What is Synthetic Paper?
![Hands holding a printed map](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/900x633/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_799575230.png)
Synthetic Paper refers to a category of printable substrates
made from polymer-based resins. Synthetic paper has the appearance and print
characteristics of traditional paper, but because it is a plastic-like material it offers greater strength and durability.
Hence, synthetic paper is resistant to tears, moisture, and
oily substances. These traits make synthetic paper an excellent alternative to
traditional wood-pulp paper for print projects that will be subject to damp,
dirty, greasy, or other harsh conditions.
What are the Advantages of Synthetic Paper?
![playing cards on a table](https://transform.octanecdn.com/width/1600/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_171201772.jpg)
Tear Resistance - the molecular structure of synthetic paper
gives it extraordinary stability and toughness. Unlike conventional paper, synthetic
paper cannot be torn. Print materials used in rugged environments or those
subject to frequent or rough handling are good candidates for synthetic paper.
Water Resistance - unlike traditional paper which absorbs
water and becomes limp, synthetic paper is impervious to water and most other liquids.
This makes synthetic paper a good choice for printed materials used in environments
that are wet, damp, or humid, or where splashes and spills might occur.
Oil Resistance - synthetic paper does not absorb oily or greasy
substances like paper made of wood pulp. Consequently, synthetic paper is ideal
for print materials created for use in commercial kitchens, manufacturing
plants, automotive facilities, or other environments where oil or grease might
be present.
Easy to Clean - the ultra-smooth surface of synthetic paper repels
stains and can be easily rinsed off or wiped clean. This is why synthetic paper
has such widespread use for restaurant menus. Synthetic paper is also perfect
for any printing intended for outdoor use, such as maps or field guides.
Eco-Friendly - synthetic paper is not created from wood pulp
or wood fibers, so no trees are used in its manufacturing process. Synthetic paper is also very long lasting so
it doesn't need to be replaced as often. In addition, synthetic paper is completely recyclable
for use in a wide variety of new applications.
![Logo for YUPO synthetic paper](https://transform.octanecdn.com/cdn/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_516306112.png)
Synthetic paper is produced by several manufacturers, with YUPO® and Polyart® being two of the more prominent sources.
What it YUPO?
YUPO is the leading brand of synthetic paper. It is made
from polypropylene.
What is Polyart?
Polyart is a popular brand of synthetic paper. It is made
from polyethylene and has a clay coating.
![Logo for Polyart® synthetic paper](https://transform.octanecdn.com/cdn/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_595523843.png)
Synthetic papers print, fold, and function just like
regular paper but are much more durable. Synthetic papers are also completely waterproof
and resist stains.
If synthetic paper sounds like a good fit for your print
project, give Color Vision Printing a call at 800-543-6299. Or, if you already know
your project's specs and would like a quote, click here to submit a Quote Request.
As always, we look forward to hearing from you!
Related Articles
![A male hand separating a large stack of paper sheets](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_648604842.png)
Printing Terminology: What is a Substrate?
Read This Article
![The gutter area of a book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_768925941.png)
What is the Gutter of a Book?
Read This Article
![A man, a woman, and a child looking at a printed brochure](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_413330749.png)
The Difference between a Brochure and a Pamphlet
Read This Article
![Sheet-Fed Printing Press vs Roll-Fed Printing Press](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_637188568.png)
Printing Terminology: Sheet Fed Press vs Web Press
Read This Article
![A stack of printed brochures exiting the folding machine](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_139312952.png)
What is Print Collateral?
Read This Article
![Registration Mark used in CMYK Printing](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_476337562.png)
Printing Registration: A Key Factor in High-Quality Printing
Read This Article
![A male graphic designer using computer software to lay out artwork](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_928833269.png)
Printing Terminology: What is “Artwork” in Printing?
Read This Article
![Man adding yellow ink to an offset printing press](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_432652245.png)
Offset Printing: What is Make Ready?
Read This Article
![Computer icon of an Abode PDF file](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_368872050.png)
What are PDF files? Why do Printing Companies prefer them?
Read This Article
![Indicia imprint on a white direct mail piece, shown against a blue background](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_627359765.png)
Direct Mail Marketing: What are Postal Indicia?
Read This Article
![Silhouette of a graphic artist creating an artwork file](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_116158007.png)
What is a Print Ready File?
Read This Article
![A booklet with a gloss cover and pages](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_136055565.png)
Aqueous Coating vs UV Coating: Understanding the Differences
Read This Article
![A colorful flower bouquet seen behind examples of high and low opacity paper stocks](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_128866247.png)
What is the meaning of “Opacity” in regard to Paper?
Read This Article
![Three repair order forms with sequential ID numbers printed in red](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_340244157.png)
Printing Terminology: What is Sequential Numbering?
Read This Article
![A book's pages bound with a white Wire-O spine](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_905816922.png)
Custom Book Printing: What is Wire-O Binding?
Read This Article
![Two race horses running side by side on the track](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_520768121.png)
Printing Terminology: What is Grayscale?
Read This Article
![A thickness gauge measuring the combined caliper of two sheets of paper](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_820703628.png)
Paper Specifications: What does Caliper mean?
