Waterproof Inkjet Printable PVC Sheet for Card Making
Wallis waterproof inkjet printable PVC sheet is developed for card factories, printing companies, ID solution providers, gift-card suppliers and plastic-card distributors that require vivid inkjet graphics, stable PVC performance and flexible downstream processing. White sheets are available in standard and customized sizes for ID cards, membership cards, loyalty cards, gift cards, event cards and personalized PVC card programs.
The printable coating, printer model, ink chemistry, drying conditions and finishing method must be qualified as one system. A waterproof PVC base does not automatically make every printed image waterproof, UV-resistant or suitable for outdoor service. Buyers should test water resistance, abrasion, color stability, lamination and card personalization using the intended printer and ink.
Wallis supports laminated card structures and selected no-overlay card workflows. The correct process depends on whether the sheet is used as a printed card core, a printable outer layer or a material for manufacturing blank cards that will later be personalized with a thermal card printer.
| Product Type | Coated waterproof PVC sheet for inkjet printing and plastic-card manufacturing |
| Standard Thickness Range | 0.14–0.34mm on the current page; related Wallis options include 0.15mm, 0.18mm and 0.30mm, subject to order confirmation |
| Standard Sheet Sizes | 210 × 297mm, 297 × 420mm and customized sizes; other production formats subject to confirmation |
| Color and Surface | White matte printable surface; custom color or alternative finish subject to coating and MOQ review |
| Main Applications | ID, access, membership, loyalty, gift, business, event and promotional cards |
| B2B Services | Samples, printer and ink trials, custom cutting, lamination testing, no-overlay evaluation, QC specifications and export supply |
Request Inkjet PVC Sheet Samples and Quote
What Is a Waterproof Inkjet Printable PVC Sheet?
Standard rigid PVC has low ink absorbency and is not automatically suitable for aqueous inkjet printing. Inkjet printable PVC uses a receptive surface treatment or coating that controls ink wetting, droplet spread, color density, drying and adhesion. The PVC base provides card rigidity and moisture resistance, while the coating determines printing behavior.
Printable Coating Is Essential
Printing ordinary uncoated PVC with a desktop aqueous inkjet printer can cause ink pooling, bleeding or poor adhesion. The buyer must confirm which side is coated, whether one-side or two-side printing is required, and which ink type the coating is designed to accept.
Waterproof Substrate and Waterproof Image Are Different Claims
PVC does not absorb water like paper, but water can still affect an inkjet image if the coating or ink is not waterfast. Finished-card water resistance should be tested after the agreed drying time and after any lamination or protective coating.
Outdoor Durability Requires Separate Testing
Resistance to rain does not prove resistance to sunlight, heat, abrasion or long-term color fading. Outdoor card projects require UV exposure, temperature cycling, water, chemical and wear tests using the exact ink and card construction.
PVC White Blank Card Production
The sheet can be printed and converted into customized PVC cards, or used in a manufacturing structure for blank cards that will later receive names, photos, numbers or barcodes from a dedicated thermal card printer.
A no-overlay construction may reduce labor and material use, but it should only be approved after ink adhesion, water, scratch, cleaning, UV and service-life tests confirm that the exposed printed surface meets the buyer's requirements.
Technical Performance and Original Page Test Values
The following values are retained from the original Wallis page. They should be treated as typical reference values until the test method, specimen conditioning, tolerance and batch certificate are confirmed for the exact product code.
| Test Item | Reference Result | Unit / Buying Note |
| Density | 1.42 ± 0.05 | g/cm³; confirm test standard and lot certificate |
| Tensile Strength — Horizontal | ≥44 | MPa; define machine direction and test method |
| Tensile Strength — Vertical | ≥44 | MPa; define transverse direction and conditioning |
| Vicat Softening Point, 5kg | 80 ± 2 | °C; not the same as safe lamination or service temperature |
| Surface Energy | ≥34 | dynes/cm; coating performance also requires printer and ink testing |
| Regular Thickness | 0.14–0.34 | mm; confirm nominal gauge and tolerance per order |
Available Sizes, Thicknesses and OEM Options
| Parameter | Typical B2B Option and Approval Requirement |
| Sheet Size | 210 × 297mm, 297 × 420mm and custom sizes matched to printer tray, imposition and die-cutting layout |
| Thickness | 0.14–0.34mm on this product page; 0.15mm, 0.18mm and 0.30mm are common related options |
| Printable Side | One-side or two-side coating subject to the required card structure and printer workflow |
| Surface Finish | Matte printable coating; gloss appearance may come from a laminate or finished-card coating |
| Color | White standard; transparent, metallic or custom colors require separate product and coating confirmation |
| Packing | Protected flat packs, cartons and export pallets; related Wallis standard is 50 sheets per pack and 20 packs per carton |
| MOQ and Lead Time | Related Wallis reference: 500 sheets and approximately 7–15 days; confirm by specification and production schedule |
Printer and Ink Compatibility
“Inkjet compatible” is not a universal printer claim. Desktop aqueous inkjet printers, industrial UV inkjet systems and dedicated thermal inkjet card printers use different inks, feed systems and curing mechanisms. Buyers should identify the printer model and ink before selecting the sheet.
