https://www.wikihow.it/Stampare-sul-Metallo
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Metal printing is a nice alternative to canvas paintings;however, the cost of obtaining this type of printing can be quite high.You can try this technique at home with an inkjet printer or transfers;However, keep in mind that this is a method that requires various tests and corrections to adapt to the specific needs of your printer.
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Make sure you have access to an inkjet printer. For this project, the larger the printer (and therefore the larger range of sheets you can use), the better.If you can't print thick labels or cardstock, it's unlikely to work for this purpose.
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Fill the cartridges with a generous amount of ink.
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Purchase a sheet of flexible aluminum. Make it subtle;Cut it to size with metal cutters or sturdy scissors.
- Make sure it is slightly smaller than the maximum size your printer power supply accepts.
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Decide which side you want to print on. Take the aluminum foil and turn the side you want to print face up.
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Smooth the surface with an orbital sander. You need to scrape off the outer coating of the aluminum;use the fine or medium grain emery block and treat the entire surface without neglecting any centimeter.
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Wash the metal with a bleach-based cleaner, such as Mastro Lindo. The waterproof surface layer should now have been removed and the ink can then adhere to the metal.Advertising
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Grasp the sheet by the side you didn't sand. Apply a large piece of double-sided tape to the metal and attach it to a waterproof work surface.
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Purchase and use an inkjet primer. You need to spread an even layer of it onto the foil before printing.
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Pour a thick layer of primer. It should collect into a thick "puddle" that you can later spread evenly with a bar.
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Use a ready-made bar. It can be made of wood or plastic, but make sure it is similar to the one used in manual screen printing.
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Place it over the "puddle" of primer and slide it over the entire surface to obtain an even coating. If the base is flat, but you are unable to spread the product over the entire slab, it means that you have poured too little primer.
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Do not touch the metal surface. Lift the sheet by the edges until the double-sided tape gives way.Advertising
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Prepare the image you want to transfer. Remember to change the dimensions according to those of the plate and do a print test.Position the input tray the right way to ensure consistent printing.
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Apply double-sided tape to a "carrier" sheet that is the same size as the aluminum plate. Attach the metal surface to it with the side to be printed facing up.
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Insert the carrier sheet and plate into the input tray. Press the "Print" button;if your device is not capable of printing on metal, you must opt for the solution described in the next section of the article using transferable ink.
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Let the plate flow into the printer. Once done, wait a few moments and remove it by holding the edges.Set it aside and let the ink dry completely.
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Consider applying a sealant within a few hours. The ink shouldn't come off but it's not very durable.Advertising
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If your printer is unable to print on metal, opt for this solution. Purchase transfer ink sheets that are suitable for metal.You can do a search online or ask a clerk at a fine art shop for advice.[1]
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Insert the sheets into the printer. Print the image following the instructions on the packaging of the sheets themselves.
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Follow the process described in the first part of the article regarding removing the waterproof layer from the sheet.
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Apply the image to the plate with great caution. For this phase you may need the help of another person or a little practice to perfectly align the edges of the sheet with those of the metal.
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Wait for the ink to dry and apply a protective treatment if necessary. At this point, you can frame or hang your print.Advertising
Things you will need
- Aluminum plate
- Inkjet printer
- Ink
- Image
- Sturdy scissors or metal cutters
- Double-sided tape
- Work table or bench
- Orbital grinder
- Sandpaper pads
- Bleach-based detergent
- Sponge
- Primers
- Bar
- Vector sheet
- Transfer ink sheets for metal
- Sealant
- Frame or hanger
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