Printing 8x10's, brochures, etc. - Page 3

Elizabeth Schott · 10-30-2002, 07:10 PM

Michael, is the Epson P2000 printer an ink jet printer that just uses a different kind of ink for archival purposes? How does it do with Postscript fonts, etc? I haven

Michael Georges · 10-30-2002, 08:33 PM

Elizabeth:

The P2000 and the 2200 are inkjet printers that use special archival inks. It has 6-color (CMYK) drop-on-demand Micro Piezo ink jet technology. Its lightfastness can last 200 or more years before noticeable fading occurs, in normal indoor flourescent lighting, under a glass frame, when using Genuine EPSON Archival Inks and compatible EPSON matte type papers.

I believe it will handle anything a normal inkjet printer will handle as far as fonts. I don't print a lot of text, but what I have done printed just fine. It prints up to 13x19 inches which is a real plus for doing your own prints.

The one drawback is that it does not print well on many photo papers or shiny papers in general. The archival matte, and watercolor papers print superbly. The premium lustre paper is about as shiny as I would want to get on it.

It does use up ink pretty fast, however, it is still quite economical when compared to other print processes. I get the 13x19 watercolor paper for between $.70 and $.90 cents per sheet online and a full size 13x19 print costs about $1.50 to $2.00 in ink, so I average about $2-3 per print - a good deal for very good quality.

It prints a 13x19 print in about 20 minutes, so not too speedy. But it's quiet.

Hope that helps!

Rebecca Willoughby · 10-31-2002, 01:14 AM

Michael,

Have you tried printing with the P2000 on Stonehenge Printmaking paper? It is really gorgeous. I use this paper for my colored pencil work and I have to look real close to tell which is the original and which is the copy. It is a great printer.

Elizabeth,

In my former life, I owned a design firm. We owned several Epson ink jets and a QMS magicolor EX color laser printer. We never had a problem with Postscript fonts with the Epsons.

Believe me if there could have been a problem, we would have had it! The problem with the laser printer is that the toner "lays" on top of the paper and could flake off if rolled or during framing, especially with a glossy surface. When doing business cards that is not a big problem, but when making prints it is. Also, when using a textured watercolor paper, the laser printer won't put the toner into the crevices of the paper. You can see the paper color in the middle of what should be solid color.

In summary:
It is my opinion that when printing brochures and business cards, etc. laser is good. When making fine art prints, Epsons are best (I never used any other kind of ink jet printer in my 15 years of business).

Rebecca

Leslie Ficcaglia · 10-31-2002, 08:25 AM

The Epson 2200 printer and the papers which are being mentioned sound as though they'd be excellent. Does anyone want to share where they get supplies such as the archival matte, watercolor, and Stonehenge papers?

Elizabeth Schott · 10-31-2002, 10:14 AM

Rebecca and Michael, when you are saying you make "fine art prints" with the P2000, is that for your portfolio or do you actually sign and sell them? I can

Michael Georges · 10-31-2002, 10:42 AM

Elizabeth:

Yes, limited edition prints that I sell - unmatted, matted, and matted and framed.

I bought my printer online and paid around $720 for it. I buy my paper and inks online as well. Do a Google search on the part number and then compare prices. I have gotten the color cartridge for as little as $27 and the BW cartridge for as little as $15. There are knock off inks out there, but they don't guarantee archival - I use only Epson OEM inks.

Rebecca: I have not tried the Stonehenge papers, but will see if I can get some, thank you.

Linda Ciallelo · 10-31-2002, 07:27 PM

I agree with Michael. I looked at Laser printers, but found that I couldn't afford them. The one thing that is good about this printer (Epson 2000p) is that it will print up to 13x18" prints that are archival. I will rarely be printing text. I have printed out some business cards with text, and they look fine. I use it mostly for photos to work from and prints to sell.

Elizabeth Schott · 10-31-2002, 09:52 PM

Click here for:
Epson 2000p printer link

This is the info I found about this printer, looks great! They do have Stylus Rip software for graphics.

Click here for:
Stylus Rip software

Mary Reilly · 11-02-2002, 11:28 PM

Michael,

I am intrigued with what you said about the Epson 2200 printer. I've only had Offset Lithos done in the past. How do these prints compare with Lithos? I also have an artist friend that has had giclees done. Is this similar to a giclee? I think I remember reading that giclees are done by inkjet. Any idea if it is the same thing with a different name?

Also, how do you explain the print when a customer asks? I always have people asking what kind of prints I have and I wonder how you would answer without making it sound like a "home computer job"? Also you mention it uses up ink pretty fast. Approximately how many prints are you getting before you find that you are having to replace the ink cartridges?

I know that I am full of questions, but this sounds like it could be the perfect solution for prints. Especially when a portrait is done and copies are wanted for the grandparents etc.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Mary

Rebecca Willoughby · 11-03-2002, 10:26 PM

Right now if you buy the Epson 2200 ($699 at Mac Mall) you can get the $99 Epson 1250 Photo scanner with a 35mm slide attachment FREE!!! I love that word! My sister-in-law is purchasing one for the magazine she works for. Seeing my prints convinced her!

Rebecca