Hey Sweet Crafty People,
Any of you collage artists, découpage divas, or multimedia masters out there care to chat a bit about printers? :)
I've been doing a bunch of googling to find out which laser printer is best for collage art (to use with Matte Medium and other wet media without any smudging). Then it dawned on me that you guys are WAY better than Google! So I figured I'd pester you. ;)
If any of you have tried this printer in your creations I would love to know what you think:
Or perhaps you've tried other laser printers you love for collage?
I've heard great things about Epson laser printers and UltraChrome K3 ink, but they're very difficult to find near me. And I'm not sure if the Epson will work well for Hot Foiling?
I was thinking of going with Brother so I can try out the foil technique that Jennifer McGuire has revived lately. (She says she uses a Brother printer & it works perfectly with the foil).
I've finally ordered this lamination machine to have a whack at it:
Love,
11 comments:
I also happen to be looking for a laser printer, both for the foiling technique as sown by Jennifer and for cheaper BW printing than my all in one inkjet printer. I'm considering buying the Samsung Xpress M2835DW. Samsung apparently has a good reputation when it comes to B/W laser printers, the toner is reasonably priced (colour toners are more expensive), it's compact, and, last but not least, this model is available where I live (Greece). I also found a positive review at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2463837,00.asp. It'll be interesting to hear about other people's experiences and advice.
I'm looking for a wireless laser printer too! I want one that prints in B/W & color and will print doulble sided. Please let us know what you come up with!!
I absolutely ADORE my Brother color laser. The consumables are less cost per page than HP color lasers. Mine is about three years old and has never given me a lick of trouble. I bought it from Amazon so if there was any trouble I'd have an easy return, plus free shipping! I wasted so much ink with my old ink jet printer.
Because it's toner, which is basically melted plastic, it decoupages beautifully. I bought a model with duplex so I can also print my own 2-sided paper, love that!
It's also perfect for Copic coloring your printed digi stamps, the toner won't run or smear like inkjet printouts.
Should have given you model info. My printer is an earlier version of this one. It is more the business level as they did not have wireless at that time in the personal printers:
http://www.brother-usa.com/Printer/ModelDetail/1/HL3170CDW/Overview#.VTMKIuyCOrU
But if I was buying one now I'd get the personal version which is color, wireless duplex. A friend has one and it's really nice!
http://www.brother-usa.com/Printer/ModelDetail/1/HL3170CDW/Overview#.VTMK1eyCOrU
Thanks for your replies Ladies. <3 So good to hear that you love your Brother printer, Lynne. Thank you ever so much for letting us know!!! :D I heard they cost less and ink never evaporates, but you never know if claims are true, so it's lovely to have the news first-hand.
Last, most have high yield black cartridges available. The toner cartridges are one per color, so you buy four cartridges to fill the printer but you replace them separately as needed. Mine last a long, long time.
I recently purchased a Samsung MX2020 that is wireless, black and white laser. I needed it to print labels for ecommerce stuff. And since I do a lot of traveling, its smaller footprint makes it easier for me to haul in and out of hotels.
It's FANTASTIC. I love the thing, and I paid less than $50 for it, which makes me love it even more.
My only complaint? It will NOT take cardstock through its feeder. I didn't buy it wanting it to, but now that I want to foil, I am a bit disappointed in that.
I have the Epson 1430 Artisan. It is expensive to buy the ink, and the ink doesn't last long when you are printing lots of colorful designs. But the printing is gorgeous, and I can use my 11x17 inch paper in it. I haven't tried the foiling technique, so I am no help there.
Seems we're all looking for new printers. I was interested in Lynne Phelps's enthusiastic review, but found her links go to the same printer. Did I miss something, Lynne? I'm not sure how the 2nd one (you mentioned more business use) is supposed to differ from the 1st one (personal use). I'd appreciate any info, since you have experience with your own and your friend's. I'm with Mel--online reviews and ratings don't compare with going right to people who actually use products we're considering. Thanks!
Laser printers are toner based. The toner is applied by heat and will remelt when heat is applied. That is why it will work with heat-based foils. Because toner prints are waterproof, this type of printer is great for a variety of transfer techniques that can be used in collage. Epson inkjet printers can use 2 different types of ink. The lower end printers use dye-based inks. These water soluble inks provide vibrant prints, but will fade with time and smear when exposed to water and acrylic media. The Ultrachrome inks are pigment based and are considered archival. The printers that use pigment ink are a must for photographers and those who are serious about using photography in their art and craft. Neither will work with the foiling techniques.
I use an Epson Workforce for my everyday printing and have access to a pigment ink printer for my serious art prints. I also have an older Brother laser printer that I use for transfers and collage. Hope this helps with your decision.
Hello, I can't help much as I am in Australia and pricing is WAY dearer for everything. We have that exact printer at work and the 4 replacement toners are $500!!Anyway the only advice I would like to offer is that laser printers need to be used almost daily. I bought a B/W one a few years back for very light use and it smeared when I went to use. Upon returning to the store the sales guy told me that info. Not sure if they are different now. Hope this helps someone :)cheers Dee
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