Momma Crystal Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 Can someone talk to me about the difference between printing at home on a great high quality photo printer vs using some service and ordering your prints? I have always stayed away from printing ANYTHING at home, except for those prints that my MIL just has to have RIGHT now, or that sort of thing. I don't even use one hour photo places unless I'm doing something I don't care too much about. My big concern is how long these prints will last. I always look for archival quality in anything I do with photos. I only print at places that do so on archival quality paper. I always ASSUMED that when I sent away to have my prints that they used a chemical process similar to days of film to actually DEVELOP my prints. Where as at home the printer just places ink ON TOP of the photo paper. Putting the ink on top of the paper would lead me to think this isn't going to last the way a DEVELOPED print would. What do high quality photo printers offer? Are my assumptions about sending my prints out wrong? Thanks! ps. Where do you have your large 12x12 prints and the like done? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glorie Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 I'm certainly not an expert on all the technical termonology about printers but, prior to buying my Canon MP960 the guy was informing me about how archival safe they were and also showed me how when he poured water over a photo page nothing happened at all to the printed page. Wow! That put me at ease. I also know that when buying a printer the more cartidges it has the better the quality of color in you photo/page. Mine has 7 and I love the quality. I usually use Canon paper but the place that sells the Canon printer has some paper that works just as well for a better price. I go to Best Buy and when I purchase 2 ink cartidges I get $10 off paper. Works for me. You can buy a large format printer. I looked into that as well but decided not to as it was a couple hundred more $$. I make my own 12 x 12 pages using 8.4 x 8.4 prints and add embellishments, journaling, etc. I do not send anything our at this point. I like to be in charge of all my pages. Good luck with your decision making process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManiakMama Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 Well, I have printed all of my 200+ layouts on my home printer. I have an HP Photosmart 2610 All in One printer and I print on HP Premium Plus photo paper and only use HP inks. I have been VERY happy with the quality and they are supposed to last like 150 years or something I think. So, I guess I'm a bit partial to printing at home, but I think you could be very happy with the results if you use the right supplies and equipment. If it's too much of a hassle, and you don't mind waiting for your pages, then an outside printer might be a better option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
April Showers Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 I print at home too. I have the Epson R1800, and it does do 12x12 pages, though I usually print them at 8x8 unless I'm putting fitting them in one of about a dozen paper albums I've already finished. My printer uses archival inks too, and I only use Epson inks. It has a gloss cartridge (for glossy prints of course) which protects and add some depth to the print. Mine doesn't use too much ink, I've printed all my layouts, and I don't change the inks very often. There are 8 different cartridges, and I change one every few months. When I printed that 100 page album, I changed three colors that were getting low before I started. Though if I were printing that many at one time again, I'd probably send them out to be bound because it was time consuming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ritzbits Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 Something else to think about... You can print your pages that you've done, but if you save it on a CD or EHD, it's just like having it archived for posterity - like in 50 years, someone could just open the file and reprint it (if something happened to the original printed one). I think that's why I like digital scrapbooking so much more than traditional - I can print as many copies as I want and they'll all be idenitical to the original. Hope that makes sense. Anyway - I print all my own pages at 8x8 because I can just use photo paper for that and a traditional ink jet. I tried using our laser printer for some pages, but I wasn't quite as happy with the outcome. I don't know why... When I DO send out to be printed, I do it because I'm wanting a bound project... I've used snapfish 3 times now and am VERY happy with the photo books they produce. