Cardboard is a thick (more than 0.2 mm) type of paper, the strength, and durability of which is due to its loose structure. It is a popular packaging material. Also, cardboard is widely used in printing, construction, and other industries. Its quality and features depend on the raw materials used and compliance with the manufacturing technology.
What is made of cardboard?
Different types of cardboard are used in:
- quality of the packaging – boxes are made of cardboard and corrugated cardboard for any needs. Such packaging material differs in strength and shock-absorbing properties;
- printing industry – for making covers;
- construction – when creating a dry floor screed, to obtain heat and sound insulation layers. It is also part of the drywall.
Also, cardboard can be used in the manufacture of shoes, electrical devices, etc.
Cardboard and corrugated board are versatile materials that do not require special production costs. They are widely used in various industries. Their popularity is due to their good performance and comparatively low cost.
But cardboard is the same paper that can get wet when in contact with water and other liquids. How to make this material waterproof and water-resistant at home? We tried to find the most effective methods. Using them, you can endow cardboard or a thing made from it with waterproof properties.
This article will help you in creating homemade statues for your garden, dollhouses, postcards, preserving memorable and important papers, as well as boxes for wrapping gifts, and more. What could be even more interesting than creating a moisture-resistant layer on cardboard and products made from it?
5 ways to add a waterproof layer to cardboard
There are various ways to seal cardboard, but basically, you will have to cover every part of it that ever gets into water or even moisture, and do it completely and without even tiny gaps.
So you can seal it with waterproof liquids, or waterproof tapes (duct tape, clear packing tape, etc.), or use something like shrink wrap, or some other hard material.
The most water-resistant liquids will be permanent paints (acrylic, latex, enamels) and clear coatings such as polyurethane and epoxy resins, and even less waterproof such as thinned PVA adhesives and acrylic media, etc., will work reasonably well.
Many other pasty and other materials that are thicker or not intended for use as finishes/paints can work as well, but they will usually not be as smooth or thin.
Using PVA glue coating
One of the ways to give the cardboard the properties of moisture resistance is to cover the cardboard product with the word PVA glue. The use of PVA glue gives the cardboard a water resistance of class.
The cardboard can withstand several cycles of soaking in the rain or water and drying. For the cardboard to become waterproof, follow these steps.
Prepare your workplace. Cover the table or floor with plastic foil so as not to stain and place the cardboard product there.
Prepare a mixture of glue and water and apply the first coat to the corona surface.
Leave the cardboard to dry, apply a second coat of glue after a few hours, and check all the curves. Let the second coat dry.
To increase the waterproof properties of the cardboard, apply a third coat. Use a more concentrated solution of glue and water this time. Leave the cardboard for a day to dry completely and repeat everything. if you apply the glue correctly and in the right proportion, your cardboard is not afraid of rain and water.
Using fiberglass cover
Another way to give the board its moisture-resistant characteristics is to use fiberglass resin. This substance can be used not only for cardboard but for almost all the materials that you want to make moisture resistant.
To get started with cardboard and fiberglass resin, you need to prepare your work area. You can cover it with cling film, newspapers, or a sheet of plastic. Be sure to place a silicone mat under the cardboard. Once dry, the material can stick to anything it gets on. But it does not stick to silicone. Also wear protective gloves and clothing that you don’t mind ruining.
Now prepare a mixture of polyester resin with catalyst. Using a brush, apply the mixture to the cardboard. Make sure you cover all bends and joints tightly. Dry the cardboard within 24 hours and apply the resin mixture a second time. Leave it on for 24 hours and use water-resistant cardboard.
Using paraffin wax
Using paraffin is not the best solution to water exposure to cardboard, but many recommend it. Also, paraffin is used for waterproofing cardboard products. It can be used if you are afraid of using waterproof sprays and liquids.
Be sure to prepare your workplace. Prepare the solution. Take a saucepan, pour water on the bottom. Pour about 8 ounces of paraffin into a pot of water. Put the casserole on the fire and stir until the paraffin melts. The liquid is ready. It remains to apply a thin layer of paraffin to the cardboard with a brush and let it cool. Once the paraffin is dry, the second coat of wax can be applied.
Using Lacquer
To cover the cardboard from moisture, you can also use special liquids and sprays that are sold on the Internet. One of these sprays is Lacquer. This is a quick way to coat the cardboard and make it moisture resistant.
Prepare your workplace. It is best to cover cardboard outdoors, or in a well-ventilated room.
Spray on all sides and let the cardboard dry. This will take you a few hours. Once the cardboard is dry, you can repeat the procedure and apply a second coat of spray. You can repeat it a third time, so the layer will be even more durable.
Using the rubberized layer
Among all the available methods, it is worth noting the rubberized coating. This coating can be easily applied to cardboard products and will achieve the effect of water resistance.
Before you start, we would like to warn you that this material is toxic and therefore should only be handled outdoors.
Also, prepare your workplace, cover the surface with newspaper, plastic, or film.
Now take a brush and apply the product to the cardboard. make sure you apply the layer evenly. Dry the cardboard. Follow the instructions on the packaging and you can get the excellent waterproof properties of your cardboard product.
Final Words
Making cardboard waterproof is a complex process. Again, as discussed in the article, you cannot make the cardboard itself waterproof, but you can add another layer to make it waterproof.
Cardboard is not intended to be used as a waterproof material. Cardboard is paper and is susceptible to moisture and water. Constant exposure to water causes the cardboard to become wet with dirt. To expand the possibilities of cardboard and meet customer water resistance requirements, manufacturers have developed various methods of applying a waterproof coating to their products.
Having said that, there are some things you can do to make it as waterproof as possible.
Useful Video: Waterproofing a Cardboard Box
Laminate it with a thin plastic wrap. This will add weight and you need to make sure all edges are covered. Use wax. This will be the hardest to do as you will need multiple layers. You can waterproof it or paint it with epoxy. Waxing, or using a technique called cascading, which saturates the cardboard with a hot wax substance, will also make the waterproof cardboard.
