Graphic design printing set up.

[GoonerGary]

I have a new idea, but would like to offer a cheaper alternative using heavy weight photo paper and standard pigment or dye inks.

I'll be printing graphic design solid blocks of colour onto matt or satin papers up to A3+ 250-300 gsm approx

Can anyone recommend a printer/ paper/ ink combination that works? Budget less than £500.

[GoonerGary]

It's ok, found a couple of printers worth looking at. I'll stick to pigment, the dye ink will fade. I guess technology hasn't moved on that much.

[webtrekker]

It's ok, found a couple of printers worth looking at. I'll stick to pigment, the dye ink will fade. I guess technology hasn't moved on that much.

Colour gamut is better with dye inks and the latest genuine Canon and Epson dye inks can offer fade resistance up to 20 years. Cheaper compatible inks will usually be much less than this though, but ideal for short trem items such as greeting cards, party invitations, etc.

[GoonerGary]

Fade resistance tests use a luminance of 1 lux though, about the brightness of the moon. Ozone and daylight will have that print faded in months. Dye inks are only suitable for short term prints, cards and business presentations etc. But to sell a print using dye inks which will hang on a wall is potentially commercial suicide.

[webtrekker]

Thing is though, I have prints of my family made 10 to 15 years ago with the dye ink technology of the time and there's no apparent fading. Admittedly, I haven't got them hanging on a wall in direct sunlight, but they are in a bright living room.

As you say though, for commercial purposes, best to stick to the more resistant but less colourful pigment inks.