How to tell what paper is safe with Krylon coat spray

Is there any way to tell if a type of ink-jet printer paper is safe to use with Krylon Preserve It spray coating, other than actually trying it out?

My first experiment was with HP Advanced Photo paper, which was a mess - the spray melted the ink off in spots. It worked great with HP Premium Plus photo paper. But I have some other paper types too, and I'm trying to avoid wasting any.

I've read that "RC" (plastic coated) papers work, and uncoated papers won't. Or is it 'swellable' vs 'porous'? I didn't expect the quick-dry HP Advanced to work, but there are other papers that seem to be coated (Epson Premium), and Epson calls theirs quick-dry too.

What about those double-sided matte papers? I assume they are uncoated, and won't work.

I doubt that there are a whole lot of folks here who use that sealant, all there may be a few. Of those who have, they may have input/knowledge about some papers/types...but I think you'd get better mileage, maybe the Krylon outfit has an online "presence"? Maybe a forum or online Help?

I don't know about Krylon Preserve It, but for paper media, artists usually use a spray-on fixative, like this: http://www.pearlpaint.​com …xative_981200_9​80201.html

It should work for a wide variety of paper types.

Among all the paper companies I've ever dealt with (paper to rag), the Premier photo spray products seem to be the most consistently recommended.

Kolor-Pikker wrote in post #15656902
I don't know about Krylon Preserve It, but for paper media, artists usually use a spray-on fixative, like this: http://www.pearlpaint.​com …xative_981200_9​80201.html

It should work for a wide variety of paper types.

Sorry, for the confusion. This is a spray-on product: "Krylon Preserve It!, Digital Photo & Paper Protectant." It claims to be moisture-resistant, provide UV protection, and "acid-free/archival safe." I saw it in a crafts store and bought it to try. (I'm not sure you can mail-order this stuff : B&H, for one, will not ship it.)

There are other threads here that name it, so I know others have used it.

It seems to work well, but it really smells bad. In addition to letting the print dry for a week before spraying, I think you need to let it dry a few days (outdoors, if possible) after spraying to get rid of the smell. Spray it outdoors too, if possible.

http://www.breathingco​lor.com/action/bc_shop​/160/

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=AsSweQ8cbYA

To update my own post: Krylon Preserve It "Digital Photo & Paper Protectant" spray coating, Matte finish, does not work with Epson Premium Photo Paper (Glossy). It ruins the print. I was hoping the Epson Premium paper would work, but it does not.

lar55 wrote in post #16464772
To update my own post: Krylon Preserve It "Digital Photo & Paper Protectant" spray coating, Matte finish, does not work with Epson Premium Photo Paper (Glossy). It ruins the print. I was hoping the Epson Premium paper would work, but it does not.

Good info, was it that it "wrecked" the glossy of the Epson paper?

just curious what you're trying to achieve by spraying a print. do you want to put it outside? give a print more gloss?

i use breathing color timeless satin as well. good for stretched canvases and the odd matte print on foamcore (must apply to print before attaching to foamboard)

tonylong wrote in post #16465297
Good info, was it that it "wrecked" the glossy of the Epson paper?

Hard to describe, but it isn't subtle at all. It's like the spray dissolved the ink, mostly in bands across in the direction I sprayed. I got the same effect on HP Advanced photo paper which was the first thing I tried. The HP Premium Plus works well, and that's what I'm using, but I like the colors on the Epson paper better. All these papers are glossy finish - for some reason Epson and HP don't make semi-gloss photo paper in 5x7 size. The Epson Premium is supposed to be a resin-coated paper like the HP Premium Plus, unlike the HP Advanced, so I thought it would be OK, but it is not.

bespoke wrote in post #16465317
just curious what you're trying to achieve by spraying a print. do you want to put it outside? give a print more gloss?

i use breathing color timeless satin as well. good for stretched canvases and the odd matte print on foamcore (must apply to print before attaching to foamboard)

It is for an informal photo display inside an office. The goal is low cost! The prints are 5x7, spray mounted on foam core, then coated with protective spray. I use double-sided "poster tape" to stick them right on the wall - I tested this and they hold well but can be removed without damaging the walls (or the pictures).

The Krylon spray leaves a matte finish, which helps a lot with glare from overhead fluorescent lights. It is also supposed to protect against UV rays, moisture, and people touching them ("oh look!").

I believe that if you're interested in trying different papers for something, most paper companies will be willing to send you a sample packet containing a number of samples for different papers. Go to the website for the papers you're interested in and contact them with a sample request. Worst that can happen is they say 'No'. Then test your spray(s) out on the sample papers instead of having to purchase things that may/may not work for you.

Thanks, yes, but so far I've been using what I have, no waste. The HP Premium Plus was left over from when I had an HP Photosmart printer - I wasn't planning to use it with the Epson printer but I'm glad I kept it. The Epson Premium paper - I use that for other things, including framing, and in different sizes. I do want to try Epson Ultra Premium, though, as it is thicker and heavier than their Premium and might work with the Preserve-It spray. Maybe when I run out of the HP paper.