How to Print on Metal

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Ensure you have an inkjet printer.

   For this project, the wider the printer and the more flexible the feed, the better.
   
   If it has problems printing thick cardstock or stickers, it is unlikely to work.
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   Step 2: Fill the printer with a good amount of ink.

   , Your goal is for the flashing to be thin.
   
   Cut it to size with a wire cutter or strong scissors.
   
   Ensure the size is less than maximum size on your printer feed. , Take the flashing outside and lay the printing surface face up. , You want to abrade the coating on the outside of the flashing.
   
   Use a medium to fine sandpaper and cover every inch with your sanding pad. , The waterproof surface should now be removed, so that ink can be applied. , Apply a large piece of double-sided tape and tape it to a waterproof work surface. , You will need an even layer on the top of your flashing before printing. , It should be pooled above it so that you can coat it evenly with a coating bar. , It can be wood or plastic, but it is similar to a screen-printing technique. , If it doesn’t coat your metal and the surface is flat, you haven’t used enough pre-coat. , Pick it up from the sides until the tape comes loose. , Make sure to size it ahead of time and test it.
   
   Place your feeder tray bars in the right position for even printing. , Press the flashing down onto it, with the printing side up. , Press print.
   
   If your printer will not print on metal, you will need to opt for the next part, which is using an inkjet transfer. , Let it sit for a few moments.
   
   Then, remove it by the sides and let it sit and dry completely. , The ink is secure, but not very durable at this point. , Purchase some inkjet transfer sheets that will work on metal.
   
   Sheets like Lazertran say they will print onto any material., Print them according to the instructions. ,, It may take some assistance or practice to apply it flush with the edges. , You can now hang or frame your metal print.
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   Step 3: Purchase flexible aluminum flashing.

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   Step 4: Choose the side you want to print on.

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   Step 5: Sand the surface with an orbital saw.

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   Step 6: Clean the surface with a bleach cleaning product

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   Step 7: such as a whitening sponge or Mr. Clean.

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   Step 8: Take the flashing inside.

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   Step 9: Purchase and use an inkjet pre-coating product

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    Step 10: such as Dass pre-coat.

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    Step 11: Apply a thick bead of pre-coat above the sheet of metal flashing.

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    Step 12: Use a pre-made coating bar.

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    Step 13: Place the coating bar above the pre-coat and slide it down over the entire metal piece to coat it evenly.

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    Step 14: Don’t touch the surface once you apply the pre-coat.

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    Step 15: Get your image ready to print.

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    Step 16: Apply double sided tape to a piece of carrier paper the same size as your metal print.

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    Step 17: Load the carrier sheet and metal into the feeder tray.

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    Step 18: Allow the metal to move through the printer.

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    Step 19: Consider sealing the print in a few hours.

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    Step 20: Opt to use another method if your printer won’t print on flashing.

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    Step 21: Load the transfers into the printer.

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    Step 22: Go through the process of abrading your metal flashing

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    Step 23: so that the waterproof surface is removed.

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    Step 24: Apply the transfer very carefully to the metal.

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    Step 25: Allow it to dry and coat it if recommend it.

Detailed Guide

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