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[davebaileys]

Cleaning up at the end of printing 500 record covers, I was rubbing down an old cover that I had been using to help with registration, when I discovered that I have 500 covers with images that can be rubbed off with a damp cloth and a bit of pressure.

I know I should have checked the ink for fastness on the record covers at the start, but I thought I had. Whether the test cover was a different, or I used different waterbased ink, I don't know. Anyway, I am were I am.

Is there a way I can fix the images on the covers - hairspray, fixative spray, whatever? Maybe heat the covers in an oven for a period?

I'm using waterbased ink (label says it is called Atlantis). The record sleeves are card, with a gloss finish - it is the gloss that is at the root of the problem I believe.

I have told the customer, and am expecting to negotiate a healthy discount, unless I can recover the situation.

Any ideas?

Dave

[boomerbabe]

I would try an archival clear acrylic fixative that is used for artwork, preferably a spray.
This one looked good: 
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/sprays-and-fixatives/lascaux-archival-spray-fixative.htm

And here is a list of their stores, Hopefully one near you
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/Retail-Stores/Store-Index.htm

[davebaileys]

I would try an archival clear acrylic fixative that is used for artwork, preferably a spray.
This one looked good: 
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/sprays-and-fixatives/lascaux-archival-spray-fixative.htm

And here is a list of their stores, Hopefully one near you
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/Retail-Stores/Store-Index.htm

Boomerbabe,
very many thanks for that.  The store search did not help as I'm in the UK, but I can look for the product or something similar.  Is this the same sort of thing?
http://www.fredaldous.co.uk/product_372450029.htm

From a practical point of view do you know if this stuff is OK to use in a closed environment, and how long it takes to get a reasonable finish - I have 1000 sides to do!
Dave

[boomerbabe]

This might work, but I think I would look for one that is specifically for artwork that is done on paper (pastels, charcoals, watercolors etc. The product I found on the above site is a Swiss (French?) product and imported to the US. With any aerosol product, I would only use in a very well ventilated area and/or wear the appropriate  safety gear such as a respirator. Follow any manufacturer's directions for # of coats for a good finish. Acrylic products dry pretty rapidly. I would contact your local art supply shop and ask them if this would be appropriate or if they had any other suggestions.

[davebaileys]

I would try an archival clear acrylic fixative that is used for artwork, preferably a spray.
This one looked good: 
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/sprays-and-fixatives/lascaux-archival-spray-fixative.htm

Boomerbabe,
I've found the same product for sale in the UK!  Here's a tough question - do you have any idea how many cans I might need to spray 500 12" record cover on both sides?  Economically, I'm thinking I need to get at least 100 sides per can - that seems like a lot of squirt out of a small can.

I would appreciate your guesstimate.  I will also contact the supplier tomorrow and ask their opinions, and on the environment and safety issues.

Life is complicated!
Dave

[MonkeyMeMe]

I agree with boomer, get in a open area with plenty of fresh air,

Water based will need to be sealed for sure,,,

MMM

[boomerbabe]

I really have no idea of coverage, spray paints are estimated at 20-25 sq feet per 12oz. but then when painting you are looking for a more opaque/heavier finish. Another good question to ask tomorrow. They also may have other suggestions for your application needs. Good luck.

[Viper97]

Time for me to check in... there are two types of surfaces for paper that can be printed on either by printer or other means, one is based on dye inks and one is based on pigment inks.

My previous experience is you cannot use dye inks on pigment paper and you cannot do the opposite, use pigment inks on dye paper.  They are formulated so differently that if you mix inks and paper they will wipe off with a wet cloth.

Fixing the paper with some sort of solvent based spray may work but I would think if it is a combination of paper and wrong ink set, then it would just make matters worse.

The only real solution in my mind is to make sure you know the paper your working with and the inkset your printer has.

Matching them is fundamental to a good product.  Take it from me who bought dye based paper and tried to print with pigment inks... it was ugly.

[jadran]

Hi Dave,
Have you considered maybe in using the liquid lamination with a roller
to seal in your inks? If I remember right its called Clear Shield.

[davebaileys]

My previous experience is you cannot use dye inks on pigment paper and you cannot do the opposite, use pigment inks on dye paper.  They are formulated so differently that if you mix inks and paper they will wipe off with a wet cloth.

Fixing the paper with some sort of solvent based spray may work but I would think if it is a combination of paper and wrong ink set, then it would just make matters worse.

Hi Viper7,
Thanks for the reply.  My problem is that I have already screen printed, using waterbased ink, onto both sides of 500 record sleeves that have a gloss finish.  What I am looking for is any viable way of recovering the situation. 
I won't make the same mistake again - probably for ages!
Dave

[davebaileys]

Hi Dave,
Have you considered maybe in using the liquid lamination with a roller
to seal in your inks? If I remember right its called Clear Shield.

Jadran,

Thanks for the input.  I'm not familiar with Clear Shield.  Is it easy to apply?  Any idea of typical costs?

Dave

[jadran]

Hi dave,
checked up for you on this clear shield.They have a distributor in the UK
their site is  www.landoruk.com
email info@landouruk.com
hope it helps.