Folding inkjet prints

[TJM]

I've been asked to print a photo that the customer intends to fold; Is there a way to keep the image from cracking on the fold?  Would a coating help?

Thanks Guys,

TJ

[lightstand]

Can't answer your question, one thought is that outdoor stores such as REI have inkjet paper that is made for hikers to print topo maps on and it's built with the idea of folding and abuse, not sure if it will work for your application but a thought to try.

[neil snape]

I just made some cards on HP litho matte. The coating breaks where scored.  This was not the case with Hahnemuhle PhotoRag last time. So it depends largely on the coating. With photo surfaces you'll have a limited choice as most will crack when bent and scored.

[Ernst Dinkla]

I just made some cards on HP litho matte. The coating breaks where scored.  This was not the case with Hahnemuhle PhotoRag last time. So it depends largely on the coating. With photo surfaces you'll have a limited choice as most will crack when bent and scored.

HM's German Etching worked well too with a large Leporello. HM's papers are quite soft and have long fibers, that helps. Some resin coated materials like HP Premium ID went well too when worked on with the bone folder on both sides. Made an inside-outside foldable cube that way. A small sheet of polyester foil as an extra protection where the bone folder travels is recommended with any paper. Less likely to score the surface.


Ernst Dinkla

Try: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wide_Inkjet_Printers/

[Justan]

Amplifying an earlier comment, you might want to design the photo to bend. Print the image. Cut it into sections small enough to fit inside the fold(s). Then laminate the image and leave enough space between sections to fold it as needed.

[chilehead]

Here is a link to one such paper as mentioned by Lightstand, above:

http://www.igage.com/mp/wpp/igage_weatherproof_paper.htm

They even have helpful info on their competitors products at the bottom of the page!

I see they have sample packs, too.

Mark