Clear contact paper

pict · Mar 8, 2003

Recently I've been experimenting with this to protect things in my various kits.

I made up a "wallet card" that includes a single edge razor, 10 matches, a needle and heavy thread and a small foil packet of Potassium Permanganate. These are sandwiched between two pieces of clear contact paper and trimmed to the size of a credit card.

I also use it to protect alcohol wipes, salt packets and other things I want to keep waterproof and protected. Mac

Gypsy9590 · Mar 10, 2003

How easy is it to seperate the contact paper when you need to get to the contents of the package, and how much residual adhesive is stuck to the stuff inside? Or do you wrap the stuff inside the contact paper somehow to protect it from the adhesive?

will62 · Mar 11, 2003

I can see where this may be useful for protecting certain items. I don't see how you can put matches in Contact Paper with out destroying the heads unless they are wrapped in plastic first. It is great idea for razor blades and needles if they are wrapped up first in a single layer of paper or plastic. The adhesive is a bear to clean off.

pict · Mar 11, 2003

Gypsy 9590,

You can cut the contact paper with any sharp object. Anything I don't want to get glue on I protect. Aluminum foil works well for this and it presses flat.

I have this habit of attaching things to my knife sheaths with a sleeve of bike innertube. The contact paper makes it easy to waterproof things like salt packets, alcohol wipes, paper matches, etc. I look at this stuff as emergency supplies, not stuff I will certainly need in the course of normal activity. I also use it to protect items in my FAK. I have had packets of nsect relellent and first aid ointment get punctured and make a mess out of things. The contact paper gives them an extra layer of protection.

Here in Brazil there is a higher risk of abduction and/or armed robbery. I have a contact paper/foil packet in my left shoe that contains R$70 just in case. I just hope they don't want my shoes! Mac

thatmguy · Mar 11, 2003

Bein the lazy type, any ideas for where to get clear contact paper in the US??

pict · Mar 12, 2003

Just to clarify from my earlier post "nsect relellent" should read "insect repellent". Nsect relellent is not a commercially available product. As for US sources of clear contact paper, I would say try Walmart or any craft supply store.

I started using the contact paper thinking it would be a good way to test the concept of actually laminating things. It worked well enough that I haven´t laminated anything yet. Mac

Neanderthal · Mar 12, 2003

I've used clear "Contac" paper for many years for lamination. The results are quite satisfactory, particularly in protecting against water damage, eg. fishing license, maps, etc.

pict · Mar 13, 2003

Another good thing to waterproof with clear contact paper are those MRE toilet papers you always have left over. I always save them for emergency use. I cut two 10x7 cm squares of contact paper and seal the TP in it. They store well, stay waterproof, and don't make lint that way. Mac

tknife · Mar 13, 2003

Well, I'm off to wally world for some contact paper! I like the idea of protecting a little wallet kit that way.

grommit · Mar 14, 2003

I have always laminated small stuff with the thick clear packing tape. Plenty wide for a wallet size "card". The "new" crystal clear stuff is very nice.

I have laminated larger sheets with the contact clear sheeting (15 years ago, may be improved now), and the contact paper contracted over time and ruined the map. It is probably fine on smaller less crinklable items.