IN THE BEGINNING
We had our share of problems with tiny dots and flaking ink. Like anything new, especially
something so `cutting edge’, there was a learning curve and growing pains. The concept
was innovative ˆ producing a quality design faster and less expensively. No more hand
painting into the wee hours filling a backlog of orders. The technology available when we
first started computer printing was limited, compared to what is available today. With few
choices in printers and ink, we admit quality wasn’t what it is now. The concept, however,
was still exciting and promising enough to stay with it. Acceptance to a new product was
our biggest hurdle— or so we thought.
NOTE FROM `BOB, THE TECH GEEK’-
“When we started looking into computer painted needlepoint in 1985, the only ink
available was dye-based and not water-fast. Fading from UV rays and limited color choices
were also a challenge.
In 1988, wax-based inks were introduced, which were water-fast, fairly fade resistant and
had much better color intensities than other available inks, at least on needlepoint canvas.
The main disadvantage with this type of ink was that it solidified on the top of the canvas
and some of the colors were soft. Because of this, several topcoats of sealer were required
to prevent the ink from flaking off as the canvas was stitched.
In 2003, as support for the wax-based printers came to an end, we switched to a water-
based inkjet system. Manufacturers had successfully developed products that met color
gamut requirements, were resistant to fading from UV rays and were water-fast. These
new inks have all the good qualities of wax-inks, without the negatives, and are similar in
color characteristics to the paints used in hand painted designs.”
A LOOK AT TODAY
In the 20 years since we began producing computer painted canvases, a lot has changed.
The print quality of our canvases has drastically improved since our first printer. There are
many more printers and inks available these days. We have all become more accustomed
to computers and have embraced them as they’ve helped make our lives easier (in most
cases). Printer technology has advanced ˆ the inks have advanced. No more tiny dots! No
more flaking or bleeding of colors! If you’ve stopped by our booth in the last two years or
have purchased our designs, you have seen the progress. We continue to research new
technology to ensure our canvases are of the highest quality. We thank you for your
continued support and patronage throughout the years.
Bob & Lynda Healy
Susan Hylton
In Good Company
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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