VELLUM paper & SMUDGING!!!

caroline · 08-08-2008, 07:35 AM

HELP!!

This is probably going to seem like a really stupid post, but I'm currently working on my DIY invites...

The ink from my printer keeps smudging on the vellum paper! Is there some sort of spray/seal that will stop this? What the heck can I do? Even after drying for considerable periods of time (ie: overnight) some are still putting ink all over the place!

beachbride08 · 08-08-2008, 09:21 AM

Are you printing on the right side of the paper?

ErinB · 08-08-2008, 09:23 AM

Is the paper compatible with your printer?

Some are designed to only work with laser printers, not ink-jet.

caroline · 08-08-2008, 10:15 AM

Shoot! I didn't know that you were supposed to print on a specific side! Wierd though, that you meantion that, b/c I've printed a couple of copies here at work (on an ink printer) without any problems! WTF?!!

hanna · 08-08-2008, 12:04 PM

hmm, I am having a similar problem. I also printed my color monogram on it and is got transferred partially to part of the paper. I noticed it smuges for a couple of days... and then still it rubs off. I think you have to keep the ink minimal, no bold letters or lots of ink cause I don't think it absorbs the same as paper.. hmm, I will need to do some research

hanna · 08-08-2008, 12:18 PM

heres some info I found online... great for me since I bought thick vellum...uugh.

Avoid the thicker vellum when you are creating a layout. The thicker vellum is meant for cards or packaging of gifts.

Vellum in not absorbent. This is where the problem begins when wishing to print directly onto it. In addition, Vellum has different types of finished on it, depending on the type you have purchased. I know it often seems like wax is on my vellum, which is all dandy, but it makes the surface practically waterproof.

Once you print on to the Vellum you will have to allow it to dry for a fair bit. It needs to absorb into the paper and this is difficult with the Vellum because of the above mentioned reasons.

When you do print onto your Vellum, set the setting on your printer for Draft printing, Economy Printing, Fastest Printing, whatever it's called. You want the poorest quality ink because it is the least amount of ink, keeping the paper from not drying. Also keep in mind that the thinner lines on the font, the better your output will be. Those thick lined fonts use a lot of ink, creating more drying and a greater chance at smearing.

Another way to use the Vellum is to take a grocery bag or paper lunch bag and crumple it up. Lightly "sand" the vellum with the crumpled bag. Doing this before you try to print on it will help to break down the coating on the surface to allow the ink to penetrate and dry.

Sarah · 08-08-2008, 12:22 PM

Whenever I have to print on vellum, I use my inkjet and I set my printer to the lowest setting (uses the least ink). Then, I lay the pieces out and let them dry overnight. That usually works for me. I also have noticed that some printers print better on vellum than others (I have an Epson and an HP- the Epson is actually better).

amyh · 08-08-2008, 01:17 PM

I set my laserjet printer on the transparency paper setting and let them dry for about 5 minutes.

caroline · 08-08-2008, 01:44 PM

Thanks all... I guess I'll figure it out someway (with your help)

Did you then place anything else in the invite, as protection between meeting sheets? I have visions of them leaving my house perfectly and turning up at their destination a big, black, inky mess!

K&Rwedding · 08-09-2008, 10:10 PM

Caroline you are probably printing on an ink jet printer when you can only print on vellum on a laser jet. Let me know if that is the issue. If not I can ask my friend who works at a paper store.

Best
Kathy