Using a HP Color Laser for Artwork?

[Lilwolf]

I have access to an HP Color Laser 4550 laser printer.  Would it be useful for creating sideart at all?  Could I shilak (sp?) some pages on it and have it look good?

Looking for a 1/2 decent looking, cheap solution.

thanks!

(last... anyone with guantlet sideart art?  I would LOVE to convert them to vector art!

[Witchboard]

I'm not sure if you can shellack paper without it warping/creasing on you.  I guess if you soaked it then placed it like a decal it may work.  I'm not sure what effect the shellack will have on your toner either.  You'll have to do some tests, but I think you will at least get a yellow hue to your image after it dries.  If you decide to try it, let us know how it works.

[patrickl]

I laminated my print with "self adhesive clear plastic foil" (sold in the store for protecting book covers) Worked pretty well.

[ErikRuud]

I printed all the CP artwork on the GioCade using an HP Color Laser.  I foget exactly what model it is.

I printed on a heavier paper than normal, actually a mate photo paper.

I would have to reccomend that you use a water soluble polyurethane.  The solvents in regular shellac may cause the color to bleed.

Do the first few coats very lightly, almost dry brushing the poly on. Avoid excessive brushing back and forth as you may smear the colors.

[Chris]

I did all my artwork on an HP 8550, but the resulting prints have a very "matte" look to them.  I wanted to use an inkjet on photo paper, but it was clear very soon that would have killed many ink cartridges.

For something as permanent as side art, I'd go with having one of the pros print it on vinyl.  The color laser print, though, is fine for things you may change, like a control panel overlay (#3 for me) or marquee (#2 for me) that are going to be covered by plexi (for both protection and gloss).

Also remember that side art size prints will take a LOT of toner, and color toner is expensive.  If this printer is at work (who has one of these at home?) and they're metering usage, you could get an ugly suprise...

--Chris

[ErikRuud]

The clear gloss polyurethane took care of the matte look.