Printing on Vellum...a few ?'s, please

chandapie · 01-10-2009

My computer has been on the fritz for a couple of weeks. Turns out, it is going to have to go to the shop...ugh.

Anyhow, I'm using my hubby's computer and I can't get it to print on MY printer because I cannot turn my computer on...it's dead. Anyhow, I'm using my hubby's printer, which is an inkjet.

My whole project was wrapped around printing on vellum and it's due this coming Thurs. And it's my swap, so I BETTER have it done, lol. I've printed, but the ink looks wet and I'm wondering....how long does it take to dry...or WILL it even dry? If I can get access to a laser printer, can vellum survive the heat? Or, is there a way to 'set' the ink...heat gun, blow dryer, lol? Any advice would be wonderful! Thanks so much!

flwrldy3 · 01-10-2009

I have my clear detail embossing powder ready and as soon as I print out the vellum I sprinkle it on, shake it off and heat set it. If you don't put the embossing powder on right away it dries just enough that the powder does not stick as well. The detailed powder works best if you are printing words.

Otherwise the ink will not dry on the vellum unless you have a special vellum for ink jet printers.

Cook22 · 01-11-2009

The only vellum I've never had inkjet ink dry on is a very glossy finish one, stardust or something. But with regular vellum I've always found the ink was dry after several hours, though I do use the transparency setting in the print settings, to reduce the amount of ink going on.
Hope you get sorted, so frustrating when you have a deadline coming up.

Benzi · 01-11-2009

I have found that it helps if I put my printer settings on the fast/economical preference. Don't think it uses as much ink which helps drying. Good luck.

pjw2855 · 01-11-2009

chandapie....Use a lower ink setting. Even try draft setting or what ever the equivalent is on the printer you're using. I print on vellum quite frequently and never have had to "fudge" it by embossing on top to get the ink to dry.

Yes, I do emboss on vellum, but never as just a way to cover wet ink on the vellum.

Yes there is vellum that is especially made for inkjet printers, but you would need to judge if that kind of vellum would meet your needs and liking.

Patti

lisa808 · 01-11-2009

I have never had a problem printing on vellum. I don't use any special vellum either--just the bulk pack from Michael's. Perhaps different printer inks produce different results. I use Canon ink in my Canon Pixma printer. Also, I don't remember ever printing in color, only B&W.

chandapie · 01-11-2009

Thanks so much for all of the ideas, ladies! Never thought of embossing or reducing the ink on the paper! Can anyone tell me....can you print on vellum in a laser, or will it melt the paper???

chandapie · 01-12-2009

I finally figured it out! Thanks so much, ladies. I'm going to UNsub now. Thanks again!

SunshineMama · 01-12-2009

I make sure to set my printer on "grayscale" when I print in black and white. It uses less ink and dries faster. I've never had a problem with ink from an inkjet printer dry on vellum.

mariemc · 01-12-2009

I was told after messing a lot of vellum up with my inkjet printer on some Cardstock Vellum (SU!) that I should use Paper Vellum (SU) and it would dry. I found that to be true. I'm sure that a lower ink setting wouldn't hurt, but on the paper vellum I didn't have a problem as long as I gave it a few seconds to dry.

summertart · 01-14-2009

You can use a laser printer with no problems. I print on vellum all the time. I have a Brother HL-1440 laser printer.

forever_amber · 01-14-2009

How lucky I am to stumble across this thread! I'm planning on printing on vellum this week and you've answered all of my questions! Thanks!

Bethem · 01-19-2009

When printing on vellum I use the "mirror image" choice on my printer and adhering the vellum print side down. Less chance of smudging.

Beth M

sharlottsweb · 01-20-2009

A long time ago, I tried printing in my laser printer at work, and it got stuck and tried to melt. Maybe they make them different now (not as hot?)

marciad · 01-20-2009

I use ink jet vellum from Staples. Can't remember the printer settings, but it does dry and looks nice. About fifty sheets in a package.

forever_amber · 01-27-2009

I tried a suggestion and printed it on the transparency setting on my printer and had NO problems at all. Paper came out clean and the ink dried w/o my assistance. You guys rock!