Is Waterproof Paper Worth the Investment? A Cost/Benefit Analysis

When folks are first learning about waterproof synthetic paper and all of its benefits, they tend to assume that it must be prohibitively expensive. But that simply isn’t true!

How is that possible?

Yes, synthetic paper is initially going to cost more than regular copy paper. But when you take a broad view of your expenses, you just might see that the initial cost of synthetic paper is well worth it for the time and cost-savings down the line. This is especially true if you’re constantly reprinting pieces or undertaking a lamination process to increase durability.

What’s so great about synthetic paper?

REVLAR synthetic paper is waterproof, tear-proof and durable right out of the box. It’s designed to withstand high and low temperature fluctuations and is impervious to grease and chemicals. This product is actually made of plastic, which is what gives it all of these durable characteristics, yet it has the appearance, smoothness and printability of standard paper.

Waterproof paper vs. lamination

When you laminate traditional paper products in an attempt to achieve the characteristics inherent in REVLAR waterproof synthetic paper, you’re adding a time-consuming and expensive step after printing is complete. Plus, lamination can peel, bubble or crease, which allows moisture to penetrate over time and damage the finished piece. Once the material’s clean, professional appearance is compromised, there’s no turning back.

With REVLAR, you print once and you’re done; no extra steps, no hidden costs and no fuss!

Still skeptical? Check out this cost comparison chart:

For many users, particularly those concerned with look and feel, the final decision often comes down to the cost of REVLAR vs. the cost of lamination. This cost comparison illustrates that all three of our REVLAR products are a highly cost-effective solution.

This example calculates and compares the cost per sheet for 1,000 8.5” x 11” signs for outdoor use:

¹ Cost per 5 mil pouch of lamination film from leading office supplier
² Most laminators from leading office supplier process one sheet per minute, totaling 16.67 hours for 1,000 sheets
³ Assuming labor is $20 per hour

This cost comparison does not even take into account other factors, such as the cost of purchasing and maintaining lamination equipment or the amount of time required to heat up lamination equipment. Both of those factors could significantly add to the overall cost of lamination.

To Learn More

To learn more about REVLAR waterproof synthetic paper, request free samples or more information by clicking below.

*This blog post was originally published on Jan 9, 2015, it was updated and republished on August 23, 2018.