Waterproof poster options
Paper and rain do not mix, but you still have several good options. The right one depends on how wet it gets, and how long the poster has to last.
Waterproof, or just water-resistant?
People use the two words freely, but there is a real gap between them. A PVC banner is a plastic sheet, so water has nothing to soak into. A paper poster with a seal on its face is protected from splashes, but water can still creep in at its cut edges if it stays wet. A sheet in an outdoor glazed case does not need to be waterproof at all, as long as the case keeps out the damp.
The main routes, at A1
| Option | Price at A1 | How it copes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC banner | £20 | Plastic through and through | Fences, railings and outdoor events |
| Self-adhesive vinyl | £25 | Sticks to a smooth, sound surface | Boards, doors and shelters |
| Photo paper 135gsm with a Seal | £20 print, £10 seal | Face protected, edges are still paper | Damp-prone indoor areas, covered spots |
| Encapsulated sheet | On request | Plastic on both sides, with a sealed border | Notices, menus, poolside signs |
| Print mounted on Corex | Print plus £10 mounting | Rigid plastic board | Short-term outdoor signs |
Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.
How water really gets in
Rain falling on a face is rarely the problem. These are the usual culprits:
- Cut edges. Paper wicks moisture inwards from an exposed edge.
- Holes. A pin, staple or cable-tie hole breaks the protective layer. Keep punctures away from the printed area or add a border.
- Standing water. Anything lying wet against the print, such as a soggy backing board, will do more harm than a passing shower.
- Sun after rain. Repeated cycles of wet and dry stress adhesives and edges.
Encapsulating
Sealing a sheet between two layers of plastic, with a clear border round it, is a good way to protect a paper notice. Leave that border in place: trimming it reopens the edges. Encapsulating printed sheets has more on how it works. It is available on request.
A note on sun
Wet weather is only half of the outdoors. UV light fades print too, whichever material you pick, so a poster going up for a long stretch needs more thought. Our guide to outdoor poster printing covers that, and weatherproof signs is the place to start if you want something that stays up for longer.
Print out in the weather.
Your questions.
Can I use a laminated paper poster outside?
For a short spell in a sheltered spot, perhaps. For open weather, a PVC banner or vinyl on a board will be more reliable.
Is a blue-back poster waterproof?
No. It is paper designed to be pasted on a site for a limited run. It copes with weather on the board, but it is not a waterproof product.
Will the ink run if the poster gets wet?
Ink behaves differently on different materials. Tell us where the poster will be, and we will suggest a material and finish that suit outdoor use.