mylar paper to write on underwater?

[archman]

Help! I've been trying to track down the plastic paper that you can write on underwater with a pencil. Everytime I run google searches using variations of "mylar paper" I get all sorts of meaningless garbage listed. Can anybody direct me to the specific retail name for this stuff? Better still a supplier? Are there different trademarked names for mylar? What about thickness? Seems I found one place that was selling sheets of something like mylar 'cept it was 4mm thick. Wow!

 

[Juls64]

Archman-

See if there isn't a drafting/engineering supply store near you. Some art-craft type stores may even have a section to carry this. It does come in different thicknesses. I have no idea what you would want for underwater.

Yes, quite often it is thick stuff, compared to paper anyway. It is/was often used in pen & ink drafting and has good archive style properties.

Just curious - are you seeking this as an alternative to buying wetnotes?

When I'm at work today, I'll look to see if there is a brand name on the mylar we have there.

Julie

Now you got me thinking. Maybe I'll snag a piece and try it out at the lake this weekend. Maybe cutting it and making my own little underwater notebook.

 

[pipedope]

One source is;
http://www.riteintherain.com/

A google search turns up lots of hits.

Mylar is used for drafting film and many other things but is not normally used for 'wet notes', and fieldbooks.

 

[FredT]

Search for "mylar drafting film"

One hit: http://www.grafixplastics.com/drafting.html

 

[archman]

It's the same stuff NOAA and the AGGRA folks use for underwater surveys. I used it once in a class long ago and it's freaking awesome. The rite in the rain paper is different stuff and a lot less tough. I'll see if FredT's link gets me anywhere.
Here's a quote from AGGRA's protocols.

Attach the data template onto a clipboard, underwater slate or writing cylinder (see below). The Appendix has an example of the datasheet template designed for the benthic surveys. An inexpensive way to use the data template is to photocopy it onto a clear acetate overhead transparency, over which clear contact wallpaper is affixed to preserve the acetate template in the water. Then record data on semi- transparent, frosted (=single matte) plastic, mechanical drafting paper (e.g., 'Mylar') that you attach to the template with electrical tape. Or you can photocopy the data template onto both sides of white underwater paper (contact J.L. Darling Corporation, phone: 206-922-5000, fax: 206-922-5300; address: 2614 Pacific Hwy East, Tacoma, WA 98424-1017). The paper is more expensive (about $52.00 U.S./100 sheets), but data are more likely to be entered correctly since the template is reproduced on every data sheet. Use rubberbands, clips or cable ties to attach.

 

[randyjoy]

This is what we use; you can copy or print on it with a laser. It is mylar based and extremely tough (I can't tear it).

Xerox Never Tear

 

[pipedope]

In most of the stores it would be called mylar drafting film.
Most any office supply or art supply store should have it in roll and sheet form.

 

[Juls64]

can't find any. Its gone!

 

[spog]

It's nice to be able to speak with some expertise about a subject on Scubaboard for a change.

The stuff you want is called Tyvek and it is a synthetic paper (made from polyethylene). You can buy it in the same thickness as standard photocopy paper and it flexes/feels in much the same way, although with a plasticky feel.

It has two great characteristics; it is waterproof and very tough - it is almost impossible to tear by hand, though it cuts easily. On the surface, you can write on it with pencil or pen.

You cannot put it through a laser printer and if you want to use an inkjet printer, you need to get the specially coated version (however, since inkjet ink is water-soluble, it's not a lot of use to SB'ers!).

It even has it's own website http://www.tyvek.com/na/graphics/english/work.htm where you can get a list of distributors. There is a telephone number for the US where you can call for a sample pack. Tell them that you are a graphic designer and you want some A4 samples with a thickness equivalent to 80gsm paper. I am sure they will send you a dozen sheets to play with.

Hope this helps!

spog

 

[yknot]

archman-PM me for my address at work and if you send me a SASE I'll cut you some pieces. I have been using mylar drafting film for over 20 years. It starts as a very thin, very glossy plastic film and has a somewhat abrasive second coating applied to at least one side. Mylar is still available in my area due to the auto industry but 99.9% of everything now is CAD and all "paperless" so the stuff may be kind of rare most places. We used to buy it in 50yard rolls, either 36" or 42" wide, about $150 a roll. What were you planning on using to write on it with? What type of background will you be against? This stuff is somewaht transparent. I would only want to look at one sheet at a time against a white background because if you had multiple sheets with writing you will see what is behind it. There are special film leads we use that won't wash off easily or smear ("E" lead) while a common "H" lead will not work well. Last consideration is that this stuff is absolutly not biodegradable.