File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
What's the best kind of printer for papercraft? My current printer is an inkjet, but when printing, a lot of the time, colors end up being washed out, even with a brand new cartridge.
So, I was thinking of purchasing a new printer, and was just curious of your opinions.

Image unrelated, but awesome.
>> Anonymous
Up.
>> Anonymous
When I got some templates printed at kinkos, I found that Laser Jet ink acts as a thin covering layer on the paper. Now that isn't so bad when the sheet lies flat, but when I started to fold and score, the ink split. This left a jagged white line on every side of the finished craft.
[Luckily the sides were black so I just did a touch-up with a marker]
I'd go with inkjet, but maybe print on thick photo paper?
>> Anonymous
>>55753
DO NOT USE PHOTO PAPER!!!
>> Anonymous
Agreed don't use any photo paper, besides that it is very expensive to print papercrafts with it.

You can buy glossy spray coating finishes instead.

There may be a good satin finish or glossy non-photo cardstock out there?

Also know your printers settings, where and how to change the quality.
>> buurrnn
Use photopaper! use matte photopaper. The reason why people dont recommend it is because fold will not be clean (with wrinkles or something) if you dont do it right. Use tweezers at the fold to get it sharp. you are gonna need strong paper for the more difficult ones. (howls moving castle, ex-s gundam, etc) also with photo paper the colors come out better. o yea its pretty cheap if you wait for a sale. you can find buy one get one free at office depot sometimes.

first thing is the cost of cartridges. You want one that has cheap ink or supports generic ink. Im using a canon ip6000d which supports generic ink that cost less than 2 bucks a cartridge. it also uses 2 shades of each color so color is good.
>> Anonymous
>>55774
WRONG!! It's the glue that's the problem with photo paper.
1)It usually only stays on the surface and does not provide a good hold.
2)If you get some where you don't want it your model is ruined.
>> Anonymous
It's the same with everything; use what gives you the results you want. It's that simple.
If that's photopaper: use it. You can get good results with photopaper, you just have to take your time and don't be impatient but that goes for regular cardstock as well if you want good results. ;o)
It IS more expensive though.
>> Anonymous
>>55833
I'm using matte photo paper (165gsm) - the stuff Epson sells for printers - and that seems fine. You can get cheaper generic stuff as well.

The models I've made so far do not display the defects you mention. I'm using a craft-shop glue, nothing speicial.
>> Anonymous
>>55774
I've no problems with the folds either.


However, there is a worrying report on slashdot about the impermanence of inks used with photoprinters. Definitely worrying that one.
>> Anonymous
OP here, well I tried photopaper and the result wasn't much better, still kind of washed out, brand new cartidge. Best settings all around on the printer too. Could it be a defect with the printer? Currently using a Lexmark x5110 printer, if anyone has any input.

Is a "bubble jet" any different than an "ink jet?" The Best Buy around here says bubble jets print cleaner, but I was looking at them and they didn't seem all that different..

Also, are Laser printers worth the money spent?
>> Anonymous
>>55988

Dont bother with laser printers unless you actually make a living and profit with papercrafts and paper projects.

I have a HP All In One 1901, it prints wonderfully on photo glossy paper, plain paper, and good on cardstock (well so far I've only used vellum cardstock so there is slight fade look from that)

Stick with inkjets, google the difference between bubble and inkjets otherwise.

Search for the highest customer reviews on large stores like www.newegg.com if you're considering a new printer.
>> Anonymous
>>55988

Laserjets are worth it in that they keep going for a long time and they're generally better engineered, using postscript drivers. If you're serious, it may be worth your while to look around for second-hand colour laser printers. I had a search a while back and there seemed to be a few around.

I have an epson stylus photo R360 (the US seems to have the R380 as well) and I'm pleased with the results so far.

However, looking at this <a href="http://www.laser-printer-reviews.org/ink_jet_printer_reviews/reviews_of_inkjet_printers.h
tml">report</a> I don't think I'll be buying Epson again :(
>> Anonymous
Laserjets work by melting tiny plastic (or whatever) particles on the surface of the paper. When you fold the paper, this layer will crack, making it not ideal for papercraft.