Comparing SYNAPS Printable Polyester Paper to Vinyl Films

Why SYNAPS is the Ecologically Responsible Choice

SYNAPS is the next generation of synthetic media that prints just like paper. But because it is made from high grade polyester and a high performance printable top coat, it outperforms paper for demanding applications, such as outdoor posters, window graphics and bus shelter signage. 

Compared to many other plastic films, such as vinyl, SYNAPS synthetic paper, is an ecologically responsible choice for indoor or outdoor applications, requiring long term durability. Unlike some vinyl print media, SYNAPS contains no lead and no phthalates, which can endanger the health of children. (This synthetic paper is actually a great media for kids to draw and paint on.) And unlike PVC, SYNAPS contains no chlorine.

Here’s the danger with chlorine. In manufacturing, chlorine can promote the formation of dioxin, which is a carcinogen. In addition, when you burn PVC you can release toxins into the atmosphere. It’s also a reason that countries in Western Europe and Japan have limited its use. Regulations in the State of California, are also imminent, where PVC will likely be banned in the pharmaceutical industry from use in blister packaging.

Generally, polyester products are classified in the number 1 recycling category for packaging materials. Why then is SYNAPS  classified in category 7? The reason is that SYNAPS is top coated, as are all printable polyester products. Although SYNAPS by itself is recycled in the manufacturing plant, after it is top coated or printed, it is neither economically feasible nor environmentally justifiable to do so.  (By the way, PVC films are not recyclable, after they are coated with adhesive.)

SYNAPS is available in a variety of formats. SYNAPS OM is a polyester paper that prints like paper with standard offset inks. Unlike paper, SYNAPS OM dries faster than most uncoated papers, so you can print the second side immediately without offsetting or production delays. And unlike paper, SYNAPS OM is tear resistant and waterproof. SYNAPS OM is also RIT certified for printing on HP Indigo digital presses and is printable with UV curable inkjet inks. The dimensionally stable sheet is great choice for either indoor or outdoor applications, such as Point-Of-Purchase posters. SYNAPS OM withstands rigorous usage without the need for an overlaminate.

SYNAPS XM allows for printing on dry toner digital presses and multifunctional printers/copiers. Its polyester base and robust top coating are particularly well suited to withstand the high temperatures incurred in dry toner digital presses. Unlike many other synthetic papers, SYNAPS XM is one of just a few synthetics with a heat stabilized core, that provides for perfect sheet transportation during printing.

SYNAPS XM also features a special top coating designed for optimum toner adhesion. Because the toner fuses with the SYNAPS XM sheet, it resists water, chemicals and grease without the use of an overlaminate.  This tear resistant print media is ideal for applications, requiring the printing of variable data, such as price tags and tournament tags.

SYNAPS PS is a printable, tear-resistant sheet coated with either a permanent or removable adhesive. It is printable using standard offset inks, as well as being printable on HP Indigo digital presses. It is also printable with UV curable inkjet inks. SYNAPS PS is a great choice for promotional applications, such as on-premise pole signage, window placards, transit advertising and bus shelter posters. 

SYNAPS products are available through distributors of Nekoosa Coated Products. For more information, contact your local Nekoosa distributor. For immediate assistance, you can also call Nekoosa Coated Products at 800-826-4886 or write us at cs@ncpedge.com. 

Nekoosa Coated Products

841 Market St.

Nekoosa, WI

Vinyl Application Videos

Squeegee Technique. Nothing is more basic in vinyl application than the squeegee. But some squeegees work better than others. And there are right ways and wrong ways to use this simple tool. This video clip reviews squeegee selection, squeegee care and squeegee technique. Click to Link

Wet Applications. Dry applications are typically recommended for most vinyl applications. For those exceptions to the rule, this instructional video explains the right way to perform a wet application. Click to Link

Application of Window Graphics. Installing vinyl graphics on glass can be challenging, because the adhesive aggressively grabs onto this high energy surface. Repositioning graphics on window is generally difficult, if not impossible. This instructional video explains how to dry apply window graphics right the first time. It also describes the necessary steps required for surface preparation. Click to Link

Transferring Frosted Window Graphics Films.  Because frosted window films are highly textured, transferring cut vinyl graphics can be problematic. This video provides direction in selection of the right application tape and how to apply these films quickly, easily and without problems. Click to Link

3-Step Surface Prep. This instructional video describes how to properly clean the surface of a vehicle before applying pressure sensitive vinyl graphics to a trailer or doing a full wrap of a car or van. This three step surface prep involves detergent washing, solvent cleaning and a final wipe down with IPA. Click to Link

Vinyl Application Over Rivets. Applying vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces with rivets is challenging for most sign makers. Vinyl failures to these surfaces are all too common. This video demonstrates some tips and procedures, used by professional decal installers, which will make these demanding applications easier and more trouble-free.  Click to Link

Vinyl Application to Corrugations. Learn how to apply vinyl graphics to corrugations in a relaxed state. Forcing films into the valleys of corrugations puts too much mechanical stress on the film. Sooner or later, the vinyl will lift or tent in valleys. Click to Link

Applying Air Egress Vinyls. Vinyl films with air egress release liners have almost eliminated bubbles and wrinkles from applied graphics. Air egress release liners with their highly textured surface structure are problematic. Not much will stick to these liners other than the vinyl film. At RTape our best premask solution for air egress liners is a special Conform® tape called 4761RLA. Click to Link

About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer.  Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for  publications, such as  Signs Canada, SignCraft,  Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and  Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.  Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon. 

© 2016 Jim Hingst