Grimco Connect | Resources for the Sign and Graphics Community

How to Choose the Right Duratex Polystyrene Opacity

Written by Courtney Lee | Aug 19, 2022 4:50:24 PM

Even though we only carry the Duratex Double White High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) in Canada, this product comes in Double, Triple and Dead Whites...

What is the difference? Some may think we are talking about In and Out Cheese Burgers in the US...now I’m hungry. But no, we are talking about the most popular colour offerings for Duratex Polystyrene.

For Grimco's Duratex Polystyrene, the colours refer to the level of opacity of the sheet. 

Opacity - The degree to which a substance is opaque; the condition of lacking transparency or translucence.

Thickness and colorant levels contribute to polystyrene’s level of opacity. To achieve a sheet with a higher level of opacity, you can either increase the thickness or increase the level of colorant added (TIO2).

Duratex Polystyrene provides three colors in multiple thicknesses to help you achieve the perfect opacity for your project. 

  • Double White
  • Triple White
  • Dead White

 

Double White

 

Double White is what Grimco considers to be the industry standard. Best for everyday printing, single sided applications, or if you need some light to pass through. Duratex HIPS is formulated for digital, lithographic and screen printing systems. With a double white finish, Duratex polystyrene ensures consistent print quality from sheet to sheet. Duratex HIPS can be used in POP displays, retail signage, horticultural signage and tags and so much more!

 

Triple White

Triple White is more opaque than Double White. Thinner Gages, .020 and .030, will still allow some light or shadowing to come through so it's suggested for single sided applications. Thicker gauges, .040 & .060, are best for double sided printing. This is a cost-effective solution for .020 and .030 when a true block out is not needed. In the print industry, this is commonly referred to as “near dead”.

  • Even though Grimco Canada doesn't currently stock Triple White, we have the ability to custom order any colour, size or dimension upon your request! Please do note that these custom orders have minimum skid quantities.

Dead White

Dead White is the most opaque. Produced specifically in .020 and .030 when a true block out is needed for double sided printing. Grimco’s Dead White polystyrene is a block out product perfect for window graphics when you can’t have any level of image bleed through. 

  • Even though Grimco Canada doesn't currently stock Dead White, we have the ability to custom order any colour, size or dimension upon your request! Please do note that these custom orders have minimum skid quantities.

Now you know the differences between Duratex Polystyrene Colours - Double White, Triple White, and Dead White. If you have further questions or need a custom quote, reach out to our experts at your local branch!

Check out our new YouTube video series, The Rigid Truth, for more educational content on Duratex Polystyrene. New videos released Bi-weekly! 

  
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