SMartGRAIN(TM) FAQ'S

PLEASE NOTE - THIS PRODUCT IS FOR

INKJET PRINTERS ONLY!

Treated veneer? The veneer is specially treated by a patented method using non - toxic chemicals that enable it to be printed on in most standard inkjet printers that can accept thick material such as cards stock and envelopes. The reasons for the special treatment is so it can accept an accurate image and then accept a protective finish that will not disturb the image. Our product works well with all finishes that have been tried. Is there a difference between Small format and Large format materials? No. All material manufactured now is about .018" in thickness, but can be slightly thinner or thicker. All material has a paper backer that can be easily glued to a substrate of your choice. How can I test the veneer in my printer? If you are using a desktop or small format printer make sure that your printer is set for printing on thick material. This may be the setting for printing on envelopes or card stock - check your owners manual to be sure! Use the single sheet loading method for your printer, load and eject a single sheet without printing to test for any feeding problems. Also note that the veneers may slightly vary in thickness, but that should not have any effect on the image. Choose a small image, say 2" by 2" and place the image to print in a corner of the veneer - print and check the results. By using a small image you can move it's location on a single sheet until you are satisfied with the results. Make sure to save your print settings. Inkjet printers can be adjusted for the amount of ink used in the printing process - use the least amount that provides you with the best results. If you are unsure of how this adjustment is done, consult your owners guide or contact us for help. We can offer suggestions on an individual basis for optimizing the type of images you wish to print. Do you offer free samples? No. What images can be printed? Any image that appears on your screen and of the appropriate size can be printed. Keep in mind that you are printing on a material that is not white in color and color adjustments may be needed depending on the desired results. Image Quality? The quality of the image will depend on the image itself, your skills, software and your printers capabilities. We would also mention that each sheet is carefully inspected before shipping. Please remember that the basic product is created by Mother Nature and there may be hidden flaws that may effect the printed image. We will do our best to offer support for the successful use of our product. Finishing the printed veneer? We cannot test every finish on the market. We do know that you must use a spray finish. Brushed or rubbed finishes can disturb the quality of the image. We have also sealed the image with a spray finish and then brushed on an overcoat. Each user will have to do some testing with his/hers own equipment and goals in mind. As of this time we haven't found any spray finish that doesn't work. That includes solvent, water, polyurethane and/or lacquer based finishes. Will the veneer damage my printer? We have printed MANY sheets of veneer with no obvious printer damage. The thickness of the paperback veneer is around .018" but can be slightly thicker or thinner. Most of the newer inkjet printers have a thickness adjustment for printing card stock and envelopes. Obviously cannot guarantee the functioning of any printer. Does the veneer require special handling? Try to keep the surface free from oils or dirt, etc. Handle it by the edges as much as possible before and after printing. Let the print fully dry before finishing. It doesn't hurt to store the veneer in it's plastic bag under a stack of books. Veneer curling? Humidity change can cause the veneer to slightly curl. To help correct this to make for reliable feeding gently roll the veneer in the opposite direction of the curl on a smooth edge of a table or counter top. It also helps to keep the veneer on a flat surface under weight, say a stack of books and in an air tight container when being stored will also help. We would also mention when the veneer goes through the printer the printer keeps the veneer flat while printing. Once printed and given a protective coating, varnish, etc. the veneer can then be applied properly to a substrate and the wrinkles should not be visible. If you are unsure about how this is done feel free to contact us for assistance. I'm not a wood worker - what can I do with this product? You don't need to be a wood worker. The printed material can be cut and applied to almost anything with glues or double-stick tape to most any substrate of your choice. You can apply it to cardboard boxes, tin cans, plastic or glass containers. Make your own business and greeting cards and postcards. You can cut the veneer with craft knives, rotary cutters or sharp scissors. Can I get different sizes and different woods? Right now no one is producing SMartGRAIN - As soon as someone is offering it their link will be on the SMartGRAIN homepage.


Click on the buttons to go to the appropriate pages for more information.

INSTRUCTIONS GALLERY PRINTERS IMPACT INFORMATION
Click here to email Dennis Brooker ALL INFORMATION & PHOTOS © Dennis Brooker 2007 - 2010 ALL INFORMATION AND PHOTOS COPYRIGHT IMAGING ALTERNATIVES INC. 2001- 2006