or running surely seems like the mythical creature of office supplies—a fantastic idea, but not truly plausible. For those that needed waterproof materials before TerraSlate, there were two primary workarounds: laminated materials and water-resistant paper.
From temporary license plate tags that need to endure the elements, to menus that are worn down by hand after messy hand, there are an abundance of needs for waterproof and weatherproof paper. But what good would that paper do if it is not possible to actually print on? So often, waterproof paper manufacturers offer products that claim to withstand the vagaries of so many destructive industries. The downside? More often than not, in order to enjoy the waterproof qualities of their paper products, it is also necessary to make use of their printing service. This is all well and good, except that it is not particularly time-effective or cost-effective. At TerraSlate, we offer printing services at industry leading pricing, but we also provide high-quality waterproof paper that you can purchase and take with you to print anywhere with access to any laser printer—no special printer or printing services needed.
Lamination
The other primary issue with many waterproof paper options on the market currently is the printability. There are a variety of paper-products that claim to be waterproof or water resistant
Experience the difference for yourself. Head to the TerraSlate online shop for a sample pack or explore our full line of waterproof paper options!
Ink manufacturers, like Kao Collins, work with customers to test ink formulations to best match the substrate.
- Label facestock
- Pharmaceutical and medical packaging
- Menus
- Window displays
- Point-of-purchase displays and posters
- Field manuals and maps
- Event wristbands
Generally, solvent or UV-curable inks perform best. Manufacturing methods that use clay coating have expanded inkjet printing options, including the use of water-based ink formulations.
Synthetic papers don’t limit the options for secondary production. The material withstands stapling, die-punching, serrating, or perforating as well as stability for hot-foil stamping and folding. As a durable facestock substrate, it supports adhesive bonding. Unlike traditional paper and card stock, lamination is not necessary to extend the life of the product.
Frequently Asked Questions about Synthetic Paper
Waterproof paper is technically a plastic film made of flash spun, high-density polyethylene fibers.
Synthetic paper material offers broad appeal for many industries beyond its typical use as a vapor barrier for residential or commercial construction projects.
Advancements in the manufacturing of synthetic paper make more inkjet ink options available for printing. As a general rule, water-based inks, especially dye formulations, perform poorly on synthetic paper because it’s plastic.
Just like natural paper, synthetic paper manufacturers produce numerous grades and thicknesses, including card stock. This makes it attractive for many commercial and industrial uses.
Cons: Sharp pencils can tear the pages. The pages might stick together when wet.
Pros: The waterproof pages and cover hold up to the elements. You can use pencil to write on the wet pages.
Pros: The yellow pages are easy to read off of, even in sunny conditions. You’ll receive five notebooks with your order.
Pros: The synthetic pages are nearly impossible to tear or remove from the notebook. The bright colors are visible in most conditions.
3. All Terrain Waterproof Notebook
This is why waterproof notebooks are an essential adventure tool.
Pros: The pages are sustainable and waterproof, holding up to accidental laundry cycles. You can stock up on these notebooks without spending too much.
Pros: This 3.5 by 5.5 inch notebook can fit in jackets and pants pockets. The dot-grid pages are great for outdoor bullet journaling.
Cons: The pages may tear easily. These notebooks may have a strong odor.
Join countless others by using waterproof posters from TerraSlate. Vibrant color reproduction and high contrast give your posters the ability to stand out and outlast the rest. Perfect for posting outdoors on walls, sign posts, telephone poles, car windows and more. TerraSlate's 100% waterproof and tear-proof substrate guarantees your posters will stand up to the elements including heavy rain, direct sunlight and high wind.
TerraSlate Waterproof Paper was designed to be incredibly durable while maintaining the ability to print through any laser printer or copy machine. It can be cut, punched, folded, and creased making it suitable for applications across many industries.
We offer free 2-Day shipping within the lower 48 states and Alaska on most orders. Expedited, overnight, or ground shipping is always available at checkout if desired.
Keep your posters intact and vibrant in the harshest conditions. Printable on both sides and guaranteed not to tear or incur water damage for the lifetime of the poster.
Posters include free color printing, rounded corners and our ultra-protective nano-coating for outdoor use.
Can I print TerraSlate on KIP or Ricoh poster printer devices?
Can I print full in full color on TerraSlate Paper?
Yes, TerraSlate printer paper is extremely cost effective to use. It is more affordable than laminated materials and takes much less time to produce. Our tear-proof and waterproof paper is designed to last over 100 years, even with heavy use, but is also inexpensive enough to use on a daily basis.
If you’re a backpacker, climber or nature lover, a field notebook is likely part of your outdoor gear list. These notebooks are great for jotting down observations and sketching interesting plants. However, you can lose all of your notes after a rainstorm.
Opting for a waterproof notebook gives you one less thing to worry about as you enjoy the outdoors. Going forward, feel free to cross streams, sleep outside and stash your notebook in your pocket. Keep in mind that these notebooks are also a great option for anyone who works outdoors, such as building contractors and farmers.
This waterproof notebook is thin and lightweight, fitting easily inside your pocket. The stone paper has a smooth finish and is easy to write on. Each page has a dot-grid design, which is great for organizing notes and drawings. The sewn binding is durable and holds up to rain and snow. You’ll receive three notebooks with your order.
This is why waterproof notebooks are an essential adventure tool.
1. GLORYFIRE All-Weather Notebook
Cons: Sharp pencils can tear the pages. The pages might stick together when wet.
Pros: The waterproof pages and cover hold up to the elements. You can use pencil to write on the wet pages.
Cons: The pages may tear easily. These notebooks may have a strong odor.