[Neil Gott]

I need some advice or suggestions about inkjet printing.

I have a Canon i350 printer which uses BCI – 24 inks. It produces very clear prints, but even when dry the ink  (black and coloured) will smudge if wetted, on various qualities of paper.

I have contacted Canon, and the chap I spoke to said that this was normal. Seems crazy to me.

Has anybody else had this problem, overcome it, and how?
Can anybody recommend a printer (still available) that doesn’t use smudging ink?

[SMP]

It is normal - it's the same for most printers.  There MAY be some waterproof inks but they will be Very Expensive.

Colour laser printers don't cost much now and I think this will fix the problem.

Cheers
Steve

[Dave Parry]

It is normal for most ink jet printers, however Lexmark used to do waterproof inkjets, dont know if their new ones do, but should say on their website.

[Tonyb]

Most inkjets smudge when wet.......back in my computer days Hewlett Packard printers always sold on the fact thier ink doesn't smudge when wet.....this may still be the case.....but you would have to buy HP original cartridges.

Rgds
Tony

[rs_cleancare]

If you spray hair spray on the paper after you printed this will sometimes work. But it's a pain in the arse if you have a lot to do plus your wife isn't going to be to happy.

[Ken Wainwright]

Neil

On my HP Deskjet, for different paper types and quality I can change the settings on the printer. I would presume that yours has a similar facility. Just select the paper type you're using. It makes a world of difference to the smudgeability of the finished item.

Safe and happy printing
Ken

[Ian Rochester]

I think all inkjets have the same problem with ink smudging when wet. 

This is why you can now get the new style of printers for photographs called dye sublimation printing which is a process whereby the three primary colours are applied to the paper individually and then a protective coating is applied over the top.

However as far as I am aware the only ones I have seen can only print up to 7"x 5" at present, a commercial A4 size dye sublimation printer will no doubt cost a fortune.

What is you want it for?

[Neil Gott]

Well, I'm blowed! I thought I was a rarity. Thanks for your replies, folks.

Ken, I have not got an adjustment to control smudgeability (new word?), but the machine is set for the appropriate paper.

Ian, like most of us, I use my inkjet for mailshots, invoices, etcetera when smudging (Ah, that's the word!) is not a likely problem. I am mainly concerned about using the post office "Smart Stamp" service, which would mean having a printed label on envelopes being delivered in all weathers.

SMP Steve, Thanks, I will get a colour laser. Konica-Minolta do one for about £200.

[kwakakid355]

Am amazed !!!! Is there anything you guys do'nt know ?

[Len Gribble]

Ask yourself do you have you cc equipment serviced?

Len