Waterproof Paper Printing: When Should You Use Plastic Paper?
Waterproof plastic paper is a durable alternative to ordinary paper and lamination. It is useful for printed items that may be exposed to spills, damp conditions or frequent handling, including restaurant menus, signs, maps, instruction sheets and event materials. Although it is often called waterproof paper, the material is actually a matt synthetic sheet made from PET or polypropylene. It feels similar to smooth card but is waterproof, tear-resistant and harder-wearing than ordinary paper.
What Is Waterproof Plastic Paper Used For?
Plastic paper is a practical choice for:
- Restaurant, café and pub menus
- Outdoor event information
- Temporary signs and notices
- Waterproof maps and guides
- Instruction and reference sheets
- Posters and promotional leaflets
- Technical drawings used in damp conditions
It is particularly useful when ordinary paper would become damaged quickly, but a thick laminated sheet would be too bulky. For permanent outdoor signs that need to remain displayed for long periods, a rigid sign board may be more suitable.
Plastic Paper or Lamination?
Both options protect printed material from water and handling, but they produce different results.
- Plastic paper is printed directly onto one synthetic sheet. It is thinner, lighter and more flexible than a laminated print. There are no laminated edges to peel apart, and the material has a smooth matt finish rather than a glossy surface.
- Lamination seals a printed paper sheet inside a plastic pouch. It creates a thicker and more rigid result and may be preferable when extra stiffness is needed.
Choose plastic paper for flexible, lightweight and frequently handled items. Choose lamination when you need a heavier or more rigid finished sheet.
Which Thickness Should You Choose?
We offer two thicknesses:
- 145 micron: Similar in feel to approximately 130gsm paper. This is the better choice for lightweight leaflets, instruction sheets, maps and information that may need to be rolled or carried.
- 280 micron: Similar in feel to thick 300gsm card. It is stronger, less likely to crease and recommended for restaurant menus, signs and frequently handled materials.
Both options have a smooth matt finish. Printing in colour or black and white costs the same. Standard sizes include A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 and DL. We do not normally cut custom sizes, although some artwork can be resized to the nearest standard format.
Preparing Your Artwork
A press-quality PDF is the preferred file format. To print colour or images to the edge, include 3mm bleed and crop marks. Keep important text and logos at least 4mm inside the finished edge. Before ordering, check that the artwork is set to the correct finished size and that photographs and logos remain clear when viewed at full size. Our Artwork Guide explains how to prepare files using Canva, Adobe and Microsoft Office.
After ordering, upload your file and include any relevant instructions. We check the file and email a PDF proof for approval before printing begins.
View waterproof plastic paper sizes, prices and printing options