Stop Laminating Paper: 8 Reasons to Use Waterproof Paper Instead

Laminating paper is a practice that is widely used to help preserve and strengthen paper. It's a great way to help paper products last and withstand exposure to water, chemicals and rough handling. However, it is also a time-consuming and sometimes costly practice. On top of printing, you need to place the page inside a laminating pouch, feed it into a laminating machine and trim the edges to leave a clean, finished product.

Waterproof paper offers a better alternative to laminating for many reasons. We put together a list of the eight reasons you should drop lamination and use waterproof paper instead.

1. Cost-Effectiveness

One of the most common misconceptions when comparing waterproof paper vs. lamination costs is that laminating paper is a cheaper option. However, waterproof paper can save you money over the long term. Laminating requires an upfront investment in supplies, including a laminating machine. In contrast, if you possess a laser printer, waterproof printer paper requires no additional equipment.

Laminated materials can wear out over time and may need to be replaced frequently due to damage from handling or environmental factors. Waterproof paper is designed to be durable and can withstand moisture, meaning it won't need to be replaced as often.

2. Time Efficiency

The process of laminating each sheet involves multiple steps and potential issues like air bubbles or misalignment. When you combine all the seconds it takes to perform these extra steps, they quickly add up. Waterproof paper simplifies the process — once you print a sheet of paper or card stock, it's ready to use without the need for additional handling or materials. This efficiency saves time while reducing labor costs.

3. Durability

Due to its synthetic composition, waterproof paper is more durable than standard paper commonly used for everyday printing tasks. Laminated paper will eventually break down as peeling occurs and moisture seeps in. Waterproof paper, on the other hand, can withstand tearing, pounding rains, complete submersion under water and sub-freezing to high heat temperatures.

4. Professional Look

When it comes to a printed product, how it looks is crucial. The initial appearance of a laminated piece is subjective — some people would say lamination always looks tacky, while others might say it looks shiny and fresh at the beginning of its life. Over time, however, the edges of a laminated page can peel and become frayed. It may appear shiny initially, but it can quickly lose its luster, becoming dull and unattractive. 

Waterproof paper retains the natural look and feel of traditional paper, providing a clean and sophisticated appearance that enhances professionalism. It is a modern alternative that enjoys the benefits of water resistance without sacrificing the visual appeal of materials.

5. Print and Image Quality

Laminated documents produce glare that can obscure text or images, making it difficult to read. On waterproof synthetic paper, the images and text are crisp, clean and easy to read. You can load it into your dry toner laser printer like you would with any standard paper.

Waterproof synthetic paper can also be customized for your unique needs, including:

• Special perforations
• Different colors
• Non-standard sheet sizes
• Roll sizes
• Pre-scored lines
• Punching

6. Versatility and Variety

Waterproof paper can be used for any product that would normally be printed on traditional paper, but could use more durability and a longer lifespan. Waterproof synthetic paper is perfect for a broad range of applications, including:

• Outdoor signage that can withstand the elements at construction sites 
• Educational materials that resist spills and wear to ensure longevity in classrooms
• Promotional materials and passes for events that may encounter different weather conditions to keep them looking fresh and professional
• Food and beverage menus and brochures in hospitality settings that can be easily cleaned and maintained
• Labels for products that need moisture resistance to ensure they remain intact and legible
• Individual ID and membership cards that need to withstand daily wear and tear, spills and exposure to moisture
• Maps for outdoor activities that withstand moisture and are easy to clean
• Secure DMV temporary license plates to endure outdoor conditions without fading or deteriorating
• Product labels for various items, like food packaging, outdoor equipment or chemical containers, that may encounter moisture

7. Ease of Use

Waterproof synthetic paper lets you print, cut and use your documents requiring multiple steps, like laminating sheets one page at a time. It's a durable, long-lasting option that eliminates the need for frequent replacements.

8. Grease and Stain Repellence

Waterproof paper's ability to repel grease and stains enhances its usability and durability across various applications. For example, in restaurants, cafes and catering services, menus and promotional materials are often at risk of spills. Waterproof paper ensures you can clean and degrease these items easily and without damage. 

Tips for Cleaning and Caring for Waterproof Paper

You can clean waterproof paper in one of the following ways:

• Run it under a tap
• Spray and wipe it
• Submerge it in water
• Wipe it down with a wet cloth

You can use standard soap, mild cleaners, hydrogen peroxide or chlorine-based solutions to sanitize it. To combat stubborn stains, follow these instructions:

1. Immerse the paper material in a 50/50 mixture of warm water and bleach.
2. Soak for about 10 minutes to get rid of most stains or up to two hours for more stubborn ones.
3. Remove the material from the bleach solution, rinse thoroughly with water, and dry with a nonabrasive cloth.

These features help maintain a professional appearance while ensuring that documents remain functional and legible. Unlike laminated surfaces, no smudging happens on printed text or images during these cleaning processes.

Practicing proper care and using the correct cleansers makes all the difference. To prevent toner flaking and extend toner life, consider the following tips:

• Let each REVLAR sheet fully dry before stacking.
• Use only the recommended cleansers for your specific paper type.
• Avoid using alcohol or solvent-based cleaning agents.
• Do not scrub toner with steel wool or Brillo pads.
• Consider applying a UV coating to your paper for even more protection.

Swap Lamination With Waterproof Paper From RELYCO

 

Specialized waterproof printer paper is designed to withstand moisture, tearing and fading, making it a more durable and versatile option. Unlike laminating, which requires additional equipment and steps, waterproof paper can be printed on directly, simplifying the workflow for businesses.

RELYCO provides waterproof printer paper that can be used in various industries, from advertising and construction to hospitality and education. Over time, using waterproof paper can help you save by reducing the need for reprints and replacements.

Get in touch with our team for any questions about our different types of waterproof paper, or order some samples to try today. 

*This blog post was originally published on February 6, 2017, it was updated on October 13, 2025