Radically Simple, High-Output Printing with HP DesignJet Z5600

How does a 39% faster with 20% cost savings on new printer sound? Hard to argue with those numbers. With the HP DesignJet Z5600, HP fine-tuned its machine to deliver not only high-impact graphics, but with a more efficient work flow and less ink consumption.

In May, HP rolled out this new 44-inch, which is equipped with a six-ink printing system, which helps reduce ink consumption, therefore cutting costs by 20% when compared to an eight-ink competitive printer in a small print shop environment. HP also included a chromatic red ink, which enhances the color gamut and delivers sharp, vivid graphics.

HPZ5600 printerHP has also perfected HP DesignJet Click printing software to save time and radically simplify one-click printing for files like PDFs, JPEGs, TIFFs and more. This new software is paired with the automatic multi-roll that makes media loading 75% more efficient than single-roll printers. Plus, the HP DesignJet Z5600 prints 39% faster than competitive aqueous printers on the market.

Check out the video above to see all the highlights that makes the HP DesignJet Z5600 an ideal choice for canvas, GIS, tech drawing and photo reproduction. Call LexJet at 800-453-9538 to learn how to save big on a new HP DesignJet Z5600.

Next-Generation Fredrix Gloss Canvas for Solvent and Latex Printers

Fredrix GSJ Encore Gloss CanvasBuilt to maximize canvas output with solvent, low-solvent and latex printers, the updated Fredrix 901 GSJ Encore Gloss Canvas is ideal for photo reproductions and high-end, high-production art and décor printing.

Available exclusively at LexJet, it’s the highest gloss canvas made by Fredrix and when combined with solvent, low-solvent or latex inks, no top coat is necessary.

Improvements to the canvas include better ink saturation and adhesion with low-solvent inks, and a higher color gamut and Dmax.

The durable 35/65 poly/cotton blend canvas, at 19 mils thick and 380 gsm, has a medium texture that’s subtle and consistent, a two-over-one weave and a bright white base.

For more information and to order Fredrix 901 GSJ Encore Gloss Canvas, call a LexJet printing expert at 800-453-9538.

Next-Generation Sunset Coatings for Canvas Now Available

Fine Art Print by Color Simulation Service with Sunset Gloss Coating
Randy Orgeron of Color Simulation Service found that Sunset Gloss Coating was easy to work with – it doesn’t set up too fast or too slow and self-levels – even on a large canvas piece, like this 18″ x 54″ fine art reproduction on Sunset Select Matte Canvas.

The next-generation Sunset Gloss Coating and Sunset Satin Coating are now in stock and shipping from LexJet’s Nationwide Delivery Network. The popular coatings have been reformulated to improve canvas coating performance with consistent results that can be applied with a brush, roller or spray.

Sunset Gloss Coating and Sunset Satin Coating are non-yellowing, pH-neutral water-based acrylic coatings that are self-leveling and ready-to-use straight from the easy-to-pour, easy-to-store containers.

Randy Orgeron of Color Simulation Service, Thibodaux, La., provided detailed feedback when he tested the updated formulation of Sunset Gloss Coating on Sunset Select Matte Canvas. Among his findings, Orgeron noted:

  • It rolls on easily with a foam roller
  • There do not seem to be any issues with it gunking up and it lays flat from the offset
  • Initially, the coating turns hazy, like car wax prior to buffing, but becomes crisp and clear
  • There were some bubbles that formed during application; however, once completely dry that concern proved to be unwarranted
  • The finish is gorgeous and really articulates the print, and there were no issues with the coating lifting the ink off the canvas

“The piece I tried this on at first was only an 11×14 canvas. Since the coating tends to set up rather quickly I was interested to see how fast I would have to work to cover a large canvas, and if could go back over missed spots on the first application,” adds Orgeron. “I’ve used other brands that dry so quickly you can only use them on smaller prints. With the Sunset Coating I found that you can keep working it after you apply it, so it’s going to be very effective for all of our prints, large or small.”

Other improvements to Sunset Coatings include:

  • Greater UV protection
  • Increase solid content so you get more coverage out of one container
  • NMP-free to comply with state and local safety and health regulations

Call a LexJet print specialist today at 800-453-9538 to find out more and to order the new Sunset Coatings.

Download the Free Comprehensive Guide to Canvas Printing

Canvas Printing GuideThe new comprehensive guide to canvas printing, How to Make Canvas Printing Work for You, is now available for a free download at www.lexjet.com/canvas-wrap-guide-b1.aspx

The guide takes an in-depth look at…

  • Canvas materials, textures and finishes: A detailed overview of the different inkjet canvas base materials, textures, weights, weaves and finishes available on the market
  • Printers and ink sets: A breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of aqueous, solvent, latex and UV-curable printer platforms for canvas print production
  • Coating, stretching and wrapping: An examination of software, hardware, tools and methods for the final steps of canvas production

The interactive document also includes links to how-to videos and other resources, as well as detailed instructions on coating canvas with a roller and wrapping canvas with a pre-made DIY stretcher bar kit.

The canvas printing guide has been added to LexJet’s Learning Center, where you can also find guides to…

If you have any questions, or need help with anything, give a LexJet printing specialist a call at 800-453-9538.

Printing and Framing Notre Dame

Notre Dame Print by Sharpeye Framing

It’s estimated that there are more than 100,000 Notre Dame Fighting Irish alumni out there. They live among us and they likely wear their alma mater on their sleeve, both literally and figuratively.

Now, those alumni can wear their alma mater on their walls with limited edition Notre Dame panoramic specialty prints produced by Sharpeye Framing, Michigan City, Ind.

Notre Dame’s marketing communications department first contacted Sharpeye Framing for its print fulfilment services. Then, Sharpeye Framing was commissioned to produce the limited edition prints based on the quality, efficiency and detail of its work the company provides.

Prints by Sharpeye FramingThe prints are created from photos of Notre Dame’s campus today and one of the original structures from the school’s founding in 1849 taken at sunset.

Sharpeye Framing chose the matting and frames to border the prints and will also produce limited edition canvas gallery wraps. The photos are reproduced on Sunset Photo eSatin Paper 300g for the framed pieces and Sunset by Fredrix Matte Canvas for the gallery wraps on a Canon iPF8400.

“The Sunset Photo eSatin is our standard photo paper that we use for all of our photography reproduction. It’s a great heavyweight and durable product we’ve used for years,” says Ryan Wanke, president of Sharpeye Framing. “Fredrix has the best canvas weave out there, so the new Sunset by Fredrix canvas has become our stock canvas. It’s great for stretching because there are no issues with cracking.”

Video: Gallery Wrapped Canvas Start to Finish

AW Artworks – Gallery Wrapped Canvas start to finish from Andrew Wredberg on Vimeo.

Shot at AW Artworks Design Gallery and Studio in Sun Prairie, Wis., the video embedded above gives consumers interested in buying a canvas gallery wrap an inside look at its production.

Canvas Gallery Wrap Video AW Artworks“Every day I see an online deal for $5 canvas that’s supposedly a $120 value. I get questions from people who wonder why our canvas gallery wraps are so much more expensive,” explains Andy Wredberg, AW Artworks’ owner. “This is a video version of my answer, which is that I’m spending the time necessary to make sure their canvas wrap is absolutely perfect with color correction, setting up the image correctly, hand-cutting the frame with high-quality wood, printing with the best canvas material, and coating and wrapping it by hand. We won’t be the cheapest; our goal is to be the best.”

Wredberg printed this sample for the video with a Canon iPF8300 inkjet printer on Sunset Select Matte Canvas. Wredberg builds the stretcher frame from scratch and uses a Tensador II to complete the wrap.