I am currently building two prize rods for our local kids fishing derby and I tried to use some staples clear address labels and an inkjet printer to make the labels. I stuck it ont he rod, wrapped over the end and I put color preserver over it. When I went to blot the cp dry with a paper towel, the ink came off.

What did I do wrong? Any resposnes would be most appreciated.

You need to spray with Krylon workable fixative before applying any finish or CP to inkjet labels. You can get this at any craft store in the artists section.

Should work fine if you do this extra step. 2 coats, about an hour apart should do it.

Terry

Ink jet ink is water soluble, so the CP dissolved the ink.

Why did you blot the Cp

Bill - willierods.com

what about using a color laser printer for the labels? I know not everyone has acess to one, but will the color preserver affect one printed that way? You might be able to get someone to print it for you that has a color laser in their office.

Check out Decal Connection

Bill - willierods.com

John I use an ink jet printer for decals all the time. Just let the ink dry for at least a day you will not need cp, just put on a good coat of finish and the ink should be fine. Some times the edges will turn lose if this happens just run a thread around the decal till the finish dries.

I do a LOT of ink Jet decals, although not on clear material but I do them on vinyl and metallic media and I have never had the ink run or dissolve and my decals are usually 90 to 100% covered with ink. I spray with Fix-a-Tiff and let dry overnight. I have done them without Fix-a-Tiff with no problem. I use CP on the edges to prevent edges from lifting.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

I expect there are differences in inks because I have had trouble with ink coming off, unlike some others who have not. Mike and I use essentially the same process now, with a fixative over the decal before using any finish or CP, and using CP along the edge after application to prevent finish from lifting the edge. This works well for me. I spray the decal while it is still on the media sheet and I think it makes the decal less easily damaged as well as fixing the ink. When applying the decal use the shiny side of the backing paper to protect the decal while burnishing it down.

While I have no data, I would be suspicious regarding the UV resistance of mailing labels, even with finish over the top. Decal media is UV resistant.