3 Options for Creating Waterproof Books: Book Printing
The cover and pages of most books - including manuals, reference
guides, handbooks, etc. - are constructed from paper. When used in a clean and
dry environment, paper remains durable and can last quite a long time.
However, if a book is used in a setting where moisture is present, it can become
permanently damaged if it comes in contact with water or other liquids. This is
because paper is made from wood pulp. When the cellulose fibers of wood pulp
absorb moisture, the bond between the fibers becomes weaker.
Because paper soaks up moisture so readily, it becomes limp and could easily rip
or disintegrate once saturated. Even if the exposure to moisture is minimal and
the pages remain intact, the book could become distorted from swelling or
warping, or be ruined by stains and discoloration.
What are the options for creating waterproof books?
Before we get to the three options, it is important to know that the only practical
binding style available to create water resistant books is plastic coil
binding. Because the molecular structure of plastic provides an exceptional
moisture barrier, plastic binding coil is completely waterproof. It is also
very durable, yet flexible.

A side benefit of coil binding is that it allows a book to fold all the way back upon itself and yet still remain flat. Unlike most other binding styles, the pages do not have to be continually held open in order to reference the information within the book.
Also, the coil is traditionally placed along the left side of the book but it could be installed along the top so that the cover and pages flip upward. Installing the coil along the top is a popular choice for smaller books that might be carried in a breast pocket or hip pocket.
Option 1: Paper enclosed within a Sealed-Edge Laminate
With this option, the book's cover and pages are printed on traditional paper. Each
piece of paper is then sandwiched between two pieces of plastic laminate film.
The plastic film is made slightly bigger than the printed paper to allow the two
sheets of film to bond to each other around the perimeter of the paper. This
seals the edge and totally encapsulates the cover and each page in plastic.
The overhang lip created by the sealed-edge method is usually in the range of
1/8" - 1/2". This produces a strong bond and ensures that fluids
never contact the edge of the printed paper substrate.
When creating a waterproof book, the secret to maintaining the integrity of the
encapsulation is to use a thicker laminate and to extend the sealed-edge along the
"binding edge" of the cover and pages. This way, the holes for the
plastic binding coil can be punched so the holes penetrate the laminate only,
not the paper substrate. This preserves the protective moisture barrier of the
laminate.
Paper enclosed in a sealed-edge laminate is the cheapest option for creating
water resistant books. The only drawback to this option is that the laminate
adds thickness to the pages, which can make a book excessively bulky if it has
a higher page count.
Option 2: Synthetic Paper
Unlike traditional paper which is made of wood pulp, synthetic paper is made
from plastic resin. As a result, synthetic paper does not absorb water like conventional
paper. Even when wet, synthetic paper retains its strength and structural
integrity.
Synthetic paper combines the versatility of traditional paper with the
durability of plastic. It accepts ink very well and can be substituted for regular
paper on a variety of book printing projects.
Unlike Option 1 above, synthetic paper does not require the application of a laminate
to become moisture resistant. Hence, synthetic paper is a good solution if a
book's page count is high and the increased thickness from the laminate film
would make the book too bulky and cumbersome.
That said, synthetic paper is priced higher than laminated paper. This means it
is not a cost-effective option for shorter production runs. Also, because there
is no protective layer of laminate over the ink, synthetic paper might not be
suitable for applications where the books are exposed to harsh cleaners or
strong chemicals.
Option 3: Laminated Synthetic Paper
Basically, this option is a combination of Options 1 and 2 above. In other
words, the books are created with synthetic paper that has a laminate applied
to both sides. However, because synthetic paper is waterproof by itself, it
does not require the laminate to have a sealed-edge around the perimeter.
Instead, the laminate can be cut flush with the edge of the synthetic paper.
Some people may find this more aesthetically pleasing than a sealed-edge laminate,
as the flush-cut laminate does not overhang the cover and pages.
Also, because the laminate does not need to be extended along the binding edge
for the coil to pass through it, the laminate does not need to be as thick.
This minimizes the added bulk problem of books with higher page counts that Option
1 might present.
Furthermore, because the synthetic paper is now sandwiched between two pieces
of laminate, there is an added layer of protection over the ink should a harsh
cleaning agent or other strong substance come in contact with the book.
Of the three options, Option 3 offers the most versatility. However, it is also
the most expensive option for creating waterproof books.
What scenarios require waterproof books?
Any books that will be used where moisture or humidity is a concern will
benefit from having a waterproof cover and waterproof pages. Examples include
instruction manuals or operation guides used within a commercial kitchen, a
water treatment plant, aboard a floating vessel, or any other application where
water or liquid is prevalent.
Multi-page restaurant menus, which are constantly subject to splashes and
spills, are also a good candidate for waterproofing measures.
Furthermore, books that are intended to be used outdoors will benefit from being
made with a waterproof construction method. Examples include nature and field
guides used to help identify various species or objects, such as birds,
insects, plants, rocks, seashells and such.
Other examples include outdoor survival guides or first aid manuals, or even
guidebooks to help navigate and explore a park or locale. Because these books
are used primarily out-of-doors, they could easily get soiled with rain or snow,
or get wet from a puddle, stream, lake, or other body of water.
If you have a need for waterproof books, manuals, field guides, reference
materials, multi-page menus, or any other bound documents that may be subject
to moisture, humidity, splashes or spills, give Formax a call at 866-367-6221.
Or, if you already know your specs and would like a quote, click here to submit
our easy quote form. As always, we look forward to assisting with your book
printing needs!
Take care! Rick