Why synthetic or laminated cards?
- Hannah Ensor
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
Originally, all our keyring cards were laminated - and then over a year ago, our supplier stopped offering them. The new suppliers we found would have doubled the cost of the cards - which just didn't work.
Then we discovered a new synthetic paper.
It's like a paper/card made of plastic. So it can be wiped clean, doesn't tear, and is durable. Although the ink has a durable coating, it can be scratched if you treat it really harshly, or if you scratch it while damp, but they don't fray like laminate does, and are about half the thickness and half the weight - and for a similar price. And they are very tactile, with a slightly textured surface that feels almost soft.
So now, all our keyring card reprints and new designs are in the new synthetic material. Some cards are still available in laminated, but as they run out they will be replaced with the synthetic cards. They are sized to match, so packs can have a mix of the two types.
Note: Do not try to laminate the synthetic cards! It will probably melt them, and they don't need it.
Here's a bit more information about the synthetic material:
You can write on the card with ballpoint, fountain pen or pencil. But due to the coating, once written on, the writing cannot be erased.
DO NOT use solvent based marker pens - these can dissolve the protective coating.
They can be fully immersed in water, but when soaked the protective coating becomes easily damaged - so do not scratch them when wet. Once dry, their scratch-resistance will return.
Cleaning:
Use a common soft kitchen detergent or hand soap diluted with water. Products with low alcohol content (< 40%) can be used to disinfect the cards.
Gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth immersed with the mixture of soft detergent and water.
DO NOT use pure concentrated soap - always dilute!
DO NOT use of microfiber cloths because these type of cloths might polish the surface and/or damage the printed image.
DO NOT use all-purpose cleaning products that contain abrasive particles (like e.g. alum) as these products can damage the printed image.
Do NOT use of disinfectant products with high alcohol content (e.g. 60% isopropanol or 60% ethanol or a mixture of both) as these products can damage the printed image.