Polypropylene vs Polystyrene: Understanding the Materials Behind Your Crafting Projects

As a crafter, the materials you choose for your projects are essential to the final outcome. At For Crafts Sake, we’re dedicated to offering a wide variety of high-quality craft blanks to support your creativity. While all of our current products are made from Polypropylene (PP), many of you may remember our earlier products, such as candy cups, were made from Polystyrene (PS). In this post, we’ll take a closer look at both materials, their differences, and how they’re used in the crafting world.

What is Polypropylene (PP)?

Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile and durable plastic widely used in crafting products. Known for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear, PP is an excellent choice for items like tumblers, water bottles, and other drinkware. It is resistant to chemicals, moisture, and UV light, making it a reliable option for long-lasting products.

PP is often chosen for its durability, especially for products that will be exposed to everyday wear and tear. It can be easily customized with vinyl or screen printing, making it perfect for personalized crafting projects.

What is Polystyrene (PS)?

Polystyrene (PS) is a rigid, brittle plastic commonly used for products like disposable cups, food containers, and packaging. In the crafting world, PS is known for its clarity and ease of molding, which makes it suitable for certain applications like our previous candy cups. However, PS can become brittle over time, especially when exposed to UV light. It is not as resistant to wear as PP and can crack or break more easily, which is an important factor to consider when using it for customized tumblers or drinkware.

Polypropylene (PP) vs Polystyrene (PS) – Key Differences

1. Durability

Polypropylene is more durable and resistant to impact and wear. This makes it a better choice for crafting projects that need to withstand frequent handling. Polystyrene, while rigid and clear when new, is more prone to cracking or becoming brittle over time.

2. Customization and Finish

Both PP and PS are suitable for customization, but Polypropylene offers a more flexible surface for various decorating techniques, including vinyl application and screen printing. Polystyrene is often used in products that require a glossy, clear finish, but it may not hold up as well to customization over time, especially with frequent use.

Conclusion

Both Polypropylene (PP) and Polystyrene (PS) are valuable materials with unique qualities that make them suitable for different crafting projects. Whether you're crafting customized tumblers, personalized drinkware, or other craft blanks, it’s important to choose the right material for your needs.

Stay tuned for more posts in our Crafting Foundations series, where we’ll explore more materials, tips, and techniques to help you take your crafting to the next level!