# Where coudl I buy paper that can'tbe ripped? Tyvek perhaps? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 28, 2007, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055 "2007-02-28T18:03:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/1 "2007-02-28T18:03:45Z")
Does tyvek make paper? I’m looking for unripable (sp?) paper. Paper that can’t be ripped, or is very hard to rip. It’s for a summer camp sign-up sheets that tend to get all kinds of gooey nastiness on them…snots, jelly, peanut butter, dirt, frogs eggs…It’ll be in a 3 ring binder… Is there such a product? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Controvert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dec6dc/32.png) [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/2 "2007-02-28T18:11:10Z")
It might be easier to use those plastic binder sheets. It has pre-made holes for inserting into your 3 ring binder. You take the paper out to write on it, then insert it back into the plastic for snot protection. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/3 "2007-02-28T18:14:10Z")
I used to work at a reprographics shop (posters, Tyvek and paper banners, architectural prints, Foam-Cor backing, etc.) that carried Tyvek in big rolls to be run through some wide HP color plotters. If someone with your needs would have walked through the door, it would’ve been no trouble to make you some letter-size sheets of Tyvek with whatever printed on them. It might cost more than you’d expect per sheet (maybe a few bucks a piece, maybe less), but it’s certainly doable. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/4 "2007-02-28T18:14:52Z")
[QUOTE=The Controvert] It might be easier to use those plastic binder sheets. It has pre-made holes for inserting into your 3 ring binder. You take the paper out to write on it, then insert it back into the plastic for snot protection. [/QUOTE] That’s all well and good but taking it out and putting it back is a hassle we are prepared for, but we’d like something a little more indestructable that we can write on. ---
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/5 "2007-02-28T18:25:50Z")
I’ve bought some bumper sticker stock that was unrippable. It was expensive too, about $.75 per sheet, but really, really durable. I use it for making water proof wine labels. [Here is one such place.](http://www.mcgpaper.com/stickers.html) Although they are much more expensive than the ones I bought (a couple years ago). I couldn’t find the company I purchased from, their website is no longer in service. ---
**Author:** ![anson2995](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c77e96/32.png) [@anson2995](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anson2995)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/6 "2007-02-28T19:38:44Z")
They do sell Tyvek in 8.5 by 11 sheets, but it is expenisve. We use them for scorekeeping in youth football, and we paid about $150 for a case of 1000 sheets. I am not sure if you can find it in smaller quantities, but one solution is to buy tyvek envelopes in the same sizes, and just write on them. I would imagine that you could buy those in more reasonable quantites at most office supply stores. ---
**Author:** ![St.Urho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e7dd6/32.png) [@St.Urho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St.Urho)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/7 "2007-02-28T19:56:54Z")
Is something like [this](http://www.reliableracing.com/detail.cfm?edp=10056646&category=8701) what you had in mind? We used them as scoreboards at ski races. They held up well both to abuse and to weather. ---
**Author:** ![butler1850](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@butler1850](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butler1850)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/8 "2007-02-28T19:57:54Z")
[Adventure paper!](http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=t&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-48,GGLD:en&q=adventure+paper) Not “untearable”, but VERY “tear resistant.” Waterproof too. ---
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/9 "2007-02-28T20:01:12Z")
Tyvek is great. We use it at the museum whenever we need to put a tag on an artifact because of its durability. The only problem is that it can be a little tricky to write on using ballpoint or pencil-- you’ll want to use a fine-tip marker or a fountain-style pen. We most frequently use mailing envelopes, like the ones issued for FedEx and priority mail. If appearance isn’t really important, you might be able to get a couple of these envelopes from the Post Office, cut them down the seams and use the blank backs. ---
**Author:** ![cornflakes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@cornflakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornflakes)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/10 "2007-02-28T20:16:01Z")
You could always laminate regular paper and provide a sharpie for writing on the plastic. That’s what we do at my work. We do it to minimize particle contamination in a cleanroom, but it makes for a durable writing surface. Just remember that alcohol will remove the ink. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/11 "2007-02-28T20:25:13Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] taking it out and putting it back is a hassle [/QUOTE] So don’t take it out. Print a blank form, stick it in the plastic sheet protector, and write on the plastic with a Sharpie or other pointy-tip permanent marker. Make the form with bigger blanks than usual, knowing that your kids will be filling them in with the handwritten equivalent of 18-24 point text. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/12 "2007-02-28T20:26:53Z")
