Correct paper type for printing end labels and boxes

Discussion in 'Repair, Restoration, Conservation and Preservation' started by snobgamergr, Mar 19, 2016.

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  1. snobgamergr

    snobgamergr Spirited Member

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    I found a site that has end labels and boxes scans from various games.
    I want to print some for my loose famicom,nes, snes carts but don't know what kind of paper do I need .

    For labels, is it ok to use glossy inkjet paper ?

    For boxes, what can I use that is sturdy enough and inkjet-friendly?

    Will it be cheaper to just take the files and print them on a specialized print shop?
     
    snobgamergr, Mar 19, 2016 Report
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  2. ASSEMbler

    ASSEMbler Administrator Staff Member

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    You won't easily replicate it.
    Most consumer printers are not wide enough to print a sheet of cardboard stock.
    You can take the images and print them on small board stock, practice cutting, folding and gluing mini boxes before you
    step it up to a print shop.

    It's a lot of work for sure.
     
    ASSEMbler, Mar 19, 2016 Report
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  3. LeHaM

    LeHaM Site Soldier

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    For case inserts, use 170 CIE, 135 to 140GSM gloss finish.
    The paper used in most cover inserts is 140gsm but the closest I could buy retail was 135gsm. The printing shop couldn't sell me the paper they use for covers but there isn't any noticeable difference between 135 and 140gsm...

    You are going to need a good DPI printer, most of the problems are with the scans, as the whites and blacks have poor contrast and often contain noise...
    I don't think you can get glossy card stock, for making boxes
     
    LeHaM, Mar 19, 2016 Report
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  4. snobgamergr

    snobgamergr Spirited Member

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    Hmm it seems trickier than I expected..
    I'll just go to a print shop and give 2 or 3 boxes I want ..
     
    snobgamergr, Mar 20, 2016 Report
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  5. ASSEMbler

    ASSEMbler Administrator Staff Member

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    The resolution of an image translated to a print usually requires converting it to a CMYK image.

    If you can find a print shop person who is also a gamer, and they have a large format epson printer that takes card stock, you can have them print you a sheet. The cutting is a bit more tricky, you'll need a good edge trimmer and for the tidy work a steady hand and some very sharp blades. Boxes are stamp cut with razor sharp dies.

    There's a lot of fun to be had, just experiment with normal cardboard stock used for clothing boxes, and gluing inkjet prints on top of it.
    I would not want to go through all the trouble of getting a nice print and then butcher it when making a box.
     
    ASSEMbler, Mar 20, 2016 Report
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  6. wilykat

    wilykat Site Supporter 2013

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    Does it have to be Epson? Other printer do come in wider format.

    I used to have HP 7000 that could handle up to 19x13 and it has been replaced when it broke down with Epson 7612. I have not tried thick paper stock of any kind but I think the common sub-$250 wide format printer is enough to print most boxes. Ideally one with rear slot for manual loading of thick paper stock since they generally don't flex well. Or you could print thin paper then glue on to cardboard stock. Using spray on adhesive to keep the glue even.
     
    wilykat, Mar 21, 2016 Report
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