Expectations

Why do I have to be certified to use the large format printer at Ace?

Certification covers policies and best practices specific to Ace. Certification also covers basic printer concepts, specific process steps of using the Ace printer, and basic troubleshooting. Ace is lucky to have a working printer thanks to monthslong volunteer efforts from one of our devoted Ace Members and also Staff. Certification helps member users of the Ace printer to learn how to take good care of this shared resource.

Why can’t I expect the same high quality as a professional printer?

The Ace Large Format Printer will print lovely prints with minor color variations, which is another way of saying it will not give you perfect prints. For perfect prints or photos, go to a professional custom printing technician.

Why does my print look different from what I see on my computer screen?

The best way to assess how your print will look is to do a smaller test print on the same paper.

There are various possibilities why your print may look different than on your screen.

• Your image may not have a color profile assigned.
• Your computer monitor may not be calibrated.
• Professionals use a hardware device to calibrate monitor system settings.

Cost

How much does it cost to print at Ace on the Large Format Printer? $2/sq.ft

Ace printing fees are $2 per square foot and fees can be paid at the Ace Product Store. Test prints and misprints are part of your total cost of printing at Ace, so remember to include them when you calculate the square footage. Members are responsible for the cost of all their prints regardless of the results.

What are the fees if I use my own paper? $0.50/sq.ft

Ace printing fees when members supply their own paper are $0.50 per square foot and fees can be paid at the Ace Product Store. Test prints and misprints are part of the cost of printing at Ace, so remember to include them when you calculate the square footage. Members are responsible for the cost of all their prints regardless of the results.

Is there a cheaper blueprint rate similar to what is offered at professional shops?

No, a blueprint rate is not currently offered for printing on the Ace large format printer. In print shops, blueprint rates apply to prints that have less than 95% coverage. Examples of prints with less than 95% coverage include fabric patterns or simple line work.

Print Media

Does Ace provide paper to print on?

Yes, Ace provides a limited assortment of approved inkjet compatible media.

Can I use the Ace large format printer on any print media?

No, some papers CANNOT be used on an inkjet printers.

• Some materials damage the printer and MUST be avoided.
• Some materials may not damage the printers but will waste your time and effort with subpar print results, such as glossy inkjet paper.

Can I bring my own media to print on?

Yes, but it must be compatible with ink jet printing. If in doubt, first seek approval before using in Ace printer.

Can I print on glossy inkjet paper?

No, not with best results, because a different ink is required for printing on glossy paper. Your print will look funny from the side and thus it is not recommended. In particular, the ink is not glossy in the blacks.

Can I print on fabric?

No, the fibers in the fabric will destroy the Ace printer. (Fabric can only be printed on a dye sublimation printer.)

Can I print on canvas?

Yes, you can print on inkjet compatible canvas paper. For example, you could print on inkjet compatible canvas and then mount it on wood after printing process is completed.

Can I print on handmade paper?

No, because the paper will fray and could potentially damage printer.

Can I print on non-coated paper?

No, paper must be coated to be inkjet compatible.

What paper media can I use the printer’s cutter to cut?

You may use the cutter on medium weight non-fabric paper.

You may NOT use the printer’s cutter on fine art paper. You may NOT use the printer’s cutter on canvas. You may NOT use the printer’s cutter on heavyweight paper.

If I can’t use the printer’s cutter on canvas paper that’s on a roll, how can I cut my canvas print?

All the canvas paper is cut by hand. Set up one of the art folding tables with a cutting mat and straight edge and your cutting tool (NOT the printer’s cutter). (Advanced: Print crop lines in print dialog.)

Ace also has a mat cutter on loan for member use located on the shelf opposite the printer.

Where’s a good place to source paper?

One member suggestion is to purchase a sample pack from Fixons and Red River Paper.

How long will my prints last?

It depends on whether your inkjet paper is archival, which typically means acid-free so it doesn’t discolor. Ace stocks archival inks. Be aware that a wet sponge to archival ink is not good for longevity of your print. Also be sure to give your prints enough time to dry.

How long will it take my print to dry?

It depends. When there is rainy wet weather, a matte print could take 2 hours or more to dry. In dry weather, the same matte print could take 30 to 45 minutes to dry.

Are there drying racks I can use to dry my print?

Yes, there are drying racks available for member use in the art area. Standard blue tagging applies (see Storage at Ace).

Logging Initial Test Prints

What do I need to log on slack each time I print at Ace?

Using the asset tag function in Slack, enter “/asset amt141 UP. Nozzle checked. Material: <your paper media>”

Basic Troubleshooting

What is the first thing that I should check if my print isn’t happening?

First check whether you selected the correct printer. It’s a common mistake so it’s worth double-checking.

What are the first few basic troubleshooting steps I should follow?

1. Check that you’ve selected the correct printer and that printer has green light.
2. Check that you’ve specified Sheet or Roll Paper (as covered in Certification)
3. Check your file settings.
4. Check that the printer utility is closed.

Is the printer supposed to be wobble?

Yes, the printer is designed to wobble while printing to distribute the forces when engaged in printing.

Workarounds

Is there a workaround for printing a glossy print using the Ace large format printer?

Some folks spray glossy photo (after printing with non-glossy inks) with a gloss print spray at home (not at Ace). If you’re going to use an archival spray coat, do it slowly and very lightly in multiple passes. Newer printers have a gloss coat, which is Ace’s Epson 9880 does not have.

How do I run a test print without using up my expensive roll of paper?

Print test prints in a smaller size than your final print. One workaround is to manually cut smaller size paper sheets from your roll, such as 8.5″x11″ sheets. If you are proficient in Adobe Photoshop or similar, you could possibly setup your print settings to print along the length of your roll to minimize wasted paper.

Can I print borderless prints?

No, the printer prints 0.25 inch margins, but you can trim your print to be borderless after printing. For example to print 8″x10″ borderless, you will need 8.5″x10.5″ paper minimum in order to account for 0.25″ margins along all sides. Then you will trim to 8″x10″.

Computer Usage

Can I use my own computer to print?

Yes, but you may need to add printer and download Epson Drivers (see Epson 9880 Wide Format Printer).

Can I save my print presets on the Ace print computer to save time?

Yes, certified members can save their presets on the Mac Mini.

How can I get my print files to the Mac Mini?

Members can upload their files to the Fileserver or Mac/iOS users could use air drop.

Print Selections

How do I know which Epson profile to select?

Every single paper out there has documentation on which Epson profile to use.

For example, if you buy paper from Red River Paper, then go their website and they will have the corresponding Epson profile listed.

Ending Print Session

What do I need to do with Mac Mini computer when I’m done?

Ace policy is to put Mac Mini to sleep when done with your session. Do NOT turn off the Mac Mini.

What do I need to do with the printer when I’m done?

Ace policy is to turn off the Epson printer when done with your session. Be sure to leave the media roll clamped. Make sure the lever is in the down position.