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Posted on by Shellie Terry Posted in Tips & Tricks
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Post-COVID-19 Prep: Optimize Your Inventory During Downtime

We’ve heard from some print shops that activity may be slowing down in some areas, so we put together some ideas of how you can use your downtime wisely. We all know that storage room inventory can get backed up, so now’s a great time to figure out what you’re using, what’s collecting dust and maybe identify some new, multiuse products that can save you both space and money plus you can earn up to 4X Edge Rewards.

“A good exercise is to put a list together of products you buy regularly and reach out to your vendor and let them know this is what I use regularly,” says LexJet sales rep, Ramiro Torrez. “And ask: Do you have something that is comparable at a better price point?”

Torrez worked with a customer who was buying 25 different products and he made recommendations to whittle the list down to 12 more versatile items. In some cases, the customer saved when buying more of the streamlined list.

“We saved her about $1,200 if she’d replenished one of everything in her old inventory,” he says. “Plus, when you buy in bulk, you’re going to get a better price for it.”

Next, we identified several applications that can be covered by one super-versatile product. Learn more about these products and stock up, so you’re a step ahead when it’s time to ramp up production once again:

VINYL: If you are stocking up on different products for self-adhesive window, signage and car decal graphics, HP Prime Matte Air GP is a one-size-fits-all option. Additionally, HP Optimal Gloss Air GRP can work across the board for wall graphics, corrugated plastic, windows and can even be mounted to Styrofoam.

SIGNAGE FILM: Another super versatile option for signage is LexJet’s Production Display Film, which can stand in for grommeted banners, retractable banner stands, and hanging signage, thanks to its lay-flat characteristics. It’s a cost-effective solution for indoor or short-term outdoor graphics, which is also available in a Solvent version.

POSTER PAPER: If you’re looking for a poster paper that works well outdoors and also doubles as a photo paper with good resolution, check out LexJet Satin Poster Paper 200g. At $0.12 per square foot, it’s a highly cost-effective, PVC-free option that delivers richly detailed, water-resistant prints.

FABRIC: When events start back up, you’ll want to have a fabric on hand that can work on a variety of applications. EnduraFab Frontlit is a 100% polyester knit fabric for Latex users that’s appropriate for lightweight and elegant table skirts, backdrops, step-and-repeats and flags. For aqueous printers, try LexJet Water-Resistant Satin Cloth for a multitude of applications.

MULTI-PURPOSE: One of the most exciting product launches in recent years is LexJet FlexTek. This non-woven technical fabric is a winner thanks to its highly functional and versatile characteristics. It’s recyclable and PVC-free, making it an environmental win, too. FlexTek can be wrapped around stretcher bars to create canvas wraps (as an alternative to polyester canvas) or used for posters, banners or even hanging signage. It’s also available in a Solvent version, and both versions offer long shelf life.

For more ideas for versatile products and good-better-best options for your application, call a LexJet print specialist at 800-453-9538.

Resources You Need Now to Plan, Prepare & Print!
Posted on by Shellie Terry Posted in News & Trends, Tips & Tricks
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Resources You Need Now to Plan, Prepare & Print!

To stay on top of all the resources LexJet is providing during and after the effects of coronavirus, hop over to our COVID-19 Resources Page. You’ll want to bookmark this page and check back often for updates, fresh tips and new inspiration for how to help your community, keep your business moving and get a leg up on the competition once everyone returns to work.

We’ve provided a ton of resources for you, including:

  • Inspiring customer stories
  • Tips for essential print products you can create
  • Small business loan details
  • Inspiring and instructional videos
  • The latest product information

We’re so inspired by what the print community has been able to achieve, and we continue to support you. Please call us at 800-453-9538 if we can help you in any way.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in Technology & Products
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Etching and Textured Papers for Décor Printing Join the Sunset Line of Inkjet Media

Sunset Textured SD
Photo of Sunset Textured SD Paper being printed at Soicher-Marin, Sarasota, Fla., by Heather Storm, production specialist.

Print shops, fine art reproduction companies and photographers looking for an edge in the production of décor artwork for their customers now have two inkjet décor papers they can add to their product line: Sunset Etching SD and Sunset Textured SD.

