Clear Film Printing

[Amanda Zhang]

Hi, I’m not sure if this is the right forum to post in, so please let me know if I’m in the wrong place. Anyways, I’ve recently been trying to start a new project making little “memory reels” from old film canisters. The idea is that I make them into keychains and then have a film reel inside that has photos you can pull out and see. I’ve been looking around and clear film leaders seem like the best bet for the reel. My question is, are clear film leaders just sheets of plastic? Can I print on them using regular digital printers that print on plastic? I’m not sure if there are some kind of chemicals in the leaders that would affect this. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Photo Engineer]

Amanda, all coated films (Color and B&W) are treated to allow the coating process to work. This treatment places a "subbing" on the film. If it is not there, most things just won't stick to it or remain there over a long time.

There are no chemicals in leader that would hurt, but if the subbing is not there, it probably will not work.

PE

 

[Amanda Zhang]

So is the clear leader literally just plastic with sprockets? That’s what I’m looking for, because the printer I want to use usually prints on just sheets of plastic for displays and such. I just want to know if the leaders have coating or something that would prevent ink from sticking. Are you saying I do need the subbing for regular ink to stay?

 

[Photo Engineer]

I cannot answer that. There are many different types of leader. Try dipping in water. If it beads up and repels water, it is probably just plastic, but if it becomes wet, it is probably "subbed".

And, it depends on Ink. If it is solvent based, the above test might not help you.

PE

 

[Amanda Zhang]

Ok thank you! So do I want it to be subbed or not?

 

[Photo Engineer]

That depends on the ink. You will have to test it. I can generalize by saying that all water based inks must have some sort of subbing but solvent based inks will vary all over the place and will need more testing.

PE

 

[Peltigera]

The clear acetate sheets that you can buy for inkjet printing have a coating on the acetate - they are not just plastic, even if they look like they are.

 

[calebarchie]

Just keep it simple, use slide film and a film recorder service or even just take a photo of the picture/screen if its nothing critical (eg no enlargement, just for display).