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnie2004 Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 If & when I print I send to Costco. they cost so inexpensive that I dont even think about it. ready in a hour & I have te hard copy on a dvd so if by chance they fade in 2 years that is realy ok with me I am tired of looking at it by then. I frame them & hang them so 3 or 4 bucks for a photo for a wall is cheep & enjoyable for me. I guess it is what you are comfy with. Caren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 If & when I print I send to Costco. they cost so inexpensive that I dont even think about it. ready in a hour & I have te hard copy on a dvd so if by chance they fade in 2 years that is realy ok with me I am tired of looking at it by then. I frame them & hang them so 3 or 4 bucks for a photo for a wall is cheep & enjoyable for me. I guess it is what you are comfy with. Caren I have a Canon MP830 and it is awesome. I print all my pages at 8 1/2 x 11 and the color is outstanding. I them put the printed page into an archival document protector with holes in it and put my layouts in regular 3 ring binders which I design cover sheets for. Sometimes I just cover the whole album with fabric and ribbons and I am very happy with my method. I also have an HP Color Printer that I use as well and it prints great layouts. I do use a lot of ink but I have weighed the cost of sending them out and doing it myself and it is pretty much the same. When I print at home then I have control over the whole project and I like that! Hope this helps.....not many people print their lo at 8 1/2 x 11 but I like it that way. Easier to manage and the scrapbooks are cheaper to find and I can design them myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanJan Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Well, I have printed all of my 200+ layouts on my home printer. I have an HP Photosmart 2610 All in One printer and I print on HP Premium Plus photo paper and only use HP inks. I have been VERY happy with the quality and they are supposed to last like 150 years or something I think. So, I guess I'm a bit partial to printing at home, but I think you could be very happy with the results if you use the right supplies and equipment. If it's too much of a hassle, and you don't mind waiting for your pages, then an outside printer might be a better option. Been searching for some help with PSE5 and my HP Photosmart C7280 printer; and came upon this statement from you AMY: I have no problem with my layouts usually, but printing photos I seem to be having a great deal of trouble getting the colouration I see on my 21" screen in PSE5 to be reproduced when printing. There are a Gazillion Settings in the Print & Set-up menus and I have no clue what most of them mean or how they work together to give natuaral looking colour?? In the Print Preview window Under "Color management" What do you choose for your "Printer Profile" and "Rendering Intent" I spoke to a professional Photographer at Henry's and she advises Costco!! However I would like to understand the equipment/software I have before I give up on being able to print myself! Thanks for any input from anyone!!! CJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Well, I have printed all of my 200+ layouts on my home printer. I have an HP Photosmart 2610 All in One printer and I print on HP Premium Plus photo paper and only use HP inks. I have been VERY happy with the quality and they are supposed to last like 150 years or something I think. So, I guess I'm a bit partial to printing at home, but I think you could be very happy with the results if you use the right supplies and equipment. If it's too much of a hassle, and you don't mind waiting for your pages, then an outside printer might be a better option. Been searching for some help with PSE5 and my HP Photosmart C7280 printer; and came upon this statement from you AMY: I have no problem with my layouts usually, but printing photos I seem to be having a great deal of trouble getting the colouration I see on my 21" screen in PSE5 to be reproduced when printing. There are a Gazillion Settings in the Print & Set-up menus and I have no clue what most of them mean or how they work together to give natuaral looking colour?? In the Print Preview window Under "Color management" What do you choose for your "Printer Profile" and "Rendering Intent" I spoke to a professional Photographer at Henry's and she advises Costco!! However I would like to understand the equipment/software I have before I give up on being able to print myself! Thanks for any input from anyone!!! CJ Wish I could give you some help but I use a Canon All in One Printer and I don't have any problem with colors at all. My LOs print out exactly the colors I see on the screen and are beautiful. I do have several settings but they don't seem to be as complicated as yours are. What does your manual say about that? I also have an HP Photosmart color printer for my back up (just in case) and I use it alot too with great results. I would definitely refer to your manual and get some hints from that. If that doesn't help, then I would email HP and tell them the problems you are having and see what they have to say. I have done that from time to time and gotten immediate response and great help. Good luck and happy printing! I hope you get some answers - maybe there is someone out there that has the same printer you do and can give you some hints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tink Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Hi Guys, I am doing a wedding album for my sister. I did the first page which is a picture of them on a premade template with a poem. I sent it to Costco & was extremely happy with the quality. I am wondering does anyone know of a service that is cheaper? Costco charges 2.99 plus tax, 3.22 for the 12x12. Which I have to do 12x12 because that is the size of the album. I'd like to get a 12x12 printer but I just don't have the money right now. Please let me know. