Help ! Using digital kits to make cards

[mo_mo]

Hi ! I hope someone can help.
I have been using my digital scrapbooking kits to make cards but the colours all look very flat when I print the cards out. Is there a special card or inks that I can use that will improve the final product ?

[Mystik Nat]

Whenever I have printed elements out, I've always used good quality graphics paper, I got it from Staples and use it to stamp images for colouring in with Promarkers too.

I don't usually print direct onto my card blanks - when I did the card blanks were made from good quality card and weren't Bazzill or other scrapping card as I found that would bleed in areas with dense colour (due to the texture on the reverse).

As for inks, I've always used the branded ones for my Epson printer, my previous Epson printer died a nasty death after using compatibles... but I don't think there was much difference in colour quality. I do set it to best quality (or something equivalent) but not ultra-fine (which is a photo setting on my printer.

[sheilaj]

I use glossy or matte high quality photo paper to print the images then matte them onto my cards...you also need to make sure you have the 3d effects right.

[Nellyphant]

I also use matt photo paper or a good smooth white card works well like the one from Staples. I think it's called text and graphics paper and is 160gsm in weight so good for printing backgrounds and elements but not for the actual base card.

[sharron246]

Try adding gold or silver mirror card, you can get for about 10p a sheet in the kids crafts, by matting and layering it helps lift the designs and stop them looking flat.

And I use 3'd foam to add more dimension to the cards.

[mo_mo]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I'm going to experiment with your ideas !

[jtaubman]

Another option is to use Spray & Sparkle or Spray & Shine Varnish, to spray the finished prints, it gives a lovely finish, just remember to spray from about 8-12" away.