Decoupage with inkjet images

[echnidna]

I have seen a lot of decoupage done with inkjet images.
I hope someone can tell me how to prevent the ink bleeding or the paper going blotchy when the finish coats are applied.

[Tikki]

Hi echnidna
I have successfully made scroll sawn jigsaw puzzles using inkjet pictures printed on photo paper (Kodak Everyday Picture Paper). I applied about 5 coats of Cabots spray varnish to the face and sealed the underside with PVA and let it dry fully before gluing down to the timber. Perhaps one coat on the face (so long as it's compatible with the seal you're using) and PVA seal on the back may work for decoupage. Worth a try!
Regards
Tikki

[echnidna]

Hi Tikki,
I found that polyurethane spray doesn't affect the ink but it tends to make white sections of paper blotchy.

[Tikki]

Hi Bob

Did a couple of tests -
On plain paper Wattyl Estapol blotched, White Knight Crystal Clear Acrylic - better result, but image bled
On photo paper Wattyl blotched, White Knight near perfect, no bleeding
Another alternative, get your inkjet image colour laser copied. I believe laser copying bakes the ink so it should not bleed.
Couldn't find any answers on the web. All a matter of trial and error, I think.
Regards
Tikki

[echnidna]

I remember 2 people from the markets some years ago both used inkjets.
1 used to put envirotex pour on gloss over the top.
(He died so I can't follow himup.
The other Lady was into conventional decoupage.
I don't know how to locate her at all.

I have a feeling they both sealed the images with dilute PVA before they applied the finish. On trying this the ink bleeds with the brushing.

[Tikki]

Hi Bob

Found this site
http://groups.msn.com/Decoupage/messages.msnw
On the menu "Gluing on the Pictures" has some details on sealing.
Hope this helps
Regards
Tikki

[Iain]

Put your images onto a dvd and trot down to your nearest Fuji or Kodak place and get 'real' photos printed, may solve the problem.

[Tikki]

Iain

'Real' photos are not suitable for decoupage - too thick!

[Iain]

Showing my real knowledge of decoupage

[Peter R]

I have seen a lot of decoupage done with inkjet images.
I hope someone can tell me how to prevent the ink bleeding or the paper going blotchy when the finish coats are applied.

Bob,
I have done both spraying and coating with liquid glass over inkjet prints.
I did let the prints dry for a few days (I would guess the longer the better).
Before the liquid glass I used a 75% water 25% PVA mix, as recommended by the product information,and successfully brushed it on. I had used the same mix to set the prints in place allowing it to dry before the top coating of PVA.
It worked in so far as the prints were concerned, the problem that I encountered was getting the liquid glass to the right consistency so that it would cover and not pull away from the sides (I was making a tray) and it was not the recommended mix in the finish.

Although PVA sometimes comes out white under stains it did not happen when I used a clear Stylewood satin full strength mix on another artilcle.

Let us know how you go, please
Peter R.