Which Paper Should I Use?

Are these papers really "waterproof"?

These papers stand up well to rain and moisture. They are intended for short term outdoor use. They will all write underwater but with prolonged underwater exposure they will break down. We know people who have used all four types of paper that we sell while scuba diving. However, if you are diving more than a few feet deep you will need a paper that accepts pencil because water will be forced into your refill by pressure. For underwater use we recommend writing with pencil on Dura Copy.

Avoid smearing and excess ink:

We recommend printing using the "normal" or "standard" settings of your printer. Printing in "high quality" or "dark" mode usually applies more ink than the paper can absorb. That will cause ink smearing or ink that does not dry. If the ink smears or does not dry in "normal or "standard" mode see if you can print with a "light" or "economy" mode. For best results use the lightest printer setting that produces readable print. We recommend Dura Copy for best results with laser printers or copiers and Adventure Paper for inkjet printers.

When writing use a medium point or a fine point pen that puts down a thin layer of ink. Broad point pens or those that put down a thick layer of ink generally deposit excess ink that does not absorb into the paper and smears.

Use high quality ink and toner!

Most people who use the ink or toner cartridges recommended by the manufacturer of their printer have great success. Refilled cartridges and generic cartridges often provide poor results.

Exposure to sun, wind, rain, etc.:

Keep in mind that you are buying a product that is either a thin plastic film or a coated sheet of paper. It might last outside for a few weeks, depending upon climate and sun exposure. It will not last through repeated or prolonged exposures to hot, cold, sun, wind or other harsh conditions. Sometimes you need a metal sign, plastic plaque or another permanent solution.

Ink and toner are important!

The ink or toner that you use can break down with exposure to direct sunlight, water or humidity. Ink usually fails before the paper during sun exposure. For best results use the ink and toner cartridges recommended by your printer manufacturer and be aware that exposure conditions will limit the life of your document.

Lamination:

The papers that we sell can be laminated.

Storage:

Unused paper is best stored in a box or in a sealed plastic bag in a dark location. This limits exposure to air, light and humidity. Weatherproof Paper and Adventure Paper can absorb ink from objects that are stored in contact with them.

Printing on Two Sides:

Both sides of these papers have equal printing characteristics. When large amounts of ink are applied, such as when printing maps or bold text, two-sided printing might result in ink bleeding through the paper. When printing on two sides allow a few minutes drying time between sides.

Writing Underwater:

All of the papers that we sell can be used underwater for short intervals. If left underwater for more than a couple of hours the papers will begin to deteriorate. Waterproof pens have a small amount of gas in the refill to control the flow of ink. If they are taken deep enough that the outside pressure is higher than the inside gas pressure, water will flow into the refill and ruin it (the critical depth is variable - depending upon the amount of ink that has been depleted). We suggest writing underwater with Dura Copy and a pencil.

Choice of Writing Implements:

We recommend a ball-point pen with waterproof ink for best results. Medium width pens generally work the best. Fine and extra fine points can cut into the paper under heavy pressure. Broad point pens often deposit more ink than the paper can absorb and result in smearing. When writing with pencil we recommend soft, broad leads with blunt points.

Spray-on-Fixatives:

These can be used but the paper might not accept additional printing or writing. Always test before using on anything important.

Smudge and Smear:

This usually occurs when ink is applied too heavily. Try changing the settings of your printer or copier so that less ink will be applied. Broad point pens and those that deposit a thick layer of ink generally smear. Try medium point or fine point pens that deposit a thin layer of ink.

Cutting:

These papers can be cut with scissors and paper cutters. Their water- resistant qualities are not reduced.

Hole Punching:

Rite-in-the-Rain paper generally performs well during hole-punching. Dura Copy, Weatherproof and Adventure Paper do not work well with some types of punches. Test with a single sheet, then two, then three... etc. A large stack of paper can be almost impossible to extract if it is jammed in a hole punch.

Always Test Before Important Projects:

If you are going to use a waterproof paper for an important application we strongly recommend testing to be sure that it meets your needs. Testing how you are going to print on it and write on it are important. Also important is a test of the anticipated environmental, handling and storage conditions.