Hello All

Im looking into making my own label. What printer are you guys using these days? I was looking at LTR website seeing Epson 400 and 800 size. Would 400 be enough to print label? Also I do see some rods have photo wrap on them. What printer would be good for this application?

Thanks
Trung

I don't know the facts on all printers, but I do know that if you use inkjets you likely will end up with labels that will fade and severely change color in very little time exposed to sunlight. Been there, done that.

With inkjets you have no idea of the resistance of the inks to UV exposure, and likely will be disappointed in time.

I've been using the Epson PX800 for several years and have been pleased overall with the results. The software is easy to us and importing images, fonts is easy. Be aware however that because the labels "print" thermally, you are limited to single colors on the label such as gold on clear, silver on clear, black on white, etc. Also because these labels are industrial in nature, they are thicker than the manufacturer's labels you'll receive along with your blank purchase. I've developed a habit of sealing the edges of the label with a color sealant to mask the edge of the thick labels if you plan on covering with epoxy. Also, I found than no matter how well I burnished the labels, I frequently had the edges lift after applying the epoxy- a well dried coat or two of Chromo Seal around the edges certainly helped.

I have the px800 and have printed a lot of labels on it. The resolution is higher than the 400 so of doing images or even script fonts and such the 800 can give better results.

I’ve not had issues with the labels curling - I apply a coat of finish to the blank first, and then once cured apply the label and then finish right over. Used to use nail polish (Sally Hard as Nails clear) to seal the edges but found it would yellow under Gen4 epoxy (perhaps wasn’t cured before applying the epoxy).

One thing that can help is to overwrap the label (before you remove the transfer tape) with thread for compression and let it sit an hour or two. Seems to prevent any minor voids due to surface imperfections

@ Michael Danek

Thanks for the heads up. I will stay away from ink jet printers. I guess those photo wraps will be faded away long term?

@ Daniel Grundvig & Michael Ward

Would Epson 400 be good enough only to to print labei as in specs of rod? No image printing. Or should I bite the bullet and get the 800 series?

Thanks

Trung

I have a few that held up fairly well, but most have at least significant color shift. The problem is that it's unpredictable. I think if you could get premium ink jet inks based on pigment color then it would be good enough, but I've not found that ink.

If you could get these inks, then specs would certainly work fine, and probably images, too.

I use a Roland SG2-300 to print all my labels. Not recommended for small batch. I have been fortunate to have access to one through my occupation.

sorry but I cant answer your question about the Epson 400 since I've only seen labels printed on my 800. I would suggest contacting Larry at LRT- he can probably show you sample labels printed on each machine so you can make an informed decision. If at all possible, I'd go with the higher resolution because you'll eventually want to add an image. I just printed a label for a friend who wanted a dry fly image along with his name in gold on clear for a translucent green blank. The resolution of the hackle's hair strands was very impressive!

What do you need to print decals like the ones I am getting from Decal Connection?

The Epson printers do not print decals per se but what I would call industrial labels in single color lettering/image on clear or a few colored backgrounds. It's a thermal process which does not use ink.

@Michael Danek, Daniel, Aaron

I have contacted Larry at LRT , He will be mailing me some samples to checked out.

Thank you for all your feedback fellas. Greatly appreciated!!!

@Mark

I will look into that.

Thank you

I talked to Epson yesterday, and they recommend the 800 due to the higher resolution for labels the size that we use on fishing rods. They also referred me to LRT and knew that he worked with custom rod builders on label stuff, so he is known for that at Epson as well.

Thanks Dean

My experience with Decal Connections decals has been excellent for my logo which goes onto every rod, so I ordered a sheet of them and they have held up very well for many years. For "one of" labels, might not make sense. I write the CCS specs , date, and signature so do not have other decal needs.

I have given up on ink jet decals, suggest when buying a printer that one needs to understand not only the resolution and color capabilities, but also the UV stability.

For me, I just build for myself and Christmas gifts for family. So, I try to stick with the factory labels when possible. But, sometimes I alter the blank and accurate specs would be helpful (and my handwriting is AWFUL on flat surfaces, much less writing on a blank). I did do an inkjet label once (on a Shikari blank a few years before they closed for time reference) and that has held up just fine. I do not recall how I did it anymore. I think I just printer a black background and white letters. It still looks good, but my rods do not sit in the sun all day either. Back in college (1999 or 1998) I did an aquatic insect collection and did labels on an inkjet. Our professor said that the alcohol in the vials would erase the ink if you did not use a laser printer. Well, it is now 2022 and my labels are still just fine and dandy. But, you would need to test and verify that for your own use.

Unless you have the need for a large number of decal, Decal Connection make sense. The flexibility and advise the have pays off in the long run.

@ Michael

Yep....my thoughts the same. If creating a logo for your rod that would be good ordering from them Get same logo all in one sheet. But for rod specs....no. It can get expensive.

@ Dean

Thanks for your great feedback......greatly appreciated!!!!!

@ Phil

I think only for logos or your rod brand would be more suitable at Decal Connections.

Thanks everyone!!!!

@Daniel Grundvig,

I just purchased an Epson 400. I’ve been searching for Silver on Clear but am having trouble. Is there a place you’d (or anyone on here) recommend to find the silver/clear? Thank you sir.

LTR has color combos found nowhere else.

I've only been able to find silver on clear at LTR