PuffinPaper
Synthetic Waterproof Paper
8 mil
8-1/2" x 11"Light duty
One sided printing
10 mil
8-1/2" x 11"Standard duty
25% Thicker
PuffinPaper is our best-selling waterproof paper. It works anywhere that you do. Use it to print waterproof signs, forms, maps, instructions, product labels and more! You can write on PuffinPaper with a standard ballpoint pen, and the ink will bond into the paper. It works great in laser printers, plain-paper copiers, and inkjet printers that apply pigment-based inks. It feels nice in your hand and under your pen. It is waterproof, tear resistant, puncture resistant, abrasion resistant and chemical resistant.
PuffinPaper remains pliable and writable at temperatures between -94°F (-70°C) and 356°F (180°C). The cold or heat will force you to go indoors or your pen will stop working before this paper quits on you. It folds with a nice crease. You can cut it and the edges will have the same waterproof character as the center of the sheet. It forms a strong bond with laminates and works well with most adhesives.
Don't take chances with your important documents getting ruined by rain, sweat, abrasion, or spills. Instead, use PuffinPaper whenever you need durable documents.
| Durable
Printable Writable 8 mil 10 mil |
Only Need a Few Sheets?
Most people who purchase waterproof paper from us are looking for a small amount of paper for light-duty outdoor use. The economical answer is a 25-sheet package of PuffinPaper in the 8 mil thickness. It is about the same thickness as standard printer paper and can be used in laser printers, plain-paper copiers and inkjet printers that apply pigment-based inks. If you need extra thickness, more durability, or want to print on both sides, then we suggest the 10 mil thickness. If you want to save money, purchase a larger package for a lower cost per sheet.Save Money by Buying in Bulk
PuffinPaper is also sold in bulk quantities of 500, 1000 and 2000 sheets. If you use a lot of paper, these bulk packs will save money. They are all shipped in convenient 100-sheet packages.Why PuffinPaper?
We have been selling waterproof paper to people who work and play outdoors since 2003. In 2016 we were really happy when we found PuffinPaper, a synthetic paper that we like more than any other. Our customers like it too - it quickly became our best-selling paper.Printing and Writing on PuffinPaper?
When PuffinPaper is used in a printer or copier, the ink dries in seconds, the colors are vibrant and the printing is sharp. For best results, use a "light" or "economy" or "draft" setting to conserve ink and avoid applying more ink than the paper can absorb. This is really important.When writing on PuffinPaper, a medium-width standard ballpoint pen works great. Medium width generally applies enough ink to be easily read. A "bold" width usually applies too much ink and smearing can occur. Fine and ultra-fine pens can dig into the paper if you are not a light writer. To get the best performance, we suggest reading our article: Tips for Using PuffinPaper. A similar article is included in every package of PuffinPaper that we sell.
It's easy to identify pigment-based inks. They are high-quality inks that manufacturers love to brag about. Check the package that your cartridge was shipped in or the webpage where it was purchased. "Pigment Ink" or something similar is usually marked at least once - if not multiple times! You can see screenshots from manufacturer websites at the bottom of this page.
The Two Downsides
The downsides that we see are that PuffinPaper does not accept pencil, and gel pens often smear. These same "problems" are present with almost all of the synthetic waterproof papers that we have used.Also, if you want to print with inkjet, make sure that you printer applies a pigment-based ink. You want pigment ink for two reasons: 1) the pigments are not water soluble and will not wash out of the paper; and, 2) pigment-based inks are more resistant to fading when exposed to sunlight.
Pigment-based inks are easy to identify. Manufacturers will brag about pigment-based ink on the package that the cartridge is shipped in or on the webpage where they are sold. See examples of how pigment-based inkjet packages are marked by looking at the screenshots at the bottom of this page.
(Some inkjet printer cartridges - especially generic and refilled ones - contain a water-soluble dye. The printing produced by these cartridges will smear when wet.) If we are preparing a waterproof document, our first choice is printing with a laser printer and writing with a pen that contains waterproof ink.
Common Sense Testing
The performance of any waterproof document depends upon four things: 1) the type of paper, 2) the printer/ink/toner used to print it, 3) the writing implement, and, 4) the environmental conditions where the document is used. These four things must be compatible to produce a waterproof document. We always recommend testing before starting an important or costly project. This will confirm in advance that your paper, printing method and writing implement will work well together. If you need a small amount of paper for testing, we recommend one of our 25-sheet packages.Use PuffinPaper Where You Need Durable Paper
Many of our customers use PuffinPaper when they need a tough, durable paper that looks great and will stand up to abuse. They use it to print signs, product labels, forms, maps and instruction sheets that will be used in rough, dirty, or abrasive environments. For these customers, the fact that PuffinPaper is waterproof is nice, but that is not why they decide to use it.When Metal Signs Are Required
Even though PuffinPaper resists water, punctures, abrasion, chemicals and more, it isn't bulletproof. Keep in mind that any "synthetic waterproof paper" is a thin sheet of "plastic" and set your expectations with that in mind. For that reason we still recommend more durable materials -- like metal signs -- when your anticipated use is likely to exceed what a thin plastic sheet will endure. Let common sense be your guide.
How to Identify Pigment-Based Inks
The words "pigment ink" or "pigment-based" or similar language will be on the package or on the webpage where the cartridges are sold. Manufacturers tell you about it because pigment-based inks are high-quality inks.
Pens and Ink
Waterproof Ink
Waterproof Ink
Waterproof Ink
