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Adding Inkjet Printing Outside

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  • Member since
    March 2020
  • 2 posts
Adding Inkjet Printing Outside
Posted by Figment on Sunday, March 8, 2020 5:27 PM

Trying to determine good methods of including inkjet printed items in a garden railway.  I have successfully had small items such as 1 x 6 inch signs outside for many years with acceptable fading/weathering.  When I tried something larger it faded much quicker and i am unsure what I did differently.  I have tried covering with matte medium and matte varnish, so far I had more luck with Matte Medium  which surprised me.  I have used mostly matte finish paper but am thinking of changing to glossy when that may look ok.   I am also considering adding some color using weather resistant or outside acrylic paint. My theme is Disney so I am thinkking of adding some of fastasyland ride fronts.  I have used masonite backing but may do to a form.  Your experience?

Tags: Inkjet
  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ormond Beach, FL
  • 389 posts
Posted by chocho willy on Monday, March 9, 2020 12:03 PM

have never used inkjet printing all my printed stuff is done using Silhouette and their 631 outside vinyl which I have had great sucess with but I also give every thing a good coat of Krylon matt finish which is UV proof. Also I think that you will find that the masonite wont hold up outside I would suggest using 1/4" PVC board that you can get at Home Depot. Bill

Tags: fade
  • Member since
    February 2013
  • 916 posts
Posted by PVT Kanaka on Monday, March 9, 2020 12:25 PM
Figment, How do you protect your signage from the elements? I am presuming you print it on standard paper. Eric
  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,411 posts
Posted by York1 on Monday, March 9, 2020 1:20 PM

Figment,

Welcome to the Forum.  Your first posts may not appear immediately, but after several posts it will be better.

Keep us informed of your progress.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    March 2020
  • 2 posts
Posted by Figment on Monday, March 9, 2020 4:56 PM

I have used matte medium and matte varnish.  I also have used Rustoleom Matte Clear Coat, but that may eat through some foam.  My masonite is probably the same stuff they make some siding  out of so if you protect it, such as prime or paint it, it will last, at least it has lasted a few years for me. 

  • Member since
    February 2013
  • 916 posts
Posted by PVT Kanaka on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 9:27 PM
Thanks, Figment!

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