Coloring Digi's
 

I am new to the digi world, once I print using my inkjet printer how do I color with my Copics without making the ink smear? Do I need a different printer? Any help would be great!!

Hi Patti. When I first started out using digital stamps I had no problems using copics right after printing. However, recently it seems like now I have some problems with smearing too, there must be a change in the humidity or something.

So now I either use my heating tool on the image or I am using an image that was printed days ahead. Plus I try not to color over any of the lines.
What I have also done once or twice is sprinkle clear embossing powder over the image right after it came out of the printer and heat embossed it. You have to work quick with that though or the ink will be too dry.

THANK YOU!!

my ink jet printer smears also. So, I have copies made somewhere with a laser printer,
then I also have images on hand to color in free time.

If I use my inkjet printer, I heat set the image with a paper towel and an iron. I have no problem with the laser printer images.

I have an Epson and I've never had a problem with smearing.

Enjoy!
CindyB

I have heard other's say this about Epson as well. I was in the market for a new printer and considered the Epson for just this reason, but the HP Photosmart had more of the options that I wanted in a printer. Just wanted to add that I was told to spray your image with Krylon Fixative and it will not smear...has worked for me so far.

You also might try spraying lightly with hairspray (cheap hairspray will do). I've tried that and had pretty good success.

Becky

will the fixative/hairspray clog the nibs?

I use an old epson, too, and have never had issues with smearing unless I am blending a lot. Then, it seems to smear just a tiny bit. I don't know that it's that noticeable in photos, but I can see it in person. (I'm a perfectionist, though, so it may be more due to that than it being very noticeable. :wink:)

Thanks again for all the help! I actually printed with my HP on PTI Cs and Heat set and it seems to be working great! You are all awsome!

I have an hp photosmart ink jet and no prob there:) perhaps the paper you are pinting on had a plastic coating and that is why.

color with Copics
 

I use my Kodak inkjet printer for digi images. If I use a slick cardstock such as Papertrey Ink the images smear, but is I use a more matte finis and let the paper dry well I usually have now propblem.

I have a great Dell laser printer...I have not problems because the ink is heat set.
Amber

Fixative/hairspray
 

I think they meant to spray after it comes out of the printer. I think it would clog them if you did it before. Good question.
Melanie

i have a laser and havent had any problems, I have used an inkjet at times too, and just have to let thei mages dry.

If you print on acetate and then flip the image over and color on the other side with your Copics you won't have any bleeding of the printed lines! :) I learned this one the hard way. Hope this tip helps!

I use an HP Photosmart and all I have to do is let it dry over night. I know this is not spontanious but I just pick a bunch of my digis and print then all at the same time and then when I need to use one they are ready. I never get smearing this way and I use Copics all the time. You can also use any of the other mediums too. Like watercoloring, color pencils and gamsol too.

Subbing. . .

I have an HP Photosmart printer and I found ( by accident) that Kodak Photo Paper (Instant Dry) does not smear. I was working with some things at my table and I knocked over a small container of water. Everything else got soggy, but not the Kodak paper- the water just beaded on it. I dabbed it dry, thinking it was going to smear and get all nasty, and nothing happened and I was able to use it in my project. It was 100 sheets for about 23.00 inc.tax at a Staples store. The images are very clear- I use them a lot in jewelry that I make...