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Graytex.com · 800-813-5828
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Since 1982
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Weatherproof
Paper
Article: Customer Applications
Discussion topic: Weatherproof Paper Options and examples of customer
applications for inkjet, laser,
and color laser printers
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References:
Ruff
N' Tuff, a Water-Resistant Paper
for inkjet & Laser printers, a paper-realistic
synthetic hybrid
Power Paper, a Waterproof Paper for inkjet & Laser
printers
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Weatherproof Paper is a term most often used to describe
synthetic papers and media which are designed to resist exposure to
water. Additional benefits may include resistance to dirt
contamination as well as heavy or rough handling.
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Weatherproof
Paper in Real World Situations...
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We first discovered a real need among our customers for
"weatherproof paper" when a telephone company began using our
Power Paper for maintenance checklists with its on-call technicians.
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This made sense because these employees were always working
outdoors, regardless of the rain, and the onsite recordkeeping
tasks could not be compromised.
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A
"weatherproof paper" implies waterproof properties, but a
water-resistant alternative is also available. In this case, the
company eventually preferred to use the less expensive, water-resistant
paper, Ruff N Tuff. Ruff N Tuff is ideal for outdoor maintenance
because it is still sufficiently water-resistant to insure the documents used
would not be ruined or made illegible by incidental rain, or, perhaps, even
the occasional coffee spill.
More Customer Applications . . .
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Some of the next applications we found our customers using
weatherproof paper for was construction site documents, signs, and other
outdoor labels.
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Also, outdoor signs in particular are a general
category often requiring a truly waterproof paper, such as Power
Paper. Power Paper is also successfully being used for construction
materials
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pallets and skid markers as identifier labels to withstand
the weather. These items sit outside for days or weeks,
inevitably in the rain, exposed to dust, and mud.
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Weatherproof Paper: Success Factors
Durability of any weatherproof paper will vary depending on how
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harsh the conditions. But normal, outdoor environmental
conditions from the weather are not the primary reason for a weatherproof
paper to fail or prove to be unsatisfactory. The type and quality of printer
used to make your outdoor documents will have the greatest affect on the
durability of the image, particularly for inkjet printers.
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Ordering a trial pack (15 sheets) for testing
before making a larger purchase is recommended, particularly if you are
using an inkjet printer. Certain types of inkjet printers may not perform
as well on Power Paper, for example, if the ink does not bond well enough
to the page. This can have as much to do with the type of ink used in
the printer as well as
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with the inkjet printing method.
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For laser printers, in general we found they create a more reliable image
than inkjet printers by more effectively bonding to the sheet (true of both
Power Paper and Ruff N Tuff).
Continuing Range of Customer Applications...
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Some of the most interesting examples of where Power Paper is
being used are with the U.S. military and several scientific
laboratories. These are for applications involving wet conditions and
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submersion of documents into preservative
chemicals for biological specimens.
The most common customer application though is a straight forward resistance
against incidental exposure to water. For this, Power Paper and Ruff N
Tuff are suitable options to consider under the general classification of a
weatherproof paper.
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Unusual or Extreme!
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Weatherproof Paper applications...
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Power
Paper accepts pen and pencil marks while underwater, as one customer
found out (a biological scientific laboratory). The pen gets destroyed though,
after being submersed for too long! (Special submersible pen required.)
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A couple of customers have used Power Paper as a fly
fishing material. How? Sorry, but this is a bit too far off from
anyone's experience here for us to really understand it (no one here does
fly fishing). Nevertheless, that's how the paper is being used!
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Limitations...
These products are not specifically designed to stand up to exposure to the
sun. Fading may occur. We recommend trying samples if this affects your
application. Also, Power Paper (both versions) will dry out and become
brittle after long exposure in the sun.
For more details on the characteristics of these
papers refer to the product pages.
Related
Products:
© 2007 Graytex. All rights reserved.
Water-resistant
paper: Ruff N' Tuff for Laser & Inkjet printers
Waterproof
papers: Power Paper for Laser & Inkjet
More
Articles: Product Guides, FAQs, & References
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Links:
All Printer Papers (by
Size) Home: Graytex.com
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