Water proofing paper for scrolls.

[twilit wraith]

Hi I'm trying to figure out how to waterproof the paper of a scroll(I'm going to print it on a printer first).

I've seen it done at other LARPs I've been to with a flexible enough clear coat that allowed the scroll to be rolled up(it was an important plot item so it had to be relatively weather resistant). I've been suggested a clear silicone coat by @grim spindle which I think is the right direction and I've just watched a video online where elmers glue and clear silicone are mixed to make a cheap 'modgepodge' waterproofing alternative although that was a transfer patch onto fabric and I'm not quite sure that will do the job.

I suspect that mixing mineral spirits with silicone, the standard method of waterproofing anything might make the ink run(I'm using a laser printer so that's usually less of a problem).

I've also used a laminator in the past, however, the project comes out very stiff, and as the plastic retains its shape after a while it becomes painful to unfurl. And obviously very square and I'd like to make the edges of this project look a bit more distressed or natural.

Any suggestions would be a great help.

[grim spindle]

Many are uncomfortable with, or unable to afford it, but the classic method is to use vellum and iron gall ink.
Vellum is hard to find as it is; I'm not even sure where you'd find iron gall ink; but if you did, once the iron filings oxidize, it stains the vellum, which is basically leather. Many naval maps and important documents were put on vellum rather than paper for it's durability.
In any case; could be something to look into.

A budget version may be tattooing a sheet of leather; something Kit has made a video about exactly that.

I'm looking forward to reading other suggestions after I take a long rest. 😛

[twilit wraith]

I'm heading down a rabbit hole here too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys6LdnWnGZo&ab_channel=TheJapanesePaperPlaceOfficial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGRa7qYolH4&ab_channel=OurUpcycledLife this one might be a bit too transparent :S

[swift trout]

what if you just printed it on a similar cotton/linen blend as american currency? you'd still have to fix the ink, but the actual waterproof properties of the fabric let you side step the issue of the paper falling apart.