stickers/decals from your inkjet printer?

[skydiver30960 0]

Staples and similar stores sell sheets of adhesive backed paper, basically blank sticker paper. You print whatever you want like you normally would, but now you have a sticker.

Here's my question: anyone ever used this stuff in an outdoor application, such as on outdoor windows or for bumper stickers? I'm interested in finding out how these papers and inks hold up to weather and UV rays.

Thanks!

Elvisio "cheap Jeep art in the making" Rodriguez

[skyjumpenfool 2]

Not very well! For short term applications, you can try spraying the sticker with clear poly or laquer. Most inkjet inks are not very UV friendly.

One other trick is to cover them with clear shelf paper. Again, not very durable but good for temporary use.

Birdshit & Fools Productions

"Son, only two things fall from the sky."

[MikeJD 0]

I think there are inkjet inks designed to resist UV and water damage, but they'll be specialist - certainly not your standard cartridges.

That said, I've printed up team stickers before now that have lasted surprisingly well on exterior windows, but then I live in a country not known for its sunshine. The sticker on my helmet has been there for a couple of years and still looks fine - of course my helmet spends most of its time in a dark bag, but it has been wet a few times.

I guess it's a question of durability over cost. Since DIY inkjet printing is relatively cheap, you can probably afford to replace stickers on a regular basis. But if you're looking for permanence, I'd go to a professional printer.

[lippy 918]

http://www.stickergiant.com/custom_stickers/pages/custom-stickers.php

These guys aren't that expensive.

I got nuthin

[skydiver30960 0]

Thanks for the replies, pretty much what I figured.

Elvisio "oh well" Rodriguez