| Printing Workflow | Material Requirement | Critical Check |
| Desktop Aqueous Inkjet on Sheets | Ink-receptive coated PVC sheet sized for the paper feed path | Media thickness, feed reliability, dye/pigment ink, drying, waterfastness and print alignment |
| Desktop Inkjet on Finished Cards | Special coated finished card plus a compatible printer tray and driver media setting | Card thickness, tray format, printable area, coating, printer firmware and front/back orientation |
| Dedicated Thermal Inkjet Card Printer | Printer-specific ink and approved PVC card surface; some systems print standard PVC without special coated media | Approved card type, ink cartridge, card thickness, encoding and manufacturer instructions |
| UV Inkjet | PVC grade and surface compatible with UV-curable ink | Adhesion, cure, brittleness, odor, ink relief and downstream lamination |
| Thermal Transfer / Dye Sublimation | Finished card with dye-receptive surface, not necessarily the loose aqueous inkjet sheet | Card printer compatibility, ribbon, heat, printhead contact and surface finish |
Dye Ink and Pigment Ink May Produce Different Results
Dye ink can provide strong color saturation but may have different water and fade resistance from pigment ink. Pigment ink may require a coating optimized for particle size and binder chemistry. Both systems require sample testing.
Printer Feed Limits Must Be Confirmed
Many desktop printers are not designed to feed rigid 0.30mm PVC through a normal paper path. Confirm maximum media thickness, straight-through feed, sheet size, driver settings and head clearance before placing a bulk order.
![Inkjet printable PVC sheet for high-resolution ID and membership card graphics]( "Inkjet Printable PVC Sheet")
High-Resolution Printable Surface
![Waterproof PVC inkjet card material for card factory and printing company supply]( "Waterproof PVC Inkjet Card Material")
Card Factory and Printer Supply
Water, Abrasion and Outdoor Performance Testing
| Test | Recommended Evaluation |
| Water Drop Test | Apply water after the approved drying time and check bleeding, transfer, swelling and color change |
| Immersion / Wet Rub | Evaluate image loss, coating softening and ink transfer under defined time and rubbing load |
| Dry Abrasion | Test printed text, portraits, QR codes and solid colors before and after lamination |
| Cleaning Chemicals | Test alcohol, detergent, hand sanitizer or other agents relevant to the card application |
| UV and Light Exposure | Measure color change, image fading, yellowing and coating deterioration |
| Heat and Humidity | Inspect curl, blocking, ink transfer, adhesive failure and finished-card deformation |
No-Overlay and Laminated Card Structures
| Construction | Advantages | Limitations and Tests |
| Exposed Inkjet Surface / No Overlay | Fewer materials, simpler process and lower production cost | Image is directly exposed; test abrasion, water, cleaning chemicals, UV and handling life |
| Clear Overlay Lamination | Improved print protection, gloss/matte control and added security features | Requires compatible adhesive, heat, pressure, cooling and peel-strength testing |
| Printed Core Between PVC Layers | Graphics are enclosed within the card and protected from direct wear | Layer registration, bonding, final thickness, curl and punching must be controlled |
| Blank Card for Later Personalization | Centralized blank-card production and local variable-data issuance | Finished surface must match the thermal, retransfer or inkjet card printer used by the issuer |
Lamination Temperature Is Structure-Specific
A related Wallis page lists 120–140°C as a typical lamination range, but this should be used only as a trial reference. Actual temperature, pressure and time depend on PVC gauge, coating, printed ink, adhesive, layer count, press and cooling conditions.
Finished Card Thickness Must Be Planned
Substrate, overlays, adhesive, ink, chip, antenna and magnetic stripe all contribute to the finished card. For CR80-style cards, measure thickness after lamination, cooling and conditioning rather than adding nominal material gauges only.
Recommended Card-Making Workflow
Define the card construction: Confirm no-overlay, laminated, printed-core or blank-card personalization workflow.
Identify the printer and ink: Provide the exact printer model, ink type, feed path and media-thickness limit.
Select sheet size and thickness: Match the printer tray, artwork imposition, laminate stack and die-cutting layout.
Print a controlled test chart: Include portraits, neutral gray, solid colors, fine text, QR codes and barcodes.
Complete drying: Establish the required time before stacking, laminating, cutting or rubbing the printed sheet.
Finish the card: Laminate or protect the surface as required, then cool, cut, punch and personalize.