Both were designed to replicate the high quality of Sunset Cotton Etching and Sunset Textured Fine Art papers, which are geared toward custom high-end reproductions, while offering a price point and production capabilities for longer runs of décor prints. They are compatible with aqueous inkjet printers.

Sunset Etching SD Paper 210g: Perfectly priced for high-volume work, it has a natural, relatively smooth surface and is ideal for watercolor, fine art and poster reproductions.

“We really like it. In fact, a customer told me yesterday that when it’s printed it looks like velvet. It’s the best we’ve ordered and that’s why we keep using it,” says Elizabeth Ashford, production manager for Encore Editions, New Hope Pa., which uses the paper for reproducing 18th and 19th century artwork.

Sunset Textured SD Paper 245g: Also priced for high-volume work, this décor paper features a natural-white textured surface that adds a painterly look to photographic prints and art reproductions. It can add surface dimension and visual interest to paintings and images that consist mainly of bold, loose strokes instead of intricate details.

“It’s very consistent in texture and quality. The texture looks especially good for fine art prints, and more importantly, our customers like it because you can’t tell that it was inkjet-printed; it looks like the original art,” says Heather Storm, production specialist for Soicher-Marin, Sarasota, Fla.

Greg Doucet, owner of Renaissance Imaging in Baton Rouge adds, “I am trying to promote the Sunset Textured SD more because I think the texture helps with the final print, especially watercolor and oil reproductions. It helps us on longer print runs because it’s not quite as sensitive to handling, and we’re able to price it at a point that works for us and our clients.”

Sunset Textured SD and Sunset Etching SD have recently been added to LexJet’s Sunset line of fine art, photo and fine photo paper, canvas and coatings.

They are available for next-day delivery in most of the Continental U.S. from of LexJet’s nationwide distribution centers, and come with LexJet’s 30-day money-back guarantee and free and unlimited product support. Sunset Textured SD is available in 17″-60″ widths and Sunset Etching SD in 17″-44″ widths.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in Technology & Products
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The Next Evolution in OBA-Free Canvas: Sunset by Fredrix Matte Canvas

OBA Free Canvas
This giant gallery wrap reproduction of a photo Jorge Blanco took of Mesa Arch in Utah was printed on Sunset by Fredrix Matte Canvas in three panels and stretched on 1 1/2″ stretcher bars. Blanco says huge pieces like this are great alternatives to wall murals since they can be easily detached and moved to a new home or office.

 

Based on demand from fine art reproduction companies, print shops and photographers for a consistent, high-performing OBA-free canvas, LexJet and Fredrix Print Canvas introduce Sunset by Fredrix Matte Canvas.

The new canvas has a brighter white point than other OBA-free canvases, provides consistent print quality, and is easy to stretch and finish.

Jorge Blanco, owner of Gallery Works, a fine art and photography reproduction company based in Tampa, says, “I’m very impressed with it so far. I think it’s a hit. I don’t know of anything like it. I’ve tried other canvases and they always seem to have one problem or another with cracking when you coat and stretch, but this canvas performs very well for me. And, the output is as good or better than any canvas I’ve tried.”

Compatible with the latest aqueous inkjet print technology from Canon, Epson and HP, Sunset by Fredrix Matte Canvas is built on an acid-free, pH neutral, poly-cotton base.

“Our customers that prefer to use an OBA-free canvas also want more consistency than they’ve seen in the past, both in output and finishing, whether they’re coating and stretching a canvas or simply framing it,” says Jaimie Mask, LexJet product manager.

Sunset by Fredrix Canvas is now available from LexJet’s North American Distribution Network for fast delivery in 17″ x 40′, 24″ x 40′, 36″ x 40′, 44″ x 40′, 60″ x 40′ and 64″ x 40′ roll sizes. Contact a LexJet customer specialist at 800-453-9538 for more information.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in Technology & Products
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Two New KODAK Matte Papers for Production and Photo Printing at LexJet

KODAK Production Matte-Paper 170gKODAK recently introduced two new matte papers now available at LexJet designed to provide value, consistency, flexibility and profit for photographers, print shops, fine art reproduction companies and other imaging professionals.

