Making Bandits Using Inkjet And Weather Resistant Papers/sprays?
Hi All,
I have been experimenting with trying to create low run signage runs (for sale signs) using my Inkjet, photo paper and special finishing sprays. I mounted the printout onto a blank piece of coroplast.
So far i haven't had any luck.. My trial sign in my yard is running ink after a rain storm.
Anybody have success using this technique? If so, what paper and what printer were you using? I have an HP 930C, using Epson Glossy Photo Paper and ClearJet finishing spray...
Tom
I have very little problems with the ink on my signs running when it rains. But then I think the last rain we had was about 4-1/2 months ago. Our problem is fade. After about a month, you can't read the signs anymore.
All joking aside, look at
http://www.supercheapsigns.com
I really don't think you can make them much cheaper than they can. Especially when you factor in your problems with ink running, the cost of the ink, and paper, and don't forget your time.
If you insist on printing your own, try laminating them.
Hey,
Off the top of my head, this seems like false economy.
Your printer can print either 8 1/2 x 11 or legal, so you are going to have to tape 2 or 4 sheets together to make the signs readable.
You will burn through your ink pretty quick.
Where are you getting the Coroplast from? Is it free?
Also, there is your time to assemble all of this.
Finally, when it is all said and done (and just pretend it is waterproof), it is going to look very, very amateur -hour. Instead spend the $100 and get them professional made.
I am in Canada so ordering the signs from the States will be a bit expensive and time consuming by the time it gets across the border. Reason for using inkjet signs is that i can lay down a lot of color and get a bit creative + i can crank out 10-15 in one evening... I want to start marketing the day after i get my option to purchase signed up (don't want to wait 1 week for signage).
The cheapest sign guy up here will do 100 Coroplat bandits with 2 colors for about $289 CDN + Tax. He can't do any less then 100 and I only need about 15-20.
What paper did you use to prevent running? Did you finish with a spray? I had some success last night with a 2nd prototype after i applied two coats of Clearjet Spray.. However, edges stilll curl a bit after some moisture exposure (i used 3M super moutning spray to stick to coroplast)..
From 3 ft away or more, the sign looks awesome. you can't tell it is 4 pieces of paper stuck together and infact it looks better and more colorful then my WE BUY HOUSES coroplast signs I get from the printers....
Hey,
I see what you are trying to do, but I would still say order them. If you make then generic then you could use them on any house you have an option on.
But if you have your heart set on making them, what if you created them on an inkjet and then had them copied. I think that would help the ink from running. After you have glued them on to the board, what about using a clear coat of Polyurethane?
I think I have the Ink running problem nailed down now. Got this ClearJet spray stuff that makes the inkjet printout water resistant. I blasted my prototype with a hose this morning and no ink run.. The problem i now have is the paper is curling and bubbling.. I used a 3M adhesive spray to bond it to the coroplast. Might be best to use staples. I probably have to get a better paper or laminate it like previous mentioned.. Should still keep my costs down to $4-5 per sign or $100 for a run of 20 flashy signs.
As stated earlier, if you make them generic, you can use them on more than one property. This makes sense. Do something unique to make your "generic" sign uniquely yours, and carry this theme throughout your marketing efforts. Business cards, Letterhead, Etc. Do this to create your own Brand. Something that people can use to recognize your marketing efforts as yours. If you have specific information about a house, use an info tube at the property.
You indicated that you are doing this so you can do some "trick graphics" etc. which is all fine and good. there's possibly some negatives associated with looking too slick also.
Good luck,
Jeff
Jeff - i do have some specific things i want to highlight about this property using signage. Mainly b/c it is a high end property in a demand area that rarely has listings. By doing that, my generic signage wouldn't work.. I agree you don't want things looking too top notch as it may scare people away. I'm looking for an inbetween solution. Also, like you mentioned, i have some unique branding tricks on my signage that tie through all my materials including the web site. I hope to build up some brand recognition over the next few months as there are no other investors operating with signage in my area (yet).. So i'm in virgin terrority right now.
Thanks for the great advice.
Tom
Hey Tom,
Since this is a high end property, all the more reason to get a professional sign made. If I am going to drop $500k on a house, I am NOT going to call the sign that is curling or with running ink.
As far as what you say on it, the same sign can be used in ANY area:
House for Sale
Thousands Less than Market
Seller is Desperate
Most Sell in Next 30 Days
xxx-xxx-xxxx
You can't really list any more on the sign (except maybe a website).
Good luck!