General Discussion (Model Railroader)

I have seen numerous pictures and posts where people have printed patterns, pictures, and other details for the interior walls on their structures.  I was told that only a color laser printer will work.  What about a color ink jet printer?  I have two ink jet printers that print very high quality photos all of the time. 

Another question is how to tone down the sheen of the photo paper.

Thanks in advance.

I do my interiors on an inkjet printer.  I use cardstock, not photo paper.  It's much cheaper and I don't end up with a glossy finish.

Generally, interior walls can only be seen through the windows of a structure.  Thus, the ability to distinguish details is very limited.  You can get away with a lot.

wholeman:

I have seen numerous pictures and posts where people have printed patterns, pictures, and other details for the interior walls on their structures.  I was told that only a color laser printer will work.  What about a color ink jet printer?  I have two ink jet printers that print very high quality photos all of the time. 

The onlyt time you'd need a laser printer would be to make decals.  For an interior wall, an inkjet printer is fine.

Another question is how to tone down the sheen of the photo paper.

Thanks in advance.

Easy answer:  don't use photo paper.  Too expensive.  Ordinary paper or cardstock will do nicely.  

If you want to use photo paper for the intensity of color, get matte finish paper.

Spray the photo with a matt clearcoat, I make signs for the outside of buildings that way.

Also, using inkjet decal paper works to make decals on an inkjet printer; they need a clearcoat spray to protect them and prevent the ink from running.

 I do mine with an inkjet on photo paper, and they come out great.

No matter what paper you use, clear coat it to protect and preserve the paper and ink.  I use different combinations of Dullcote and Krylon Crystal Clear to get the desired sheen that I am looking for.

DC 

I use card stock with my HP DeskJet 932c printer.....for older buildings I use an off white card stock so the colors are not too bright.

Here are some wall paper & wood floors, tile & rugs that you can use.