fine art paper | LexJet Blog

Year in Review: The 11 Biggest Product Launches of 2017

Posted on December 26, 2017January 2, 2018 by Shellie Terry Posted in Technology & Products

Leave a comment

Year in Review: The 11 Biggest Product Launches of 2017

As we look back on the year that 2017 was, there’s no denying that our customers are branching out into new areas and looking to offer their customers better performing, more cost-effective wide-format solutions. At LexJet, we strive to stay in-step with those demands. Our 2017 product launches brought to market everything from new outdoor banner materials and high-end fine-art paper options to all new technology portfolios and exciting, versatile media for multiple applications. Let’s take a look back at the changes 2017 brought in media products and equipment advances:

NEW MEDIA:

A Glossy, Opaque Banner: Many of our aqueous printer customers were requesting a glossy version of our ThriftyBanner, so we answered with LexJet Gloss Blockout ThriftyBanner. Not only does the gloss finish add extra pop to graphics and photos, it also eliminates the need to add a gloss laminate when requested, making it a one-step, cost-effective option. The 100% opaque blockout adds another unique feature for one of our most popular launches of 2017.

ClearShield SoftFeel Low Melt laminate applied to a menu.

Print Protection Portfolio: If you’re looking for any type of print protection, LexJet is the go-to source. We relaunched some products and added many new items to our Print Protection portfolio, which includes thermal laminates, water-based liquid coatings, UV liquid coatings and pressure sensitive laminates. This line includes nearly 70 options from the best brands in the industry: Marabu, ClearShield, Sunset, EnduraCoat, MaraShield and LexJet. If you need to protect a print in any application, our Print Protection page is the place to start.

Introducing Sunset Copperplate Rag Mould-made Paper

Posted on June 26, 2017June 28, 2017 by Shellie Terry Posted in Technology & Products

Leave a comment

Introducing Sunset Copperplate Rag Mould-made Paper

We’re excited to announce our first mould-made paper, LexJet Sunset Copperplate Rag 315gsm. This addition to our line of quality fine art papers is the a 100% cotton, soft-grain base that has the look and feel of a true art paper.

Mould-made papers are a favorite among fine art printers and photographers who want a high-quality look for their sophisticated artwork. Mould-made papers have interlocking fibers that add to the richness of the texture and increase strength and durability, as well. The manufacturing process is painstakingly meticulous to ensure the finish product pairs the consistency of a machine-made product with the characteristics of a handmade paper.

Unlike competing products on the market, Sunset Copperplate Rag is free of optical brighteners, acid and lignin.

“This is a high-end addition to the Sunset line that’s ideal for limited-edition print makers, as well as production printers, thanks to both the quality and the competitive price point,” says product specialist Jaimie Mask.

The natural white base and matte finish of LexJet Sunset Copperplate Rag 315gsm produces an excellent color gamut and unsurpassed Dmax. “It’s a great option for anyone wanting that ‘print-making’ feel with an artistic surface and texture,” Mask says.

Product Highlights:

Natural white, 100% cotton rag
Soft grain with matte finish
Excellent color gamut and Dmax
Archival quality
OBA-free, acid-free, lignin-free
Applications: Fine art and photographic reproduction and restoration, limited-edition prints, art portfolios, photo albums

Video Quick-Look:

The look and feel of a true fine art paper with LexJet Sunset Copperplate Rag 315gsm. This high-end product is optimal for limited-edition print makers and production printers. . Learn more at lexjet.net/SunsetCopperplate

A post shared by LexJet (@lexjetofficial) on Jun 28, 2017 at 11:41am PDT

Posted on February 29, 2016March 2, 2016 by Shellie Terry Posted in Case Studies & Profiles

Leave a comment

Prints That Win: Dipsy Daisy

Nine years ago, Kentucky photographer Jennifer Palumbo’s first print competition was the stuff that would make most people put down the camera forever. But not Palumbo.

“It lit a fire under me,” she says. Her first competition photo was graded down from a 72 to a 68 for not meeting the competition’s “standards.” “I said: You just watch.”

Four years later she earned her Masters of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America and began winning competitions. This year, she brought home the Sunset Print Award for her cheery image, “Dipsy Daisy,” pictured above.

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Regan Dickinson Posted in Case Studies & Profiles, Tips & Tricks

Leave a comment

A Perspective on Matching Fine Art Paper to a Fine Art Original

There is no definitive rule for matching the right fine art paper (or canvas) to the original piece that’s being reproduced, whether that piece is oil on canvas, a charcoal sketch, a watercolor or any other medium.

