Re: Printing on plastic for outdoor use R1800

Paul Furman wrote:
I want to print some plant labels: half-letter-size semi-rigid on a wire stand with color photo, graphics & description. This would be subject to daily water spraying and sun.

Any ideas what material to print to?

I'm going to recommend something for you to look into that will seem quite bizarre, but stay with me, OK?

There's a brand named "Universal." The company name is Kalvin's. This is one of those seemingly less-than-honest ink purveyors that you'll find in certain stores with boxes of colored ink refill kits and other boxes of the same in black. They claim to work with all inkjet printers. Smell a rat?

One day, when I was scouting in Big Lots, I found one of their black kits and bought it out of curiosity. It's dye-based, and works so-so in an HP. I won't buy it again.

However...
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The package also includes three small sheets of sample paper. The claim is that when their paper and inks are used together, the results are water and smudge proof in all colors. Now, it's getting interesting.

If they didn't have a superior product in this respect, would they include those paper samples with their ink?

I had reason to call their customer service line, where I spoke with a very responsive, intelligent, and articulate person. He explained to me that their system is so good that the US Navy buys their products for use aboard ships due to the water-fastness. I was impressed. This still doesn't help me trust the use of "fits-all" ink. But they obviously have something here that fits _something._ Further, their paper is quite expensive -- which would seem to indicate that, at least they, believe firmly in their own system.

I have not tried out my three sheets of paper with their black ink (which, when diluted, is purple). I'll do so soon. Why not check this out.

The web site is http://www.kalvins.com/Home.htm.

You can also call them and discuss the suitability for your needs. The guy I spoke with had a NY accent; the company is in the Los Angeles area, and was bought by an outfit in Florida.
I think that these guys are onto something here. What I don't know is the fade-resistance of the inks. It impressed me as one of those anomalies -- like, a solution in search of a problem.

Please let us know how you make out, regardless of what you do.
I'd also like to know if Bob has anything to add about this approach.
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