Laser vs Inkjet - for prints, stickers, bookmarks

efdvorsky 2015-12-23 18:33:36 UTC #1

I want to get a scanner/printer by next year since my old one is up in tech heavens as of the last month.

I've looked a bit of info up and I'm thinking which printer would be best to have prints, cards, bookmarks, stickers and such for artist alleys or local comic meet-ups.

If I understand correctly, Laser uses less toner but the quality is lower since it's made for office where it's quantity > quality. Whereas inkjet is more costly in terms of cartridges but has a better spectrum of colors. Aaaam I on the right track?

That being said, how can I properly print things I don't want them to fade away or completely wash out in due time? Or is that in terms of the paper I use?

Thank you u-u(\

AffectedMind 2015-12-23 19:32:25 UTC #2

I would say it depends more on paper you use, but I'm not an expert. You ca't just print a poster on regular 80g/m2, office paper or photos. My printer supports those glossy photo paper so I could print a proper picture and the guality is amazing!

For the rest I back up your question ovo/

Plus, do you guys know any good printer that will support 300g/m2 paper?

phen 2015-12-23 19:40:08 UTC #3

Inkjet all the way! They may be costly but they have an abundance of pros versus cons. I myself HIGHLY recommend getting an Epson Artisan -- even the Epson Workforce all-in-ones are lovely, giving you rich, solid prints. I currently use an Epson Artisan 1430 and it is phenomenal.

It's clear you want bright, light steadfast colours and most Epson inks are archival, artist quality inks. The 1430 uses Claria Hi-Definition Ink which is fade-proof, smudge-proof, waterproof, and scratch proof! I have tested this out myself by putting prints on Lennox (also archival paper, acid-free) in a window for 6 months -- no fading, no yellowing! I totally sound like a salesman but this printer put me through college.

Speaking of that, my serigraphy and lithography professors absolutely loved the print quality -- dense pigment printing and super bold colours. I would do mixed media pieces and add digital paint to my lithos and polymer plate prints.

So yeah! Inkjet is a MUST and Epson is a solid, decently priced brand to look into!

The Epson Workforce 520 supports it and I know that the Artisan lines can take very heavy paper -- the 1430 can even take watercolour and canvas paper with a little finesse, hah^^

efdvorsky 2015-12-23 19:49:32 UTC #4

Yoooo this is exactly the kind of answer I need. This is awesome, definitely going to look it up!

mariusthered 2015-12-23 20:10:26 UTC #5

laser is more for printing text like scripts. i really would love a laser. as for inkjet my advice is research the prices of the cartridges first. I just buy cheep things off ebay but i never look for quality printing.

KreativeConfusion 2015-12-26 01:56:28 UTC #6

def go for inkjet so you can get some good colors and always look into the kid of paper you get. honestly that paper can really be a deciding factor

but don't go cheap if you do with epson. I tried to use a cheap one my mother bought me as a college gift and honestly its a bit of a head ache to set up and to be careful with paper. It's worth the money if you get something a little pricier

of course the model printer I have now has been discontinued to maybe they've fixed the problems over the years

efdvorsky 2015-12-26 03:08:29 UTC #7

Oh, oh I'll definitely keep that in mind...for next time.

I was surprised today with an HP Envy printer. Dunno how well the quality works there but it's something!

Thank you everyone, too!

keii4ii 2015-12-26 03:13:06 UTC #8

Getting it printed at a third party printer is definitely an option considering.

Buying a printer and printing merch from home is expensive. Not just the up front cost of the machine, but the ink and the paper can make your wallet cry! An inkjet printer WILL bleed ink outta its butt if printing good quality. If printing lower quality, or if printing inkjet, there's just no point in doing it from home.

Look into local mom and pop print shops. If you can't find any, catprint is a good option for those based in the mainland US. Their quality is, while not THE highest, definitely high; sure beats laser by a long shot! AdoramaPix is another great option with amazing quality. I have tried both, and here are some comparison points.

Catprint:
- prints CMYK
- There's a very high chance that the image will come out significantly darker and more saturated. This is easy to fix: just brighten it up before sending the file to the printer.
- A wide variety of printing papers. Get their free sample pack if you're considering them.
- Smaller sizes can be more expensive sometimes. e.g. one 8.5"x11" may cost more than one 12"x18". I think it's because they print everything on 12"x18", and if the pic is smaller, there is additional work involved (trimming).
- Offers inexpensive gold foil printing. Need to be special ordered via email.

AdoramaPix:
- prints sRGB. If you send them CMYK, they'll probably reject the file.
- AMAZING print quality.
- The paper options are limited. No free sample pack. No subtle gloss here; it's either super glossy, or very matte. Or luster, which is its own thing entirely.
- All of their papers have "kodak" printed on the back. It's not visible from the front, but if you really, really want the back to be blank, then it might be an issue.

efdvorsky 2015-12-26 03:24:29 UTC #9

@keii4ii

Thank you for this! I'll check those out, I wasn't sure what would be more expensive if just mass ordering or doing it yourself since the latter tends to be a good option (I'm so new at this, I'm sorry)

Need to check if Catprint ships to PR since down here we're SOMETIMES the US and SOMETIMES we're international it's like Russian Roulette of shipping prices I swear.

But this is also very helpful. All you people have been great