The Cover Project

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: lordpenguin on March 31, 2009, 01:28:29 PM

Title: Dream paper. I think I found it.
Post by: lordpenguin on March 31, 2009, 01:28:29 PM

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 (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/ (http://www.thepowerbase.com/therookery/Images/)

Title: Re: Dream paper. I think I found it.
Post by: juan0tron on March 31, 2009, 05:12:16 PM

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

Title: Re: Dream paper. I think I found it.
Post by: lordpenguin on March 31, 2009, 07:41:06 PM

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.

Title: Re: Dream paper. I think I found it.
Post by: NorseWrath on April 05, 2009, 02:44:39 PM

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

Title: Re: Dream paper. I think I found it.
Post by: XanderBoy on April 05, 2009, 10:06:49 PM

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

Title: Re: Dream paper. I think I found it.
Post by: CODEWERKX on April 06, 2009, 09:22:30 AM

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

Title: Re: Dream paper. I think I found it.
Post by: lordpenguin on April 06, 2009, 05:51:00 PM

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. 

Title: Re: Dream paper. I think I found it.
Post by: juan0tron on April 06, 2009, 06:05:56 PM

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.

Title: Re: Dream paper. I think I found it.
Post by: lordpenguin on April 06, 2009, 09:17:19 PM

Quote

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.

Title: Re: Dream paper. I think I found it.
Post by: juan0tron on April 07, 2009, 06:45:42 PM

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