Test the finished card: Check water, abrasion, bend, color, barcode, printer transport, encoding and service conditions.
Lock the approved specification: Record sheet grade, coating side, printer, ink, settings, drying, lamination and QC limits.
Applications for B2B Card Buyers
| Application | Recommended Project Focus |
| ID and Employee Cards | Portrait detail, text clarity, barcode readability, daily handling and local personalization |
| Membership and Loyalty Cards | Brand colors, QR codes, variable numbers, wallet wear and repeat supply |
| Gift Cards | High color density, barcode or magnetic stripe, scratch resistance and retail presentation |
| Business and Name Cards | Premium plastic feel, fine text, logos, custom shapes and short-run personalization |
| Event and VIP Cards | Fast variable-data printing, QR scanning, slots, lanyards and water exposure |
| Hotel and Access Cards | Magnetic stripe or RFID construction, lock/reader testing and repeated handling |
![Inkjet PVC sheet application for custom ID access and employee cards]( "Inkjet PVC ID Card Application")
ID and Access Cards
![Inkjet PVC sheet application for membership loyalty and gift cards]( "Inkjet PVC Membership Card")
Membership and Gift Cards
![Waterproof printed PVC card for business event and promotional applications]( "Waterproof Printed PVC Card")
Business and Promotional Cards
Color Management and Image Quality
| Quality Factor | Recommended Control |
| ICC Profile and Media Setting | Use a media setting that controls ink load, resolution, feed and drying; create a custom profile for critical brand colors |
| Ink Limit | Avoid excessive total ink that can cause pooling, slow drying, blocking or poor lamination |
| Fine Text and QR Codes | Check edge sharpness, minimum line width, quiet zones and scanner performance after finishing |
| Portrait and Neutral Gray | Control skin tone, neutral balance, shadow detail, metamerism and laminate color shift |
| Batch Consistency | Compare coating shade, whiteness, gloss, print density and drying to an approved reference lot |
Quality Control for Bulk Inkjet PVC Sheet Orders
| Inspection Item | Recommended B2B Control |
| Thickness and Dimensions | Average gauge, point variation, length, width, squareness and cutting tolerance |
| Flatness and Feed | Curl, bow, edge lift, static, double feeding and printer transport |
| PVC Appearance | Whiteness, opacity, black spots, contamination, scratches, dents and surface defects |
| Coating Uniformity | Printable side identification, wetting, pinholes, streaks, gloss variation and coating adhesion |
| Print Test | Color density, bleeding, mottling, fine text, drying, water rub and tape adhesion |
| Finishing Test | Lamination, peel, cutting, punching, embossing, magnetic stripe or RFID process as required |
| Finished Card Test | Thickness, dimensions, curl, flexing, abrasion, water, scanning and card-printer compatibility |
| Traceability | Product code, coating type, batch, production date, pack number and inspection report |
Production Capability and Export Supply
Stable inkjet sheet production requires control of PVC formulation, calendering or extrusion, coating uniformity, curing, thickness, flatness, cutting and clean packing. Bulk orders should be compared with an approved print sample and written specification.
![Wallis inkjet PVC sheet production line for coated printable card material]( "Wallis Inkjet PVC Sheet Production Line")
Printable PVC Sheet Production and Process Control
Storage, Handling and Warehouse Requirements
Store sealed sheets flat in a clean, dry room away from direct sunlight, heat and high humidity.
Protect the printable coating from fingerprints, dust, oil, scratches and contact with unapproved packaging materials.
Avoid excessive stack height or uneven pallet support that can create curl and printer-feed problems.
Condition the material in the printing room before use when warehouse and production temperatures differ.
Keep partial packs rewrapped and identify the printable side and batch number.
Use first-in, first-out inventory and requalify drying and adhesion after prolonged storage.
![Wallis PVC inkjet printing sheet warehouse and protected export packaging]( "Wallis PVC Sheet Warehouse")
Protected Warehouse and Export Packing
Why Choose Wallis for Waterproof Inkjet PVC Sheets?
Card-material focus: Sheet thickness, printable coating, card structure and finishing can be reviewed together.
Custom sizes and gauges: Standard A4/A3-type formats and project-specific cutting can be discussed.
Printer and ink trials: Buyers can evaluate feed, color, drying, water resistance and adhesion before bulk approval.
No-overlay and laminated options: Different protection and card-manufacturing workflows can be tested.
Downstream card support: Lamination, cutting, punching, blank-card personalization, RFID and magnetic-stripe requirements can be considered.
Factory-direct B2B supply: Suitable for card factories, printing companies, ID solution providers, importers and distributors.
Information Needed for a Fast B2B Quotation
Card application, expected service life and indoor or outdoor use.
Printer brand and model, feed path, maximum media thickness and tray format.
