Is there something I can spray on a sign made using an ink jet printer on higher quality (20#) paper to prevent smearing if water gets on it? Also, I occasionally find that silverfish have nibbled on some of this printing. If there is a coating to waterproof, will it also discourage these little bugs?
Mike
This stuff might work for you.
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=82858
I use a clear acrylic matte spray from the crafts department of Wal-mart. Dullcoat would probably also work, and maybe even several coats of cheap hair spray as long as the sign is not exposed to a lot of moisture. Other than during surrounding scenery work, why would water get on it?
If you’ve got silverfish, it sounds like you’ve got a water problem somewhere. Might be just a damp basement, and curing the problem would be far more expensive than it’s worth, but look around for dampness that you can do something about. I’m sure your hardware store can recommend something to give those silverfish a “special” dinner.
I’m embarrased to say that I used a water soluable tacky glue to mount the sign. I think I’ve got a solution to that using a glue stick, or maybe even paper with a press on adhesive on the back like name tag or label paper. Problem with stickly backed paper is that I don’t think it comes in tints (egg shell or ivory) that look a little more realistic.
Thanks to both for the suggestions.
I use Dulcote, or if you want a sheen use the Glosscote. Be sure to do both sides & use at least 2 coats. The paper will absorb it & lock the ink in. You can brush it on if you don’t brush too much to smear the ink. The first coat will seal it. This will probably discourage the silverfish. I hope you are using the signs inside. I don’t think there is anything you can do to make them permanent enough for outside use. Jerry
As a former graphic artist, I’ve used Krylon products–Crystal Clear for gloss finish, but they also have dulling products. I’ve been pleased with the results with many types of surfaces.
If the piece is not too large, I’ve had good luck in the past by ‘laminating’ it with the invisible “Magic Tape”. You can burnish it on pretty well by using a fingernail.
Instead of bond paper, use even heavier “card stock.” I print all of my signs on that. I can glue them with white glue on the back, or CA, or whatever. I never get any bleed-through.
Great suggestion!!! You get a gold star for this one!!!
Mister B -
Where does one buy this kind of cardstock?
Staples, Office Max or anyplace like that which sells printer paper. I had to buy a whole package, but it’s lasted over 5 years. We print greeting cards on it, too. I’ll have to remember to put R.T. Poteet on my card list, too.
Any quick print shop in your area will carry it too. It’s called card stock or 67# vellum bristol. They will have it in a variety of colors too. Most shops will sell you 10 or 20 sheets in case you don’t want to buy a 250 sheet pack.
I just spray my signs with $1/can clear gloss coat. It really doesn’t look shiny when you spray it on copy paper or card stock. I’ve had the Krylon products leave a white haze on my signs. I think it reacts with the ink somehow.
I use Testor’s decal sealer that I get from Hobby Lobby. It works very well.
Thanks, all. I like to have a variety of ideas like this to experient with. Let’s see what happens.
Mike
I’ve had good success with Krylon Crystal Clear for decals, exterior/interior finish, overlays (inkjet on paper)…just about everything I clear coat in the hobbie. They have satin and hi gloss. I mix the CC hi gloss and dulcote to get my own degrees of sheen. Great stuff…so far.
Another good paper to use is Staples photo supreme double side matte photo paper. Be sure the settings are set for photo and matte. Use the clear acrylic on this too. Print one sheet in the carrier at a time.