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Hi Guys, I am doing a wedding album for my sister. I did the first page which is a picture of them on a premade template with a poem. I sent it to Costco & was extremely happy with the quality. I am wondering does anyone know of a service that is cheaper? Costco charges 2.99 plus tax, 3.22 for the 12x12. Which I have to do 12x12 because that is the size of the album. I'd like to get a 12x12 printer but I just don't have the money right now. Please let me know. Thanks! Do you have a Staples where you are? They are a little cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tink Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Hi Guys, I am doing a wedding album for my sister. I did the first page which is a picture of them on a premade template with a poem. I sent it to Costco & was extremely happy with the quality. I am wondering does anyone know of a service that is cheaper? Costco charges 2.99 plus tax, 3.22 for the 12x12. Which I have to do 12x12 because that is the size of the album. I'd like to get a 12x12 printer but I just don't have the money right now. Please let me know. Thanks! Do you have a Staples where you are? They are a little cheaper. Thanks! I'll check them out. Never would have thought they would be cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Hi Guys, I am doing a wedding album for my sister. I did the first page which is a picture of them on a premade template with a poem. I sent it to Costco & was extremely happy with the quality. I am wondering does anyone know of a service that is cheaper? Costco charges 2.99 plus tax, 3.22 for the 12x12. Which I have to do 12x12 because that is the size of the album. I'd like to get a 12x12 printer but I just don't have the money right now. Please let me know. Thanks! Do you have a Staples where you are? They are a little cheaper. Thanks! I'll check them out. Never would have thought they would be cheaper. Well, they are here - don't know about there - I only use them once in awhile because I print all of my layouts at home but I think they should be. Good luck. :-) :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tink Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 ok not sure what you guys are doing, but just checked with staples & they want $8 for one 12x12! they said they are not set up to do it & it is custom. Unless there is an online place that does cheaper guess I will stick with costco. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 ok not sure what you guys are doing, but just checked with staples & they want $8 for one 12x12! they said they are not set up to do it & it is custom. Unless there is an online place that does cheaper guess I will stick with costco. Ooh! I think that if you can somehow manage it you will do better to buy a printer for use at home then. I know it is a big investment, but in the long run, it will pay for itself. I do spend a lot of money on ink and paper, but it still comes out cheaper than taking my layouts somewhere to be printed. Have you shopped around for printers? I just think that is the way to go personally - even tho it will be costly in the beginning you will be much happier being able to do it at home. Good luck - sorry Staples didn't work out for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie - scrapaholic Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 I have actually done both, but I like to do mine at home. Bought a large photo printer so I can print out my 12x12's. It does use up inks and they can be expensive, but I still rather do them at home when I finish a LO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tink Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Well I am just not sure I want to invest in a wide format. I am planning on doing 8x8 for my kids. I don't know... ok so now what printers do you guys recommend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Well I am just not sure I want to invest in a wide format. I am planning on doing 8x8 for my kids. I don't know... ok so now what printers do you guys recommend? Since I do everything 8 1/2 x 11, I am very happy with my Canon All-In-One and then I have another HP color printer for back-up. They are both great and the prices are not bad at all. They keep coming out with new models and I drool over them when I go to the store, but right now, I am fine with what I have. I also have a HP Laser Jet for just black and white printing for letters and I often print my layouts on it first just to make sure it looks like I want it to before printing it in color. I would definitely look at the Alll-In-One Printers because then you can scan with it and make copies and also fax with it. If you haven't looked yet, I think you will be surprised at the prices - not bad at all. I want a wide-format printer next too, but right now I am not buying anything with our economy the way it is. My HP Laser Printer is 11 years old and I have never had a problem with it - ever. My only thing is that it is big and takes up alot of space on my desk. The newer Laser Printers are much smaller and probably faster. But you are looking for color and I would definitely look at the All-In Ones. Just go price them - you might be surprised at how inexpensive they are. There are so many models from which to choose but I did a lot of research before I bought mine and decided on the Canon which I am told is one of the best. I love it. Happy Shopping! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tink Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Well I am just not sure I want to invest in a wide format. I am planning on doing 8x8 for my kids. I don't know... ok so now what printers do you guys recommend? Since I do everything 8 1/2 x 11, I am very happy with my Canon All-In-One and then I have another HP color printer for back-up. They are both great and the prices are not bad at all. They keep coming out with new models and I drool over them when I go to the store, but right now, I am fine with what I have. I also have a HP Laser Jet for just black and white printing for letters and I often print my layouts on it first just to make sure it looks like I want it to before printing it in color. I would definitely look at the Alll-In-One Printers because then you can scan with it and make copies and also fax with it. If you haven't looked yet, I think you will be surprised at the prices - not bad at all. I want a wide-format printer next too, but right now I am not buying anything with our economy the way it is. My HP Laser Printer is 11 years old and I have never had a problem with it - ever. My only thing is that it is big and takes up alot of space on my desk. The newer Laser Printers are much smaller and probably faster. But you are looking for color and I would definitely look at the All-In Ones. Just go price them - you might be surprised at how inexpensive they are. There are so many models from which to choose but I did a lot of research before I bought mine and decided on the Canon which I am told is one of the best. I love it. Happy Shopping! Thank you so much Sara! Yeah the economy... that's my fear as well. My DH & I just had a discussion about it all & our future. very scary! Thanks so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carych Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 I like 12x12 and can't afford a new printer to do them at home yet. I love Scrapbooks to Share. The quality is wonderful and they are quick! Their website is www.sbtoshare.com. Pages bigger than 8.5 x 11 are $2 and shipping is standard $6.00 an order. So, if you save up your layouts, you can get a lot for your shipping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 I like 12x12 and can't afford a new printer to do them at home yet. I love Scrapbooks to Share. The quality is wonderful and they are quick! Their website is www.sbtoshare.com. Pages bigger than 8.5 x 11 are $2 and shipping is standard $6.00 an order. So, if you save up your layouts, you can get a lot for your shipping. I didn't know about this one, Cary, so it is nice to know it is out there. I have not yet really delved into the 12 x 12 pages as I buy binders that are 8 1/2 x 11 and they have the insert in the front, back and sides which gives me the opportunity to decorate the binder as I want to, so I have pretty much stuck to that size...one of thse days I am going to try the 12 x 12 because you can get so much more on the page and lots more pics, which I like. But for now, I have three printers and can't really justify the purchase of a 12 x 12 printer, It is on my list of "got to have" one day but right now I love being able to do my 8 1/2 x 11 pages, I think that I will give your source a try though and see how I like it. It seems to me that most of our scrappers do either 8 x 8 or 12 x 12 and I would like to just try it to see if I like it. I have so much money invested 9j the printers I have and love being able to print them out as I do them, so for the time being I am quite happy with my format. An 8 1/2 x 11 page makes a nice layout and I guess I have just gotten used to doing it that wy. but thanks for the info - I will give it a try on my next layout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tink Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 I like 12x12 and can't afford a new printer to do them at home yet. I love Scrapbooks to Share. The quality is wonderful and they are quick! Their website is www.sbtoshare.com. Pages bigger than 8.5 x 11 are $2 and shipping is standard $6.00 an order. So, if you save up your layouts, you can get a lot for your shipping. I think I see the difference in what I am doing. I have them printed on photo paper. Which through sb to share is $4 for 12x12. It looks like you are printing on card stock? So what are the differences? Maybe I can save some money printing on stock instead of photo paper. Does it affect the quality? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carych Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 I like 12x12 and can't afford a new printer to do them at home yet. I love Scrapbooks to Share. The quality is wonderful and they are quick! Their website is www.sbtoshare.com. Pages bigger than 8.5 x 11 are $2 and shipping is standard $6.00 an order. So, if you save up your layouts, you can get a lot for your shipping. I think I see the difference in what I am doing. I have them printed on photo paper. Which through sb to share is $4 for 12x12. It looks like you are printing on card stock? So what are the differences? Maybe I can save some money printing on stock instead of photo paper. Does it affect the quality? Yes, I use the cardstock - "Glossy Cardstock – 100lb cover paper that is acid and lignin-free. This is a premium paper that is thick with a very glossy finish and the paper of choice for digital scrapbookers. This paper choice is $1.50 for pages that are 8.5" x 11" or smaller while pages larger than 8.5" x 11" are $2.00 per page. This type of paper is like frequently used for high-quality postcards." I love it! Has the look and feel of photo paper but is very sturdy. They have a trial offer so that you can try a paper type. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tink Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 I like 12x12 and can't afford a new printer to do them at home yet. I love Scrapbooks to Share. The quality is wonderful and they are quick! Their website is www.sbtoshare.com. Pages bigger than 8.5 x 11 are $2 and shipping is standard $6.00 an order. So, if you save up your layouts, you can get a lot for your shipping. I think I see the difference in what I am doing. I have them printed on photo paper. Which through sb to share is $4 for 12x12. It looks like you are printing on card stock? So what are the differences? Maybe I can save some money printing on stock instead of photo paper. Does it affect the quality? Yes, I use the cardstock - "Glossy Cardstock – 100lb cover paper that is acid and lignin-free. This is a premium paper that is thick with a very glossy finish and the paper of choice for digital scrapbookers. This paper choice is $1.50 for pages that are 8.5" x 11" or smaller while pages larger than 8.5" x 11" are $2.00 per page. This type of paper is like frequently used for high-quality postcards." I love it! Has the look and feel of photo paper but is very sturdy. They have a trial offer so that you can try a paper type. Thanks so much Cary. Very helpful. I think I just might try that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fit2walk Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Who uses wide format printers (12x12) and which brand and model do you use? Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 I like 12x12 and can't afford a new printer to do them at home yet. I love Scrapbooks to Share. The quality is wonderful and they are quick! Their website is www.sbtoshare.com. Pages bigger than 8.5 x 11 are $2 and shipping is standard $6.00 an order. So, if you save up your layouts, you can get a lot for your shipping. I think I see the difference in what I am doing. I have them printed on photo paper. Which through sb to share is $4 for 12x12. It looks like you are printing on card stock? So what are the differences? Maybe I can save some money printing on stock instead of photo paper. Does it affect the quality? No, I print on photo paper - I sometimes use matte finish and when I can justify the cost, I buy glossy. And the colors are amazing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 The paper you choose absolutely affects the quality of the colors on your layout - at least that is my expereience. But remember I use 8 1/2 x 11, so can't really speak to 12 x 12 paper and having it done for me. I just like printing it out at home right away and since I have already invested in my printers, I wouldn't change the way I do it now. All my books are 8 1//2 x 11 - the binders are cheaper and although I do put them in document protectors (an added cost) I still like printing them at home and if you shop around you can find a good at home printer - wide format or 8 1/2 x 11. Happy Scrapping! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieB Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Yes, I use the cardstock - "Glossy Cardstock – 100lb cover paper that is acid and lignin-free. This is a premium paper that is thick with a very glossy finish and the paper of choice for digital scrapbookers. This paper choice is $1.50 for pages that are 8.5" x 11" or smaller while pages larger than 8.5" x 11" are $2.00 per page. This type of paper is like frequently used for high-quality postcards." A friend of mine suggested them also so I uploaded my layouts this weekend and placed an order. I didn't do the glossy paper and now I'm wondering if I'm going to like the matte look or not. Didn't even think glossy would be better. Oh well....if I don't like them I will just reorder and learn from my mistakes. How long does it usually take to get your order from them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carych Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Yes, I use the cardstock - "Glossy Cardstock – 100lb cover paper that is acid and lignin-free. This is a premium paper that is thick with a very glossy finish and the paper of choice for digital scrapbookers. This paper choice is $1.50 for pages that are 8.5" x 11" or smaller while pages larger than 8.5" x 11" are $2.00 per page. This type of paper is like frequently used for high-quality postcards." A friend of mine suggested them also so I uploaded my layouts this weekend and placed an order. I didn't do the glossy paper and now I'm wondering if I'm going to like the matte look or not. Didn't even think glossy would be better. Oh well....if I don't like them I will just reorder and learn from my mistakes. How long does it usually take to get your order from them? From the time I place the order, 5-7 days. It takes them 1-2 (usually 2 now that they're more popular!) to complete the printing and then they ship them. You get an email so you know it's in the mail. And, just an FYI, out of all the pages I've had done there (maybe 100?), there has been ONE with a problem. It was a streak or blemish, can't remember exactly right now. I checked the file I sent them to doublecheck and it wasn't on the page so it was a printing error. I emailed them, they emailed me back by the next day, and they had a new copy in the mail immediately - no questions asked. Great customer service! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnie2004 Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Personally I dislike the glossy it looks fake ..for lack of terms & in my opinion. go the matt route you wont be dispointed!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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