You need Rite-in-the-Rain paper. That’s what I use when I go out in the field. The paper can be completely submerged and you can still write on it. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/13 "2007-02-28T20:37:49Z")
Thanks all! I like the adventure paper stuff…And the idea of writing on the plastic sleeve. ---
**Author:** ![butler1850](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@butler1850](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butler1850)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/14 "2007-02-28T22:21:00Z")
I didn’t notice, but the adventure paper is for inkjet printers only. There are laserprinter versions as well under the Rite-in-the-rain paper. Do a google search for “waterproof paper” to find what you need. ---
**Author:** ![Santo\_Rugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Santo\_Rugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santo_Rugger)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2007, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/15 "2007-03-01T00:11:44Z")
Looks like this question is pretty well answered, so I’m going to add an anecdote. A friend from New Zealand was showing off currency from previous travels. He handed us a 50 note (I don’t remember its origin), telling us it couldn’t be ripped. I tried to rip it; no luck. I handed it to the next guy in the circle, and he grabs it in two hands, puts it in his mouth, and tears it with his teeth! It was pretty funny, especially because of the look on both their faces! ---
**Author:** ![rbroome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/838e76/32.png) [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2007, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/16 "2007-03-01T01:55:36Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] Does tyvek make paper? I’m looking for unripable (sp?) paper. Paper that can’t be ripped, or is very hard to rip. It’s for a summer camp sign-up sheets that tend to get all kinds of gooey nastiness on them…snots, jelly, peanut butter, dirt, frogs eggs…It’ll be in a 3 ring binder… Is there such a product? [/QUOTE] no problem. Your local stationary store will carry it. I use it for field work. Originally because I would damage it in the rough and tumble of dashing around. When I discovered I needed to do very little tumbling or dashing, I liked the paper because the holes for the 3 ring binders are very hard to damage. 3M makes a line of it. Acts like regular paper for most purposes, though I wouldn’t send it through a laser printer. ---
**Author:** ![St\_Ides](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@St\_Ides](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St_Ides)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2007, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/17 "2007-03-01T03:53:27Z")
Regular paper, laminated. Then use a fine felt-tip marker. Of course, that’ll make it permanent-ish: use some thinner and it’ll come right off. You could also use dry-erase… But that’s probably nowhere near durable enough. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Who](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Doctor\_Who](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Who)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2007, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/18 "2007-03-01T03:58:24Z")
Primatech Paper. It’s worth a shot. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2007, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/19 "2007-03-01T04:38:05Z")
[QUOTE=Pygmy Rugger] Looks like this question is pretty well answered, so I’m going to add an anecdote. A friend from New Zealand was showing off currency from previous travels. He handed us a 50 note (I don’t remember its origin), telling us it couldn’t be ripped. I tried to rip it; no luck. I handed it to the next guy in the circle, and he grabs it in two hands, puts it in his mouth, and tears it with his teeth! It was pretty funny, especially because of the look on both their faces! [/QUOTE] Sounds like Aussie bills to me–they’re plastic. ---
**Author:** ![Sonia\_Montdore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/90ced4/32.png) [@Sonia\_Montdore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sonia_Montdore)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2007, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055/20 "2007-03-01T14:36:54Z")
I used to volunteer at a Boy Scout camp, so I understand the problem. I recommend card stock. You can buy a package of 250 8.5 x 11" sheets for under $15. Staples and other office supply stores sell it. It comes in white and pastel colors. It’s thin enough to go through your printer so you can print the form on it, but it’s more durable than paper. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-coudl-i-buy-paper-that-cantbe-ripped-tyvek-perhaps/394055.md?page=2)