Ink type: dye, pigment, solvent, UV-curable or printer-specific thermal inkjet.
Required sheet thickness, tolerance, length, width and quantity.
One-side or two-side printable coating and desired matte or finished gloss appearance.
No-overlay, clear-overlay, printed-core or blank-card personalization structure.
Target finished card size, thickness, corner radius and punching layout.
Water, abrasion, chemical, UV, outdoor and service-temperature requirements.
Magnetic stripe, RFID, QR code, barcode, embossing or security feature requirements.
Sample quantity, annual forecast, packing, destination port and delivery schedule.
Discuss Your Inkjet PVC Card Project
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the printed image completely waterproof?
The PVC base is water resistant, but printed-image performance depends on the coating, ink and drying. Test water drops, immersion and wet rubbing on the exact printed sample.
Can the sheet be used outdoors?
Only after outdoor durability is verified. Rain resistance does not prove UV, heat, abrasion or long-term color stability. A laminate or UV-resistant coating may be required.
Is the sheet compatible with every inkjet printer?
No. Printer feed limits, ink chemistry, media settings, head clearance and drying differ. Provide the exact printer and ink for sample qualification.
Can a normal desktop printer feed 0.30mm PVC sheet?
Some printers can use a straight or specialty feed path, while others cannot. Check the manufacturer's maximum media thickness and run feed trials before ordering.
Can I print on ordinary uncoated PVC?
Ordinary PVC usually does not absorb aqueous inkjet ink correctly. A receptive coating or a printer system using specially formulated ink for standard PVC is required.
What is the difference between inkjet PVC sheet and an inkjet PVC card?
A sheet is printed and converted into cards through cutting or lamination. A finished inkjet PVC card is already CR80-sized and normally requires a compatible card tray or dedicated printer.
Can the material be printed on both sides?
Yes, when both sides have the required printable coating and the printer can handle the sheet. Confirm side identification, drying and front/back registration.
Which ink is better, dye or pigment?
Neither is universally better. Dye ink may offer strong color, while pigment ink may offer different water and fade behavior. The coating must be compatible with the chosen ink.
How long should the print dry before finishing?
Drying depends on ink load, coating, temperature, humidity and air circulation. Establish a minimum time through rub, stacking and lamination tests rather than using one universal value.
Can cards be produced without a clear overlay?
Selected no-overlay structures are possible, but exposed ink must pass water, abrasion, chemical, UV and service-life requirements. A protective overlay remains preferable for demanding use.
Can the printed sheet be laminated?
Yes, with a compatible overlay or adhesive. Test ink stability, bond strength, bubbles, color shift, curl and finished-card thickness.
What lamination temperature should be used?
Related Wallis material references 120–140°C, but the final recipe depends on sheet gauge, ink, coating, adhesive, pressure, time and press. Start with controlled trials.
Can the material be used for photo ID cards?
Yes, after portrait detail, skin tone, fine text, barcode readability, water resistance and finished-card durability are approved.
Can it be used for magnetic-stripe cards?
Magnetic-stripe cards can be developed through an appropriate card structure. Stripe position, coercivity, lamination, encoding and read performance must be tested.
Can it be used for RFID cards?
Yes, as part of a multilayer structure. The chip, antenna, inlay, adhesive, lamination pressure and final read/write performance must be validated.
Can the cards be embossed or punched?
PVC cards can support cutting, punching and selected embossing after the structure is approved. Check edge quality, cracking, delamination and component position.
Is PVC inkjet sheet environmentally friendly?
PVC is not biodegradable or compostable. Environmental assessment should consider material use, service life, production waste, recycling availability and local disposal regulations.
How should the sheets be stored?
Store sheets flat, sealed, dry and protected from heat, sunlight, dust and fingerprints. Avoid excessive stack height and condition them before printing.
Can Wallis provide customized sizes and thicknesses?
Yes. Custom sheet size, gauge, coating side and packing can be reviewed according to printer limits, card layout, quantity and production feasibility.
Can I test samples before a bulk order?
Yes. Print, dry, laminate or protect, cut and test samples using the intended printer, ink and card process before approving the specification.
What determines the minimum order quantity?
MOQ depends on thickness, size, coating, printable sides, color, packing and whether an existing production specification can be used.
What information is required for an accurate quotation?
Provide the printer, ink, sheet size, thickness, printable sides, card construction, water and UV requirements, finishing process, quantity, packing and destination.
Request Waterproof Inkjet PVC Sheet Samples
Contact Wallis Plastic for waterproof inkjet printable PVC sheets for ID, membership, loyalty, gift, event and personalized card programs. Our team supports custom sizes and thicknesses, printer and ink testing, laminated or no-overlay structures, card finishing, quality specifications and factory-direct B2B supply.
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