Coated Paper
Waterproof Paper RFID Hotel Key Cards
Coated paper cards suit programs that prioritize print and low weight. Water resistance and disposal options depend on the whole card.
Indicative price per card
- Waterproof paper RFID card
- $0.12 – $1.35 per card
Indicative USD ranges per card at 1,000–4,999 pieces per design, four-colour offset printing included, EXW Dongguan. Freight, duties, taxes, special finishes, sleeves and credential preparation are quoted separately; the exact price is set in a dated quote.Full price table and quantity bands
A price range is not a compatibility statement. Confirm the chip with test samples in your own locks before ordering.
A paper-based card may include coatings, adhesives, an antenna carrier and a chip. “Wood-free” describes a papermaking category; it does not mean wood-free origin or plastic-free construction. Check wet handling, bending and wear for the intended stay length. Do not assume acceptance in paper recycling.
Highlights
Printed paper surface
Review color and text on the proposed stock and coating.
Moisture evaluation
Water-resistant does not mean suitable for soaking; define the exposure to test.
Mixed construction
Confirm the composition and the local collection route for the finished card.
Specification checkpoints
- Material option
- Coated Paper
- Illustrative layers
- Functional coating → Paper layer → RFID inlay → Paper layer → Functional coating
- Dimensions
- Confirm footprint, finished thickness, tolerances and encoder clearance on the approved drawing and sample.
- Material documentation
- Composition of paper, coating, adhesive and RFID inlay
- Performance evidence
- Water-resistance results and recycler acceptance for the complete construction
How the layers fit together
This diagram explains a possible construction. Layer order, relative thickness and components are illustrative; the supplier specification and approved sample define the ordered build.
Illustrative stack; confirm actual layers and dimensions for the project.
- Functional coating Role and composition depend on the selected process.
- Paper layer Confirm fiber, coating and moisture behavior.
- RFID inlay Chip and antenna; test the complete assembly with the access system.
- Paper layer Confirm fiber, coating and moisture behavior.
- Functional coating Role and composition depend on the selected process.
Before approving production
- Record the lock, encoder, software and credential configuration; test the finished sample on the installed system.
- Approve artwork, surface finish, dimensions and the intended handling conditions using a representative sample.
- Confirm minimum quantity, sample and production charges, shipping terms and lead time in the project quotation.
Compare related options
Material questions
Does wood-free paper mean the card contains no wood or plastic?
No. Wood-free refers to a paper-pulp category, not the absence of wood-derived fiber. Coatings, adhesives and the RFID carrier may contain plastics; check the composition of the entire card before making a plastic-free claim.
How water-resistant is a coated paper card?
The answer depends on stock, coating, sealed edges and exposure time. Define wet-hand, splash or humidity conditions and test the finished sample. Water resistance should not be interpreted as approval for immersion.
Can the finished card go in paper recycling?
Only if the local collector accepts that specific construction. Coatings, adhesives, antenna and chip can affect processing. Ask the collector about the whole card and communicate the accepted route to staff and guests.
When is paper worth evaluating instead of PVC?
Paper may suit events and shorter stays where weight and printing matter. Compare return rates, bending, wet handling and total replacement cost using samples; do not assume a fixed cost saving or environmental advantage.
Start your order
Planning your next key card order?
Share your lock and encoder details, quantity per design, artwork and destination. Confirm card options, MOQ, sample costs and delivery in your quote.