Dream paper. I think I found it.

[lordpenguin]

I have been wasting alot of ink lately trying to find the best paper and print settings to get the best result.  I tried brochure paper, photo paper, presentation paper, etc.  Brochure paper looked ok, the presentation paper soaked the ink up like a sponge and looked awful, but photo paper looked incredible.  It was far too thick though.  So thick in fact, it created an arch on each spine because the case and sleeve was not strong enough to force any folding.  The arch on the spine caused the sleeve plastic to stress and warp the shape of the case.

I bought this:  http://www.amazon.com/KODAK-Photo-Paper-Inkjet-Prints/dp/B000EZ0CTU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1238523087&sr=8-1

Not quite as flimsy as the paper used in a production run of DVD's or Games, but it approaches it.  The level of detail I was able to get is indescribable.  So I took a couple of pics.  Check it out.

Beware, 10+ MP shots...
http://www.thepowerbase.com/therookery/Images/

[juan0tron]

Looks great! I'll definitely keep my eye out for this next time I'm around Staples

[lordpenguin]

The only setbeck with this is that I can't find it in anything legal size, so I am pretty much limited to DVD cases.

[NorseWrath]

I printed 2 labels for 2 N64 cartridges on Kodak Picture Paper - Soft Gloss

Wow Soft gloss LOOKS so nice - I barely could tell the difference btw an original and my printout.

I'm assuming if it looks great on a label then a Cover would look equally great - Only 8.5x11 as far as I know

[XanderBoy]

I've posted this a couple times, but I really can't recommend this enough.  I've only had good experiences and it's a good paper density:

http://www.redrivercatalog.com/browse/50lb-premium-matte-double-sided.html

[CODEWERKX]

.....so what printer is recommended for our 'cover project'?

[lordpenguin]

The street fighter sleeve shown above was printed on an HP Photosmart C4385.  It's discontinued but you can buy the c4400 series that replaces it.  Same ink, same resolution printing, same price.  $99.  It's also wireless.  I recommend printing with the photo cartridge installed instead of the black so that you get the added benefit of of Cyan and Magenta.  This will make a cover print that looks better than a standard sleeve (i believe this).  Also, I like to scale all the covers up to 1200dpi before I print.  This interpolates the image and gives a smooth look.  Then I print at 1200dpi. 

[juan0tron]

any experience with the c4580? Still haven't unboxed it yet and curious if it's worth replacing the 1350 or waiting till we get the new computer upstairs. For some reason my computer never really plays nice with HP programs.

[lordpenguin]

any experience with the c4580? Still haven't unboxed it yet and curious if it's worth replacing the 1350 or waiting till we get the new computer upstairs. For some reason my computer never really plays nice with HP programs.

That has the same print specs as my 4385.  Should be awesome.

[juan0tron]

ah sweet, can't wait to start covering the PS1 collection then