Printing onto clear acetate?

[print44]

Has anyone tried printing black and white images & negatives onto acetate sheets? I have a Canon ip4500 inkjet and a small HP laser printer - any tips? Is it do-able?

Cheers

 

[Papercut]

I don't know about laser, but I have used higher end Epson inkjets to print negatives on Pictorico transparency material for contact printing with alternative processes (salt and cyanotype). It takes some work to get good results because (ideally) you need to create custom curves for your media (the output print process) in order to get a full range and linear curve of tones. Lots of information out there though, if that's what you're interested in. ( www.dpug.org has a forum just for digital negatives though it is not very high-traffic it seems )

 

[Mackinaw]

Freestyle sells special "paper" to do exactly what you are suggesting. Not sure what printers the plastic sheets will work on.

Jim B.

 

[astro8]

If you are talking about clear acetate that is similiar to the type used with overhead projectors, yes you can print it with the laser.

You may have to play with the settings in the printer software as to how much contrast/density you want in the image. Choose all the 'highest', 'finest' and 'best' settings.

You will want to use the single feed tray and only feed one sheet at a time.

I've used many different types and brands of clear acetate with many different laser printers and photocopiers over the years, always A4 size and never had any problems so far.

 

[Ducky]

Sheets of clear film for overhead projectors are available in Staples and others. One side will take ink and dry properly, the other side will not and smears even in the printer (inkjet).

 

[print44]

That's excellent! Thanks for all the info

 

[print44]

digital lith! I'm thinking of doing some gum bichromate printing.....