Can You Print on Wax Paper with a Laser Printer?

Wax paper is commonly used to wrap food and crafting projects due to its nonstick properties and moisture-resistant nature. This paper is printed to give it promotional elements so that if brands are using it, they can promote themselves and get the attention of the customers.

One thing that comes to mind when it comes to printing on paper is whether it can be printed with a laser printing method or not. To solve this riddle let’s read the blog and get an idea of how wax paper sheets can be printed, the paper usage limitation, mechanical, and chemical changes that the paper undergoes when exploded to heating.

Can You Print On Wax Paper With A Laser Printer?

The simple answer to the question is NO! You cannot print wax paper sheets using the laser printing method. The main reason for this is the applied wax coating that is liable to melt when exposed to heat.

In the laser printing method, an electrostatic process is used to apply the toner onto the paper. This leads to the fusion of the inks onto the surface. This process can reach up to the temperatures of 175-200°C (350-400°F) that can burn the paper. Some other reasons hinder of using laser printing on the paper are as follows:

Heat Sensitivity

Laser printing uses high heat to fuse the toner onto the substrate. This high heat will not only melt the paper but will also melt the wax coating applied on the paper. Apart from the liability of paper being burnt, it can also damage your printer.

Non-Porous Surface

Wax paper is manufactured to repel moisture, so when toners are melted they are repelled off by the paper surface making it difficult for the toner to adhere to the paper properly.

Printing Damage

The melted wax can clog the printer’s roller and fuse unit. This will lead to printer damage leading to expensive repair.

Alternative Printing Methods for Wax Paper

Obviously, a brand spends its resources on the customization of the paper because it wants to get a promotional tool for its brand for which printing is required. So to print the paper, some other methods are used such as:

Inkjet Printing (With a Transfer Technique)

You can print your wax-coated paper using the inkjet printing technique. An inkjet printer immediately presses the ink onto another surface such as wood or fabric to transfer the image from which the image is transferred to the paper. This method though gives attractive designs but is not waterproof and long-lasting.

Screen Printing

In this method, stencil and ink are used to transfer the design onto the paper. It is a food-safe method and provides durable prints. In commercial settings, screen printing is the common method used to print the paper.

Rubber Stamping and Hand Painting

There are some manual methods too that you can use to print wax paper rolls. In this method stamping or painting is done to create custom designs onto the paper. This is a ideal method for small-scale production and decorative purposes.

Flexography

Flexography is one of the ideal methods that are commercially used to print custom wax paper. In this method, there is less generation of heat as compared to other printing methods, even less than offset and gravure printing. This reduces the liability of damage due to heat that may lead to melting and deformation of the paper if high heat is applied.

Apart from heat, there are several other factors that make flexography an ideal method of printing onto wax-coated paper sheets. These are as follows:

• Quick Drying Inks: Water-based inks are used on flexography that dries easily. This minimizes the time one needs to expose the paper to heat.
• Flexible Plates: The flexible plates used in flexo allow for consistent distribution of pressure that ensures the well-adherence of inks without the requirement of excessive heat.
• Controlled Environment: This printing method is done under a controlled environment so you can easily manage the temperature and humidity of the paper.
• Versatile Ink Formulations: Most flexographic printers are designed to be used without the need for high heat. This reduces the chances of potential damage to the paper.

Mechanical and Chemical Changes When Wax Paper Is Exposed to Heat

When you expose wax paper sheets to a high temperature then there are several mechanical and chemical changes to the paper. This damage to the paper is not only hazardous for the printer but can also cause paper ignition that may lead to severe damage. Some of the mechanical and chemical changes that can occur in wax-coated paper rolls are as follows:

Mechanical Changes

When the temperature reaches 150°F (65°C) the structure of wax paper starts getting damaged. The combination of heat and pressure can cause the wax-coated sheets to curl and deform. Apart from this, the application of heat can lead to the complete absorption of wax onto the paper or it may evaporate.

Chemical Changes

The chemical changes that can occur to the paper include the breakdown of wax. Prolonged exposure to heat can alter the molecular structure of the wax making it sticky and brittle. The evaporation process due to heat can produce smoke and emit unpleasant odors. Lastly, in extreme cases, the wax coating can leave behind a carbonized layer that can transfer to other surfaces.

Conclusion

Printing on wax paper using the laser printing method is hazardous and damaging to the paper as well as the printer. Heat is the main reason that causes wax to melt. To print the paper there are several other ways that you can use such as inkjet printing, screen printing, and flexography. Among all, flexography is an ideal method that is used at the commercial level due to its quality, safety, and accuracy. If you want to get custom-printed wax paper, then you can contact Grease Proof Paper company and avail of the best designs at the most affordable rate.