Understanding whether laminated paper is waterproof is crucial for industries that rely on packaging, protection, and separation materials. Many customers choose laminated paper for its combination of strength, durability, and surface protection, yet the level of water resistance varies depending on the structure and production method. In this article, we focus on the characteristics of laminated paper, evaluate how well it resists water, and explain how it performs in real applications. 

Understanding What Laminated Paper Is

Laminated paper is a composite material made by bonding PE film and paper through a hot-lamination process. The coating forms a continuous film layer on one or both sides of the paper, giving the surface a smoother texture and providing better barrier properties. The material is widely used for:

• Double-sided coated paper

• Double-sided glossy paper rolls

• Kraft laminated tapes

• Release Paper and electrical insulating paper

• Die-cut protective paper

The main purpose is to protect the product, provide isolation, and create a surface that prevents moisture and contaminants from penetrating as easily as they would with standard paper.

While the base layer is still paper, the PE film is what improves the surface properties and determines how well laminated paper performs when exposed to moisture, humidity, or splashing.

Is Laminated Paper Waterproof?

Laminated paper is water-resistant, not fully waterproof. The PE film layer acts as a protective barrier that significantly reduces water absorption and prevents the paper fibers from getting soaked quickly. However, water resistance depends on:

• Whether lamination is applied to one side or both sides

• The thickness and uniformity of the PE film

• How long the paper is exposed to moisture

• Environmental conditions such as heat and humidity

In most industrial use cases—such as packaging steel, aluminum, copper, electrical components, or mechanical parts—PE-laminated paper performs effectively because these materials require splash resistance and barrier protection rather than long-term water immersion.

Below is a simple comparison:

This is why laminated paper is widely used as separation paper, release paper, and protective wrapping in metalworking and industrial packaging. It provides exactly the level of moisture protection most users need without the cost of fully waterproof materials.

Why Laminated Paper Shows Better Water Resistance

The enhanced moisture resistance of laminated paper comes from the bonding between PE film and paper. The lamination process seals the paper surface, making it smooth and non-porous. When water lands on the surface, it forms droplets rather than soaking in. This effect is especially strong in double-sided laminated paper, which creates a full moisture barrier.

At XINYUANSHUN, our Laminated Paper Rolls adopt:

• High-density PE film

• Strong lamination adhesion

• Uniform coating thickness

These features ensure that the water-resistant properties remain stable even during cutting, bending, or long-distance shipping.

Common Customer Questions and Detailed Answers

1. Can laminated paper be used outdoors?

It can, but only under temporary outdoor use. Laminated paper resists moisture, but prolonged UV exposure and continuous rain may degrade the paper layer. For outdoor packaging of metal parts, laminated paper is appropriate, but long-term outdoor storage requires additional waterproof covering.

2. Will laminated paper prevent rust on steel products?

Laminated paper does not contain VCI, so it does not actively prevent rust through vapor-phase inhibitors.
However, its moisture barrier protects metal surfaces from humidity and condensation to a certain extent, reducing the chance of rust during transport.
For customers who want both surface protection and anti-rust performance, we offer rust-proof paper as a separate solution.

3. Can laminated paper be used to wrap oily or greasy products?

Yes. The PE film provides oil resistance, preventing oil from penetrating the paper. This makes the material suitable for applications involving:

• Cut metal sheets

• Machinery parts

• Tools

• Electronic components

4. Will laminated paper delaminate during use?

High-quality laminated paper will not. At XINYUANSHUN, lamination is applied with strong bonding pressure and heat treatment, ensuring the PE film does not peel easily. Poor lamination from low-grade suppliers may show bubbles or loose edges, which is why material quality matters.

5. Can laminated paper be used in high-temperature environments?

PE-coated paper withstands general heat associated with industrial processing and storage. However, exposure above 90–110°C may cause the PE film to soften. It is suitable for packaging metals, but not for processes that involve heat sealing or direct high-temperature contact.

Summary

Laminated paper provides a reliable balance of water resistance, surface protection, durability, and cost-effectiveness. While not fully waterproof, its PE film layer makes it highly effective for industrial applications where moisture protection is needed. Its core advantages include:

• Good water resistance

• Strong isolation and protection performance

• Eco-friendly and harmless material options

• Ideal for steel, copper, aluminum, and other metals

• Stable performance during transportation and storage

If you need laminated paper that delivers consistent strength, clean separation, and moisture resistance, you can explore our high-quality PE-coated paper rolls here: XINYUANSHUN Laminated Paper Roll

Our team provides customized cutting, thickness options, and application-specific solutions to help you achieve the best protection for your products.