How to Select the Right Durable Paper for Your Application

Ask Yourself Questions

A quick Google search will tell you that the names and types of durable paper on the market today can be confusing. With so many choices, picking the right one can be daunting.

A great way to identify the best product for your application is to ask yourself a few simple questions, including:

1. How long does your application need to last? 2. Will it be subject to rain and the elements? 3. Does it need to be tear proof or tear resistant? 4. What type of printer is being used?

Let’s take a look at these, one at a time. We’ll use two product types as examples:

1) Synthetic paper material: like our REVLAR® Waterproof Paper 2) Durable composite: like our TriDura® Durable Paper

Synthetic Paper Durable CompositeBest for short-term use.

Will run on almost any printer. Compatible with flexo, litho offset, laser, digital, UV and inkjet printing.

Best for long-term use.

Works in almost any laser/digital printer/press including Kodak, Xerox, Ricoh, Canon, Konica Minolta & more.

Waterproof, tear-resistant, durable, impervious to grease and chemicals, designed to withstand high and low temperature fluctuations.

More durable than standard paper. Water tolerant and tear resistant.

Combines image quality, foldability and printability of standard paper with a durability and resilience unmatched by standard paper.

Suited for printed materials that will be subject to frequent handling or extreme environmental conditions.

Question #1How long will it need to last?

Question #1

Think about what you are using the printed material for:

• Is it for a sign that will hang outside a long time? • Or, will it be for a specific event or short term use?

How long will it need to last?

Event or construction signage, menus, brochures, race-bibs, and maps do very well on a composite material like TriDura because they will need to withstand long term-changes in the environment.

Question #2Will it be subject to rain and the elements?

Question #2

A composite material like TriDura offers superior wet strength for short term uses.

Will it be subject to rain and the elements?

TriDura Durable Paper Ideal for customers looking for something more durable than standard paper without all of the advantages of a full synthetic durable paper product.

• More durable than standard paper • Water tolerant and tear-resistant

Finally, TriDura combines the print quality and foldability of traditional paper with durability unmatched by any paper product.

REVLAR Waterproof Paper Ideally suited for use anytime printed materials will be subject to frequent handling or extreme environmental conditions.

• Waterproof, tear-resistant and durable • Impervious to grease and chemicals • Designed to withstand high and low

temperature fluctuations

Plus, REVLAR offers the image quality and printability of standard paper and can be folded, punched or die cut as needed.

A full synthetic like REVLAR should be considered for applications in harsh environmental conditions.

Question #3Tear-proof or tear-resistant?

Question #3

Tear-ProofA pure synthetic paper product, like REVLAR waterproof paper, is tear-proof because it is a solid plastic sheet.

Tear-proof materials are virtually indestructible.

Tear-proof or tear-resistant?

Tear-ResistantLayered materials like TriDura are tear-resistant.

Tear-resistant materials are more easily damaged, more prone to abrasion, and once damaged, break down fairly quickly.

Another important factor when selecting a durable paper is how it will be used after printing.

Question #4What type of printer is being used?

Question #4What type of printer is being used?

It’s important to understand what printer will be used so that the print quality and ease-of-use compares to printing traditional paper.

The unique construction of these products provides compatibility with flexo, litho offset, laser, digital, UV and ink jet printing.

Understanding your application and the synthetic options available are the first steps.

REVLAR vs TriDura vs Paper

Related ContentWant to learn more about durable paper? Click on any of the blog posts below or download our white paper!

Is Waterproof Laser Paper Worth the Investment?

The Top 3 Advantages of Offering Vibrant Colored Waterproof Paper

REVLAR Durable Paper Case Study: Food Service Training Materials for Jack in the Box

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