Discussion: More on Material Durability and Resistance to Damage
Following up on our earlier discussions about card durability, I wanted to address the issue of "extreme" damage. We know that polycarbonate and Teslin are tough, but what happens if a card is accidentally washed in a laundry machine? Or if it’s exposed to harsh chemicals? I wanted to start a discussion about how resilient our high-end novelty IDs actually are. Let’s talk about extreme durability.
First off, polycarbonate is incredibly water-resistant. A trip through the washing machine (on a cold cycle) is usually not a death sentence for a well-made card. However, the heat and friction of a dryer are much more dangerous and can lead to delamination or warping. Let’s talk about how to save a "washed" card.
What to Do in These Extreme Situations
- Washed in Laundry: If your card gets wet, dry it gently with a soft cloth. Do not use a hairdryer or put it in the oven! Let it air dry completely at room temperature.
- Chemical Exposure: If you spill something like rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on your card, wipe it off immediately with water. These chemicals can dissolve the ink and security features if left for too long.
- Physical Bending: Polycarbonate can handle a slight bend, but a sharp crease will leave a permanent mark. If your card gets bent, try placing it under a heavy book for 24 hours to flatten it out.
I’ve actually tested one of my "backup" cards by putting it through a cold wash and it came out looking perfectly fine. The lamination held up and the barcode still scanned perfectly. What are your "extreme durability" stories? Have you had any "accidents" that your IDs survived (or didn’t)? Let’s share our best ID survival tips.