KODAK Production Matte Paper / 170g is geared toward production print shops looking for that perfect balance between quality and cost. The paper is ideal for long production runs of point-of-purchase displays, posters, architectural renderings and presentation graphics.

Its smooth, bright white, instant-dry surface provides the high ink-load retention needed for saturated, brilliant colors. It can be thermally laminated and is universally compatible with dye and pigmented inks.

KODAK PROFESSIONAL Inkjet Photo Paper, Matte / 230g is designed for the discerning imaging professional interested in higher-end applications like photo and fine art reproductions and décor for home and office.

It has a smooth, neutral-white matte finish with an instant-dry coating that prevents smudging and fingerprints, providing hassle-free print production. It is also acid-free for long-lasting, non-yellowing prints when used with pigmented inks

KODAK Production Matte Paper / 170g is available in roll sizes ranging from 24″ x 100′ to 60″ x 100′. KODAK PROFESSIONAL Inkjet Photo Paper, Matte / 230g is available in various sheet sizes and rolls up to 60″ x 100′.

For more information about these new papers, the KODAK line at LexJet or anything else you need help with, contact a LexJet customer specialist at 800-453-9538.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in News & Trends
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LexJet’s Contract as a Preferred Print Shop Supplier for MillerCoors Distributors Extended

LexJet was recently contracted to be a preferred print shop supplier for MillerCoors distributor print shops. The ongoing agreement with Distributors Solutions LLC (DSI), Golden, Colo., runs through March 15, 2017. LexJet’s contract was renewed based on its service, support, pricing, product breadth and on-time product delivery to the MillerCoors distribution network.

Point of sale graphicsIn July 2007, DSI signed an exclusive agreement with Coors (now MillerCoors) to negotiate and manage preferred supplier programs on behalf of the distributor network in a wide range of categories, including office supplies with Office Depot, a cell phone program with Verizon Wireless and AT&T, an updated fleet program with GM, Chrysler, and Ford, and the print shop supplies program with LexJet, among others.

Since the print shop supply program was initiated in late 2007, more than 400 distributors have actively participated in the LexJet/DSI Preferred Print Shop Supplier program, including some of the largest beverage distributors in the nation, such as Reyes Holdings, Coors Distributing Center, Superior Beverage, United Distributors, Glazers, Manhattan Beer Distributors, Mesa Beverage Company, Cone Distributing, Crest Beverage, Origilio Beverage, RMC Distributing, The Beer Company, and DeCrescente Distributing Company.

According to Ali Comeaux, General Manager, Distributors Solutions LLC, LexJet was chosen out of several potential vendors “based on LexJet’s competitive pricing, its record of outstanding customer service, and its enthusiasm for the program.”

LexJet’s custom program includes free and unlimited product and technical support, a flexible printer-financing program for aqueous, solvent, latex and UV-curable wide-format printers, free educational resources – which include the bi-monthly eNewsletter, POS Express – and a Web portal that allows program participants to view their orders and product history, track shipments, and access technical data sheets, product specifications, ICC profiles, application education and information, and more.

“DSI has been a great partner and we are honored that they continue to see the value LexJet brings to MillerCoors distributors through the five-year extension of our contract,” says Jason Metnick, LexJet vice president. “We will continue to bring value to the network and, most importantly, find new and innovative ways for our distributor customers to drive more sales at the point of sale.”

LexJet’s state-of-the-art distribution and tracking system allows timely delivery – including same-day and one-day delivery – through its nationwide distribution network. LexJet account specialists have access to real-time stock levels at all locations, and products can be tracked by participants 24/7 at lexjet.com.

“Our relationship with LexJet has been extremely beneficial and worthwhile. LexJet has lowered our costs and sped up product delivery times, while providing a wider selection of high-quality products, which is everything I’m looking for in a supplier,” says Mike Duka, graphic designer for United Distributors, Atlanta. “Whenever we have any questions or concerns LexJet is always there for us, whether it’s product information or troubleshooting any issues we may have in production.”