How to Make Cardboard Waterproof Without Expensive Materials!

Strength and versatility. These are two pivotal perks of cardboard. And they are the reasons why cardboard is popular in creating three-dimensional forms and decorative items. Moreover, the material is conveniently available and easier to cut. People love using it for do-it-yourself endeavors. It’s even common in packaging. However, waterproof cardboard is more beneficial because water is a fatal weakness.
Furthermore, let’s shed some light on the side effects of cardboard encountering liquid. This material absorbs water quite quickly. And loses its structural integrity. Ultimately, turning it into a soggy pulp. Therefore, the strength of cardboard alone isn’t sufficient. For damp environments and outdoor use, it is essential to make cardboard water resistant. So, here are the inexpensive approaches to achieve this valuable goal.

Easiest & Affordable Ways to Make Waterproof Cardboard

Aim for creating a seamless and non porous barrier. This way, it becomes easier to resist splashes and humidity. They can even waterproof the material for safety against brief rain exposure. Also, we have incorporated DIY methods to ensure ease in forming the solution at home. They dramatically increase the lifespan of cardboard and extend the utility of your project.

Applying the Polyvinyl Acetate Glue & Water Mixture

For a budget friendly sealing, this mixture is incredibly useful. It does not comprise any dangerous ingredients. Besides, it offers robustness to the finished product. For this purpose, take an old container. Combine both the ingredients, water and PVA glue. Ensure that the mixture is uniform by constant stirring.
Furthermore, take a paintbrush and you do not have to purchase an expensive one for such an application. Start by applying an even coat to the whole cardboard surface. Make sure that the first coat is thin. The drying process can take hours. Hence, have patience to let the surface dry completely. For enhanced protection of waterproof cardboard, you can consider layering.

Wax Coating for Medium-to-High Durability

Another effective technique is using wax. Again, you can go for economical options, such as wax. Additionally, you must determine and follow safety measures before starting the process as it can pose a fire hazard. In order to melt the wax, avoid doing so directly over the raw flame. Instead, rely on indirect heating methods.
Next, to create waterproof cardboard, take small pieces of this material. Use tongs and gently dip the pieces into the molten wax. Afterward, remove them immediately and allow the unwanted wax to drip off. Conversely, you can use a paintbrush for applying the wax on larger components. It’s important to hasten the process as the wax dries and hardens instantly. Layering is applicable here as well.

Clear Tape or Contact Paper as a Temporary Barrier

How to make cardboard water resistant using tape? Simply put, this is a straightforward manner to create an immediate water resistant barrier. It blocks the liquid by relying on the plastic film. First, you need to fetch clear packing tape or adhesive vinyl contact paper. Then lay the strips of cardboard and each piece should overlap the other by at least a quarter inch. Opt for the whole surface to cover all areas.
Furthermore, please remember that this approach is not applicable for complicated projects. Its viability is limited to temporary delivery protection, as it is helpful for keeping the label dry. Also, the seamless application is not possible for three dimensional projects. Hence, it is better to go for other techniques for this matter.

Dried Acrylic Craft Paint for Color & Protection

How to make a mask with cardboard that’s waterproof or to use this material in other projects? You will need the plastic base of acrylic craft paints that aids in making it inherently resistant to water. This paint is multipurpose as it will not merely protect the cardboard but also offer hues depending on the decoration you envision. Besides, it requires two solid coats of paint for proper application. For instance, the first coat offers the base and is slightly absorbed into the cardboard.
Conversely, the second coat is the key player here due to its ability to form a non porous and protective plastic shell. For maximum sealing, you can apply the PVA glue mixture after the curing of the paint. The end result will have a professional finish, but it only achieves water resistance and does not offer complete proofing.

Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer as a Quick Solution

You will also find other relevant terminologies, such as spray varnish or clear coat. The spray is ideal for fast and uniform sealing. There are areas that are challenging for a paintbrush to reach. Therefore, use clear acrylic spray instead. First, find an outdoor location to perform the activity because these sprays comprise volatile organic compounds.
Moreover, keep a distance of around eighteen inches before starting spraying. Apply two to three light, quick coats and let them dry; also, the drying process is instant. We suggest going against thick coats as they can lead to physically deformed structure. When choosing the area, ensure that it is ventilated too for making your custom cardboard boxes waterproof, for instance.

Shellac & Varnish Coating Providing a Resilient Surface

Conventionally, these durable sealants are used for wood finishing. Nevertheless, they are suitable for cardboard as well, if you are aiming to formulate a strengthened shell. For a barrier that can resist moisture effectively, dissolve shellac in alcohol. It will speed up the drying process. On the other hand, varnish is for forming a plastic like film. The duration for the curing process is a bit longer; as a matter of fact, it can take numerous hours. Nonetheless, the result is the extremely durable finish that offers flexibility and is less vulnerable to scratching.

Clear Silicone Caulk to Target the Weakest Points

When the weak points are seams and edges of assembled boxes, opt for clear silicone caulk. Take an affordable caulk and a caulk gun or a squeeze tube. Run a thin bead along the exposed edge and fold lines. Press the caulk using your wet finger, which is essential to create a continuous seal. After the curing, the silicone will prevent the moisture from going in, allowing you to relish waterproof cardboard.

Conclusion

How to make a cardboard packaging box that’s waterproof? What are reasonably priced ways to convert mini pieces of cardboard into water resistant materials? Can you find techniques that are easy and quick? The aforementioned content has provided all the answers. For more, keep visiting the Boxit Packages blog or place an order for the highest quality customized packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use waterproofed cardboard for food storage?

It wholly depends on what materials or ingredients you are using to make cardboard waterproof. For example, silicone caulk is not apt for packing edible items. Alternatively, use beeswax.

Do waterproofing approaches influence the recyclable nature of this material in any way?

Yes, they do affect negatively. For instance, wax does not properly break down during the process.

Does waterproofing have an impact on the ability to print on cardboard?

Yes. It nearly becomes impossible as inks do not set and smear instantly. Hence, it is best to print or write prior to making a waterproof cardboard.

Can a brand purchase custom cardboard boxes that are already waterproofed?

Yes. For example, order PE-lined cartons, which have a thin plastic film lamination. Another example is wax coated cardboard.

Which method is the best for waterproofing cardboard used in crafts?

If your goal is: how to make a mask with cardboard that resists liquid or to create props as well as toy furniture using this material, then the two methods are the best. One is applying the acrylic paint and the other is the mixture of water and PVA glue.