I have an Encad 700 that prints 60" in width. I was contemplating switching over to the DicoJet inks, but I would have to purchase a new chip, new cartridges, new ink wells etc. Of course this is a major investment since I'm not one of the big boys. Anyway, one of my customers currently gets printing done on a high gloss pressure sensitive vinyl. The DicoJet inks are not compatible with the high gloss vinyl. I thought instead, I would print using GX inks and laminate them. I do not have a laminator, but I do have equipment I could possibly trade. Until then, I need to find the best spray laminate for something like this. I have used Krylon in the past, but I only used it in the aerosol can. I would like to buy it in liquid form and run it through a spray gun. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can use or what works best for outdoor use? Or any other techniques that might work instead of what I was thinking. Thanks in advance!
Posted by Tony McDonald (Member # 1158) on :
I've been asking the same question for a couple years now.
If you're wanting to convert to dico-jet inks (pigmented) I'm assuming you're using dye based now.
I've tried a lot of different things including, applying One Shot UV clear, Pelucid, UV laminate, UV clear vinyl,etc... The best I could get was a little over a month facing straight up in summer weather before the prints faded beyond desirability.
Pretty much as I've found, it doesn't matter what you laminate it with..........unless it's pigmented inks it's not going to last any length of time out in the sun. However if it's in a shady area you will get some outdoor life out of the print, and just lamination should work unless you use a water resistant material and then lamination may not be needed for short term.
Dye based ink...........the sun is your worst enemy!
I guess if there was an easy answer then there wouldn't be the need for the more expensive outdoor durable machines.
Posted by Jerid Hill (Member # 3753) on :
Thanks Tony,
Obviously it's not what I wanted to hear, but hey it'll do. I did coat it with a Krylon UV spray and then an acrylic Kryoln Crystal Clear. I'm just gonna wait until the customer comes back and says I need this redone. Unfortunately there was not time to do it right, but always time to do it again! In the meantime, I plan on switching over.
Posted by Bob Stephens (Member # 858) on :
I stopped using dye based ink a long time ago in my Encad 60" pro 600e whatever model it is.
I only run GO inks through mine and use it on everything I print including paper.
I usually end up putting enamel receptive clear on the print to resist abrasion and for whatever UV protection it offers.
I plan on buying a laminator some time this year because they are faster and do a better job.
Posted by Jerid Hill (Member # 3753) on :
Bob, with the GO inks, is that only 6 months outdoor use? I did think about switching to the DicoJet only because of the longevity, but with a laminator I know you can get more life out of the GO inks. Of course, my main concern is customer satisfaction.
Posted by Glenn Thompson (Member # 1851) on :
As far as getting dye ink to last against UV it isn't going to happen. I do use both vinyl and liquid laminate on my prints and the liquid lam is the ClearShield water based clear coat. I have been using it for about 4 months now and am quite hapy with it. As far as switching your 700 over to the DicoJet inks. GOOD CHOICE!! The cost of the chip, which is a one time fix, will be recovered with just the purchase of a few cartridges. ($65 vs $140 eom) It is also not neccessary to get new resoivours (sp) but your printer should have come with 2 sets anyway. The main advantages with the DicoJet pigment inks are the greater color gamut and the far superior UV durability of the inks.
I don't run anything but the DicoJet inks
Posted by Glenn Thompson (Member # 1851) on :