Read This Article
![Name tag that says Hello my name is Rich Black](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_653035354.png)
Printing Terminology: What is Rich Black?
Read This Article
![An ISBN number and barcode printed on a blue and red background](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_988097505.png)
Self-Published Books: What is an ISBN number? Do I need one?
Read This Article
![Stacks of large paper sheets lying on a blue surface](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_916885862.png)
Paper Weights explained: The meaning of Paper Basis Weight
Read This Article
![A circular emblem embossed into textured paper](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_747370773.png)
Printing Terminology: What is Blind Embossing?
Read This Article
![A variety of Saddle Stitched books arranged on a table](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_599729622.png)
What is Saddle Stitch Binding?
Read This Article
![A person reading a Perfect Bound book about food](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_829714912.png)
Custom Book Printing: What is Perfect Binding?
Read This Article
![Organic food store logo printed as a reverse in green ink on white substrate](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_925554476.png)
What is Reverse Printing?
Read This Article
![A piece of notebook paper stating K is for Key in CMYK Printing](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_647824352.png)
Why is the color Black designated by the letter "K" in CMYK?
Read This Article
![A person wearing yellow rubber boots standing in water](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_832907646.png)
Printing and Finishing: What is a Flood Coat?
Read This Article
![An open magazine with a Crossover Image of a fisherman spanning both pages](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_588745725.png)
Book Printing: What are Crossover Images?
Read This Article
![Graphic Designer working with native artwork fIles](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_179896128.png)
Graphic Design and Printing: What is a Native File?
Read This Article
![A variety of softcover books aligned in a stack](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_854412213.png)
What is the Spine of a Book?
Read This Article
![A man holding a Self Cover booklet](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_239921700.png)
What is a Self Cover Booklet?
Read This Article
![An example of Gloss Spot UV on a matte substrate](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_332163792.png)
Printing Terminology: What is Spot UV?
Read This Article
![A cutting die used for paper substrates](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_193239713.png)
Printing Terminology: What is Die Cutting?
Read This Article
![A stack of Saddle-Stitched books with Gloss UV Coating on the covers](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_159135159.png)
What is UV Coating?
Read This Article
![A full-color image shown with its four color-separated files of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_361620900.png)
Printing Terminology: What is Color Separation?
Read This Article
![Two hands holding a Pantone Color Guide](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_863861719.png)
What is a Pantone Color?
Read This Article
![A variety of print projects on pallets in front of an offset printing press](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_746721441.png)
What is Commercial Printing?
Read This Article
![A stack of open magazines with Aqueous Coating applied to the pages](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_677507193.png)
What is Aqueous Coating?
Read This Article
![A diagram illustrating the concept of Saddle Stitch Page Creep](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_575256683.png)
Saddle Stitch Binding: What is Creep?
Read This Article
![An example of 2-Up Printing showing two hot air balloon images](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_423138822.png)
What is 2-Up Printing, 4-Up Printing, N-Up Printing, etc.?
Read This Article
![A digital printing press used for commercial production](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_199600359.png)
What is Digital Printing?
Read This Article
![A Pantone color guide book fanned open](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_225000454.png)
What is a “Spot” Color?
Read This Article
![Four ink towers of an Offset Printing Press](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_873618680.png)
What is Offset Printing?
Read This Article
![A hard copy proof of a magazine cover](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_489495992.png)
Printing Proofs: Soft Proofs vs Hard Proofs
Read This Article
![The abbreviation DPI surrounded by CMYK ink dots](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_140449698.jpg)
Printing Terminology: What is DPI?
Read This Article
![An embossed logo that reads eco friendly](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_413061774.png)
Printing Terminology: Embossing vs Debossing
Read This Article
![A diagram showing 2-sided sheets printed with various ink colors](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_317665379.png)
What is 4/4 Printing, 4/1 Printing, and 4/0 Printing?
Read This Article
![The letters CMYK displayed in boxes of corresponding colors](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_253032275.png)
Printing Terminology: What is CMYK?
Read This Article
![An open book depicting the concept of verso and recto](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_759260051.png)
Printing Terminology: Recto and Verso
Read This Article
![A stack of white paper lying on a wooden surface](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_186032634.png)
Printing Terminology: What is Paper Grain?
Read This Article
![A commercial printing plant worker collating the sections of a book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_677239129.png)
What does Collate mean in Printing?
Read This Article
![Hands holding a printed map](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_781240408.png)
What is Synthetic Paper?
Read This Article
![A hand holding a stack of printed sheets](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_708172761.png)
Printing Terminology: Simplex vs Duplex Printing
Read This Article
![Two beachfront scenes oriented in the same direction](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_833364553.png)
What is Head to Head Printing?
Read This Article
![Graphic Designer reviewing an Artwork File to be Printed](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_219147517.jpeg)
Printing Terminology: What does Preflighting mean?
Read This Article
![plastic comb book open](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_918121585.jpeg)
Plastic Comb Books: What does the "Comb" refer to?
Read This Article
![paper for a large sheet-fed press](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_620568606.jpeg)
What is C1S Paper and C2S Paper?
Read This Article