Ultimately, it’s based on the artist’s preference and their interpretation of the piece for reproduction. However, certain media generally translate into certain types of fine art reproduction materials.

Obviously, oil on canvas will generally be reproduced on canvas. Of course, there is then the choice between a satin, gloss or matte finish, and any coating that may go over the canvas to both protect it and create its own finish (more on that in a future post, or you can download the free white paper, How to Make Canvas Printing Work for You).

For fine art papers, veteran print maker Kent Foster, owner of Fostergraphs Inc., Decorah, Iowa, has two “go-to” papers: Sunset Textured Fine Art Paper 310g for those who want a more textured surface and Sunset Cotton Etching Paper 285g for those who prefer a smoother finish.

“For the most part, we use Sunset Cotton Etching for pencil, charcoal and sketch work that’s more flat. We use Textured Fine Art predominately for watercolor reproductions, as well as oil paintings when they’re going to paper and not canvas because these artists tend to like a textured paper. And, they tend to work in textured medium to begin with,” says Foster.

In the example pictured above, Foster reproduced a piece entitled Where Eagles Soar by award-winning water color artist Mary Ann Gloe. It’s one of four watercolors Foster reproduced for the Luther College bookstore to replenish their stock of Gloe’s work.

“She’s a very talented artist has won a lot of state awards. I’ve been doing work for her since 2005, and that’s about how long we’ve been using Textured Fine Art as our primary textured fine art paper,” says Foster. “Artists want a nice product at an economical price. It’s a nice paper, it has a good weight, it presents very well and it’s priced reasonably. In this case, the watercolor looks especially good on a textured surface. The original surface she works on is typically somewhat textured, and this paper accurately represents the original.”

Posted on January 15, 2015March 18, 2015 by Regan Dickinson Posted in News & Trends, Technology & Products

Leave a comment

Sunset Photo Matte Paper: Durable, High-Quality, Archival and Economical

sunset matte sr Sunset Photo Matte Paper 280g is now available exclusively at LexJet. Ideal for fine-art reproduction, high-quality fine photo prints, photo albums and high-end poster décor, the smooth archival paper produces superior color saturation and a high Dmax for high-impact image reproduction.

Sunset Photo Matte Paper is the thickest, heaviest and most durable (280g, 12-mil) inkjet paper in its class, and is also priced lower than most comparable papers, providing both value and quality.

“It’s a great paper with a slightly warmer tone, which is perfect for fine-art printing. It makes a beautiful print and it’s thick and easy to handle, but has a lower price point,” says Chip Wright of Mastercolor Professional Labs, Greensboro, N.C.

Sunset Photo Matte Paper 280g is available in 17″, 24″, 36″, 44″ and 60″ widths and 100′ roll lengths from LexJet’s North American Distribution Network. Call a LexJet print specialist at 800-453-9538 for more information and to try this new paper for your next project.

Posted on December 5, 2014December 8, 2014 by Regan Dickinson Posted in Promotions & Rebates

Leave a comment

YES! Up to 70% at LexJet’s Year End Sale

Choose from more than 70 products at LexJet offered at up to 70% off, now through December 31.

Year End Sale at LexJet Products on sale include fine art papers, photo papers, display films, laminates, backers, banner material, canvas, and other specialty inkjet materials for any application imaginable, including…

Up to 60% off solvent/low-solvent/UV-curable/latex inkjet media
Up to 70% off aqueous inkjet media
Up to 80% on a variety of inventory reduction products not included in the list below

Call a LexJet printing expert at 800-453-9538 to find the YES product that’s right for you and stock up for 2015. This sale ends December 31, and is available by phone and at lexjet.com.

Here’s the list of products on sale until December 31 (not all sizes may be on sale for a given product). Click on the product name below for sales pricing and more information, where applicable…

Aqueous Inkjet Media

LexJet 7 Mil Ultra Photo Gloss (call for more information)

LexJet 8 Mil ImagePro Gloss

LexJet 8 Mil ImagePro Satin

LexJet 8 Mil Ultra Photo Gloss Extra

LexJet 9 Mil Opaque Display Film

LexJet Clear PreLume® HD

LexJet Econo PolyGloss Banner (call for more information)

LexJet Poly Select Blockout Fabric DS (call for more information)

LexJet TOUGHcoat Blockout Scrim Banner

LexJet Window & Wall Décor (call for more information)

10 Mil LexJet Clear w/ Edge Strips for HP Designjet Series