Ink Question
 

It has probably been asked before, and I have tried to search out some info, but wasn't satisfied ....
I use mostly digital stamps - so obviously I am printing them out and using them that way.
I have an Inkjet printer that just doesn't seem to be have well when doing this.
Is it the printer/ink that is causing the smearing ? OR - is it the type of medium I am using to color with ?
(Spectrum Noirs, Tombows and Prisma Pencils)

I have a feeling it is a combo ....
:(
Any help would be GREAT *
( Im such a newbie )
Thanks in advance

Hi! Inkjet digi's tend to smear right after printing because the printer ink is still wet. If your fast you can heat emboss your image. If you don't want to go that route what a lot of digi users do is print a bunch of images and wait a day for them to dry. A lot of digi girls use a laser printer.

What I have noticed is that Inkjet digi's smear when using alcohol markers- Spectrum Noirs, Copics, Prismas, Sharpies & Bics. If I remember correctly laser printer users can use their alcohol markers with their digi images.

I usually wait a day for my images to dry. I can color just fine using my Prisma Pencils. I have not tried my waterbase markers like Tombow for digi images. I have watercolored my images before but I did print them out on watercolor paper.

Also the type of paper you use will help prevent smearing. I have no paper recommendations. I usually play with what works best. What I have noticed humidity in my area also effects if my images will be smeared or not.

Setting the printer to print in a normal mode or even low mode will get you faster drying images. Setting it at a higher mode will cause smearing.

Hope that helps.

Thanks so much for the reply and info DeeAnn , I truly appreciate it.

It looks like I might have to consider a laser printer ....
The Prisma pencils seem to be WAY more forgiving as far as smudges go, and I enjoy using them. I have also become a new fan of Tombows. I have watercolor paper, I just need to be sure I have allowed for the dry time I guess.

Happy New Year !

Has anyone tried this product ?

GHIANT INKJET FIXER

Quick drying and protective fixative spray for inkjet inks, for a clear and even, non-yellowing and odourless finish. Drying time is approximately 10 minutes. For best results leave to dry for several hours. Suitable for use on all types of paper and film but testing in advance is recommended.

I have a Canon inkjet printer and I don't have trouble with ink bleeding or smearing either - I've even painted with watery acrylic paints over the ink and it didn't move at all.

I just replaced my HP printer. She was a smearing nightmare. I had a Canon printer before but I never printed digi's on her. I do remember the drying time was fast. I did use it to print photos. I loved my Canon. I just got an Epson for Christmas. I have not printed any digi's with her since I just got it. HP was a nightmare for smearing.

I guess brand of printer does matter for the smearing. I wonder if the higher end HP's don't smear? Now, you got me thinking geek stuff, lol. :) I don't want another HP printer.

Ack- is there no happy medium ?
:(

I have an HP , and it wasnt cheap ... And it is a smear-fest when it comes to digis.

I use a Canon and don't have any problems with smearing. Another thing to consider with your printer is how well it takes cardstock. My Canon (MP560) has a rear feed tray so the cardstock isn't being bent back around rollers to feed it through the printer. Makes a big difference with heavy cardstock. I often us 200# for boxes and haven't had any problems with it jamming when I use the rear feed.

Thank you for the tip about the Epson printer. I haven't printed any digi's yet with it since I just got it for X-mas. The only thing I have printed was cat food coupons, lol. I will definitely watch the printer heads for clogging.

It sounds like the general concession for digi's/printers is the Canon rocks. HP is terrible. :(

I just took a Copics online class with Sandy Allnock and we had to print out images to color on our printers. I have an HP inkjet, and the ink bled with the Copics even if I let the ink dry. :(

Since I'm using 99% stamped and not digi images, it's not a problem but I just wanted to share this info in case it helps.

I know you can use only clear embossing powder with images you're coloring with Copics.

Maybe for my next online Copics class when I have to print out images I'll try to emboss them with clear embossing powder and see if that stops my inkjet ink from smearing.

I have an HP and when I made the switch to "fast draft" in the printer settings the smearing stopped for me. I suppose it uses less ink?