Computer (decal) printer suggestions........

[coosvalley]

 I have been quite successful at designing my own decals, and printing them on paper, but my printer does not have waterproof ink, and I can't get it to print thick enough without smearing. I tried adjusting drying time, and just about all other settings as well.

This is for PC, not MAC...

So, If you have a recommendation, it would be very appreciated! Thanks in advance....

[DKS]

Set the printer options to print on transparency material. After printing, let it dry a good long time. Then, without touching the image, spray it with a few light coats of clear flat artist's fixative spray.

[coosvalley]

Thank you David, but I was not very clear in my request

I am actually looking to buy a new printer, not continue to try with my old one, I have tried adjusting ALL of the settings, with very limited success.

So,what brand of printer works well for you folks? What brands use waterproof inks? Any input would be most welcome...

[diezmon]

I still use my Alps MD1000, which also prints white. Basically that's the reason I have it in the first place.

I don't know about their availability these days, or if there's much ink out there. 

[DKS]

I purchased the very cheapest HP I could find, and it happened to be on sale at the time, so for about $30 I got a printer that, so far, has produced surprisingly good images. I've made loads of decals with it--ask anyone who got Baconrail decals.



If I need white lettering, I use the reverse-print-on-white-decal paper trick.

[MVW]

David, I hate to ask a stupid question, but can you give me a quick rundown on the "reverse print on white decal paper trick." I've read about it in the past, but didn't pay close attention at the time. Now it's a looming question for me.

In this process, are you dependent on being able to match the color of the car body?

Thanks!

Jim

[DKS]

In this process, are you dependent on being able to match the color of the car body?

Yes, that's it precisely. But the color match needn't be perfect, just close, as one usually cuts the decal down as tightly as possible to the white elements. Also, weathering helps a great deal here to disguise flaws--which means modeling a car fresh from the paint shop is a stretch.

[Sokramiketes]

Thank you David, but I was not very clear in my request

I am actually looking to buy a new printer, not continue to try with my old one, I have tried adjusting ALL of the settings, with very limited success.

So,what brand of printer works well for you folks? What brands use waterproof inks? Any input would be most welcome...

Papillio sells Ink Freeze powder which helps with the problem you're having. I have to use it with my Epson Claria inks specifically. I don't think any ink jets are truly waterproof. They all need an overcoat as well.

[ednadolski]

Say David, what kind of decal paper do you use?

Thanks,
Ed

[DKS]

Papillio.

[lashedup]

I've been using a lower-cost HP color laser lately to produce color and black and white decals. The printer was around $200.

On a related good news note, Oki just announced a commercial laser printer that does white. Right now it is an expensive proposition at $7500 but hopefully that price will continue to drop over time and/or competitors enter that segment. Either way, this new printer should ensure some options for the future.

http://www.graphicsone.com/oki-procolor-920-wt.html

-jamie