Posted by Joseph Finn on August 21, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I recently saw a print that was basically see through, I am guessing it was printed on clear vellum(sp?) do any of you know where I might be able to have this done, or have any of you had this done before? Any info would be great. Thanks in advance, Joe
I have had this type of printing done for a few of my pieces before and it can be quite stunning, in the right situation. My feeling is that these type of prints look good to great if mounted in a window (and then, you'll see a decent image only during light periods, and the color is changing with the sky), or if you backlight the image. The lab that did the work for me placed the images in their front window, with mildly backlit white window treatments behind, to use as advertising of their abilities.
http://burne.com/Printing.html
You'll find a bit more info under the "flex printing" option.
Good luck,
Tim!
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 21, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Joe,
Fuji makes an RA-4 process material of this type that can be printed through a lightjet type printer. You might check with Photocraft or Slideprinter to see if they have it or know who does. I've usually seen them mounted with a diffuser behind them. I think the ones I saw (Jeff Wall show at MOMA in NYC), where face mounted to plexi and then a white sheet of plexi was placed behind them, and then flourescent strip lights were placed behind that.
But basically what you are looking for is someplace that prints sign inserts for backlit displays.
Mel-
Posted by Nat Coalson on August 21, 2008 at 1:25 PM
I've printed backlit film on my Epsons with great results. I have samples if you'd like to see them.
The Lightjet-like process Mel mentioned is called Duratrans, lots of photo labs make them. Check out the range of stuff from Duggal and I think Mel is correct that Photocraft does them too.
Inkjet on film is less expensive and more permanent, Duratrans is more durable and offers a wider range of mounting options. But most Duratrans are used for advertising and only expected to last a short time.
Posted by Joseph Finn on August 22, 2008 at 10:17 AM
For those wanting to profile this material, it's possible to make a normal (reflective) printer profile of it, but ideally you'd be wanting what's known as a "transmissive" profile. This requires using a spectrophotometer that can measure the light transmitting through the clear or semi-opaque media. Some Barbieri's do this, and the Xrite DTP-41T, and some GretagMacbeth SpectroScans that have transmissive capabilities.
Posted by Nat Coalson on August 22, 2008 at 7:59 PM
Patrick, thanks for your contribution to this discussion - your technical points are very much appreciated. There are very few spectros that can measure color on transmissive material. Does Chromix sell any of these?
Discussion
6 repliesI have had this type of printing done for a few of my pieces before and it can be quite stunning, in the right situation. My feeling is that these type of prints look good to great if mounted in a window (and then, you'll see a decent image only during light periods, and the color is changing with the sky), or if you backlight the image. The lab that did the work for me placed the images in their front window, with mildly backlit white window treatments behind, to use as advertising of their abilities.
http://burne.com/Printing.html
You'll find a bit more info under the "flex printing" option.
Good luck,
Tim!
Fuji makes an RA-4 process material of this type that can be printed through a lightjet type printer. You might check with Photocraft or Slideprinter to see if they have it or know who does. I've usually seen them mounted with a diffuser behind them. I think the ones I saw (Jeff Wall show at MOMA in NYC), where face mounted to plexi and then a white sheet of plexi was placed behind them, and then flourescent strip lights were placed behind that.
But basically what you are looking for is someplace that prints sign inserts for backlit displays.
Mel-
The Lightjet-like process Mel mentioned is called Duratrans, lots of photo labs make them. Check out the range of stuff from Duggal and I think Mel is correct that Photocraft does them too.
Inkjet on film is less expensive and more permanent, Duratrans is more durable and offers a wider range of mounting options. But most Duratrans are used for advertising and only expected to last a short time.