I have done this many times, using the solution you dip the fabric in before printing, and using my same HP deskjet printer. but it is bleeding. tips? maybe didn't iron it enough? :o(
I think it's always going to be a bit of a crap-shoot ... each year, ink manufacturers change their formula, even slightly. Add to that the age of the inks, the chemical formulation (they're always trying to improve the formula, not to mention that the actual formulations can always change due to mishap or not "paying attention", etc), the condition of the substrate (medium you're printing on), etc ...
I think the best you can do is to follow the directions obsessively, and perhaps do them over at least twice. Lord knows, I know how you feel and what you're going through! I've been in the business of dealing with inks, printing, etc, for the past 17 years and everytime I get a piece printed correctly, I kneel down and kiss the ground! :-)
I have never had any luck with my HP printer printing on fabric. It always bleeds for me too. However, both my old Epson and my new one with the quick drying ink have always given me great results with never any bleeding. These days you can buy a cheap inkjet printer for $50. Fry's always has some good deals.
LizA. Kent, WA
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It looked fine when I finished it and stitched it to the quilt. Now my brother sends me pics to post, and I find that glob - and he says he hasn't even washed the quilt yet! I did it all, the soaking in the liquid what is the name again?), the drying, the printing, the setting the ink with the iron....
Well, I know this isn't a solution, but I still think it's gorgeous! I think you did a great job!! Just remember: the ink/printing failed YOU, not t'other way 'round!!!
I bought a bunch of white tees and some transfer paper for printing silly things on tee-shirts with my kids (rainy day craft) and we followed the directions obsessively. We were SEW careful ... but still, the next day, the transfer, despite our following all the directions, using the correct poly/cotton blend (recommended by the transfer manufacturer), all peeled off!!
So I think it's a bit of a crapshoot ... we do our best, but formulations change, new "coatings" or treatments for fabric are found, etc - just overall, Murphy's Law! :-s
Anywho, like I said, I still think you did an awesome job!!! :-)
Epson's inks aren't just "quick-dry" they're also "semi-archival." Meaning, if you print an outdoor sign on your Epson, they're guaranteed to last longer than other companies' inks (they won't fade as quickly as the others - but they're not formulated for extreme outdoor use, so they WILL fade eventually). It's a proprietary ink formula.
One of the many, many, many, reasons why I only buy Epson printers anymore! :-)
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How old was your solution? I have heard that the solution has a shelf life of one year. No scientific evidence, just hear say. You may have purchased it recently but who knows how long the store had it in stock. I am too lazy to soak my own so buy prepared sheets at the quilt store. Of course I rarely finish a quilt in time to make a formal label. Permanent pen on the back as we are driving to the wedding is my usual technique. Glad it is OK to wrap a gift in a bag. I can finish the binding, sign the quilt and stick it in a bag while we are sitting in the parking lot of the church.
Susan
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