Water-proof paper?

Gizzard

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Hello all,

I am a designer, not a printer, so I'm not even sure I'm in the right place here. But, I've got a question which I'm sure you all could easily answer, so here goes:

Are there any lines of water-proof (or water-resistant) papers which could be used in offset (or even digital) printing? To give some context, I am working with an author on a spiral-bound reference book that would be used in busy restaurant kitchens. Given that environment, it would be nice if the pages could hold up to wet hands and the occasional spill.

Short of having pages laminated and the book becoming unwieldy, is there any type of pre-coated stock that accepts ink? Or maybe a post-printing sealant that might be applied (like a varnish)? Any other thoughts?

Thanks for any intel.

Scott
 
How about printing on PolyArt, Hop-Syn, or V-Max synthetic papers.

Polyart -- http://www.polyart.com/
Polyart®, the revolutionary synthetic paper that's as printable as it is durable. Polyart's unique clay coating ensures print quality that's vivid and colorful. It is versatile enough to print using most conventional and new printing methods, and it is the perfect solution for a world of applications. Plus, Polyart has the durability of plastic, so it stands up to water, weather, grease, chemicals, and it resists tearing in both directions.
Click to expand...

Hop-Syn -- http://www.hop.ca/hopsyn.html
HOP-SYN Synthetic Paper is a clay-modified polypropylene that offers the same feel and texture as white offset paper. It possesses a high tear resistance and has an excellent chemical resistance. All of these properties help to make a sheet that will be durable that can be easily printed by flexography, lithography, letterpress, screen, as well as variable information systems (ie. thermal transfer, ion deposition, dot matrix, etc.)

HOP-SYN is dimensionally stable and can withstand temperatures between -60°F and +165°F and may be exposed to higher temperatures, contingent upon the time of exposure and type of heating system. Humidity has no effect on the dimensional stability or porosity of the sheet. Furthermore, HOP-SYN is 100% recyclable as a plastic and emits no toxic fumes when incinerated. Since it is manufactured with non-toxic materials that do not contain chlorine or other halogens, HOP-SYN does not produce dry dioxins, hydrochloric acids or other highly toxic bi-products. This enables it to be used safely in toys and games since it contains no toxic chemicals or heavy metals and has a neutral pH of 7. HOP-SYN's attractive matte finish features excellent scuff and abrasion resistance (even non-varnished) and is washable with a damp cloth. It features the widest selection of calliper and densities available, ranging from .0033” to .035”. HOP-SYN is also extremely durable and rigid, and possesses excellent tear resistance and toughness.
Click to expand...

V-Max -- http://www.valeron.com/printing.html
V-Max synthetic paper offers you an economical, long-lasting solution for printing outdoor tags and labels, as well as dozens of other pre-printed or print-on-demand solutions. The smooth surface gives you an excellent balance of performance and price. UV-stabilized for long lasting outdoor performance, recyclable V-Max synthetic paper withstands moisture, chemicals and cold temperature extremes.
Click to expand...

Whether these are economically feasible for the project at hand, I am not sure.
 
    • Thanks for the ideas, Jeff. This is a great start. I'm really keen to have some ideas in mind to ask about when I start talking to my local printers. This is a big help...even if these turn out to be prohibitively expensive, they will aid in starting conversations.

    Thanks again!
     
    Look up a synthetic "paper" called Yupo. I printed a field manual for the New York State Troopers who needed a water proof, stain proof book. It's a ***** to print on because of the static, but it comes in a variety of weights, and reproduces color like a coated gloss text stock.

    Here's their link: http://yca.yupo.com/content/view/60
     
    Hey guys,

    Not sure how lively this thread still is but I am a synthetic paper rep at Hop Industries. If anyone is interested in getting their hands on some of our synthetic paper please contact me.

    Also, Yupo and PolyArt are not as strong at my product. We do product tests all the time and because of the construction of those papers, the ink is extremely easy to scuff or nick off the substrate. You can even take a finished print, but a piece of transparent tape on it, and you'll peel the coating right off. This does not happen with HopSyn.

    Francis X. Murphy
    Account Representative – Synthetic Paper Division
    Hop Industries Corporation
    1251 Valley Brook Rd.
    Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
    Phone: (800) 524-0757 ext 205
    Fax: (973) 438-0383

    For more information on our company, products, and services please visit the website.
    http://www.hopindustries.com
     
    waterproof stock

    if you get around to printing that job on "waterproof" paper then youd be doing yourself a big favor to have the job printed by a company thats geared up to do that sort of work. the best results will be achieved printing the job on a a UV press.
    i remember from a few years back kimberly clark manufacturing a synthetic stock called "Kimdura" im not sure if its still made but i remember having pretty good results with it
     
    Used tp print on stock called rite in the rain water proof paper.Kinda tough to print on because of the plastic film but it did the job.
     
    Last edited:
    Dont be afraid to consider some of the non-resin based options such as wet-strength (beverage label) papers and latex impregnated papers from Neenah Paper.
     
    I didn't know there were papers close to being waterproof. It would be nice to experiment with these, hopefully they are affordable, though.
     
    The myriad of "synthetics"- Yupu, Oji-Kimdura, Hop, Tyvek, Valeron, Nanya, Polyart, the list goes on; can be excellent choices for outdoor and durable applications. In the application you described it might be just as practical and cost efficient to use a specialty paper (wet strength, latex impregnated) or even something as simple as a good overprint varnish on paper. Just because I say specialty, you don't always have to equate this to high cost, high minimums, etc. They just don't fit into traditional categories.

    Find a qualified printer who has processed both synthetics and paper/varnish materials and let them help guide your decision.
     
    Hi not sure if you're still looking but as an employee of Xerox, I can highly recommend their polyester range, which is waterproof tear and chemical proof. In the UK its called Premium Never Tear, and in the US Polyester paper, both of which can be found on the xerox websites. It can also be used on Offset providing you use UV inks.
     
    why always paper,how about textile?
     
    It's quite challenging to look for waterproof stock that is affordable too, especially that you want to come up with a reference book. Maybe you can opt for lamination - it's not entirely waterproof; but it's water resistant. You can ask offline and online printing companies about their lamination services.
     
    Paper Tyger is relatively cheap & prints like a regular uncoated, Yupo is also an easy sheet to print on
     
    I came across this site- graytex.com – claiming they have the ideal water-resistant alternative to
    hi-performance waterproof papers. You may want to check that out."
     
    • There's a Canadian brand called Zodia Synthetic Paper (zodia.ca), it's cheaper than Yupo and prints come out looking beautiful using conventional fast-dry inks. We use their waterproof synthetic paper for brochure printing with no issues when running them on the folder. We also use Zodia synthetic for printing luggage tags, postcards, menus, maps and safety guides. We're one of the few printing companies that can print on this non porous substrate using a conventional offset press.
     
    We work with A company from Austria for disposable cups production. Papers are coated with poly propylene. This material lets the paper become waterproof and provides a smooth surface. Mill name is Walki.
     
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