Spray varnish over inkjet-printed paper?

Cherno · **Posted:** 10-10-2011, 09:47 AM

I made a bunch of cards for weapons, characters etc. for my zombie campaign. The photo paper I have used with my inkjet printer has good colors and is cheap, but the prints are subject to scratches and specks from greasy fingers etc.

I want to protect them with a coat of spray varnish, but I am not sure if the varnish wouldn't break and crack when the cards get bend a bit during normal handling. Does anyone have any experience with this?

morganm · **Posted:** 10-10-2011, 11:23 AM

You can pick up small laminators that aren't expensive. I love the little unit we have; great for projects like this. Lots of choices even under $50; you can spend $30 to $300 on one.

Another thing to consider... if you have the original art work saved.... is it really a problem? If any become ruined you can just print off more.

Cherno · **Posted:** 10-10-2011, 11:31 AM

Of course I have everything saved, I made it all by myself

But I don't want to keep printing cards that I have to cut, glue and corner-cut again all the time

I never did any laminating, from what I understand there will be a small strip of plastic surrounding everything, right? Not really what I want. I think I will just test the spray varnish on one card and see how it comes out. After all, I may coat my WWG TLX tiles as well, because they are made with the same paper

Redcrow · **Posted:** 10-10-2011, 05:43 PM

Office supply stores often carry laminated sheets that are sticky on one side that you can trim with a pair of scissors to whatever size you want.

TelcoLou · **Posted:** 10-10-2011, 07:56 PM

I use spray matte acrylic clear coat; brand name is Folk Art. I got it from a craft store called Michael's. I spray 2 light coats on the printed sheets (after the ink dries for a bit), giving about a minute drying time between coats. I'm kicking myself for not 'discovering' this trick years ago .. Ive been doing papercraft for awhile, ever trying to improve my techniques.

The result is awesome; it makes the paper a bit stiffer, as well as protecting the finish .. giving the surface an almost plastic-like feel.

peanutt · **Posted:** 10-10-2011, 08:04 PM

TelcoLou · **Posted:** 10-10-2011, 08:40 PM

sdavies2720 · **Posted:** 10-10-2011, 09:36 PM

When I finish a build that I want to stay around for a while, I always clear coat it. Pieces for heavy gaming I coat with cheap gloss spray, then typically dust them with Testor's Dullcote. Other pieces I'll usually use another mid-priced matte spray. As long as you do light coats to start, you shouldn't have trouble with inkjet ink running.
Steve

Thraug · **Posted:** 10-11-2011, 02:27 PM

Any idea on spraying label paper used with a laser printer?

sdavies2720 · **Posted:** 10-12-2011, 11:53 AM

Spray varnish over inkjet-printed paper?

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