Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is FrogSkin?
Q: How long do your ribbons last outside?
Q: How do I increase printability on Static Cling vinyl?
Q: Does using ZeroNine ribbons void my printers warranty?
Q: What if my expected order didn't arrive or it was wrong, what should I do?
Q: I don't understand the hologram ribbon, how does it work?
Q: How do I reload an OEM cartridge?
Q: What is the difference between NexGen and Legacy ribbons?
Q: Is there anything I should know before printing a graphic for a vehicle?
Q: Is there any secrets to Safety Red?
Q: Does Mirror Gold work on clear vinyl?
Q: How do you use Ruby Positive Material?
Q: How do I get the best results when printing with Neon Foils?
Q: Who manufacturers the vinyl that is sold through FlipSide Marking?
Q: What is the lead time for FlipSide Marking vinyl?
Q: Do ZeroNine ribbons work on FlipSide vinyl?
A: FrogSkin is a thermal transfer ribbon that is a clear printable ribbon that increases the chemical resistance, reduces U-V light exposure, and is an abrasion guard. It should be printed last on top of your finished print. If you have trouble printing with our FrogSkin, please refer to our FrogSkin Page.
A: Even though we suggest all outdoor signage to be protected with our FrogSkin ribbon, we warranty most of our ribbons for 3-5 years with a few exceptions. Our Neon colors fade quickly with UV exposure and are only suggested for indoor use. Other colors like Metallic Gold, Mirror Gold, Mirror Silver, and Brite Blue will last one year before beginning to break down. If the graphics are going on automobiles, tractors or boats, please use FrogSkin for the added protection of going through car washes and other harsh environments. Consider what the graphic will be exposed to and how long you wish it to last. Colors like yellow and red fade more quickly than blues and greens.
A: Most of our colors print great on Static Cling. If printability is an issue printing our FrogSkin or Finish Coat Semi-Gloss ribbon first is a good solution because our ribbons can be printed on top of them easily. Feel free to call ZeroNine or check our forum for more information.
A: Absolutly not! Your OEM supplier or distributor can not make any claim about voiding or changing your printer warranty because you didn't use the OEM ribbon, and if so ask for it in writing to see what their reaction is! It is an illegal statement due to the Sherman and Clayton Antitrust Acts. To find out more information about this, click here.
A: Call ZeroNine to speak with our Shipping Department. We will track the package and do everything we can to solve the problem.
A: Our unique hologram ribbon prints the holographic pattern where you want it. It is unique because the alternative way to have a hologram pattern in your design is to purchase hologram vinyl and print the ribbon on top. Using hologram vinyl isn't always good because some colors are more transparent than others which may leave an undesired effect depending on the circumstances. Using a hologram ribbon instead of vinyl is also cheaper because you can use less, and the overall cost is more affordable.
A: Please read our Cartridge Reloading Page.
A: In 2003 we began reformulating our thermal transfer ribbons in order to improve the quality of our inks. The main improvements were increased chemical, abrasion, and UV resistance. NexGen ribbons are also designed to work at 300x600dpi modes at the fastest printer settings. The dot patterns were improved so that process and gradients have better results than ever before. Other highlights are improved printability on Oracal 651 vinyl and CMYK process print outputs matching the OEM output.
A: Before you begin using your foils for vehicle use, consider what your graphics will be going through.
a) Chemicals in car washes, crop dusting, fertilizing,
waxes, buckets, rain, etc.
b) Ultraviolet exposure
c) Gasoline spilling or dripping when refueling
The decals you create must be able to stand up to these elements. For added protection, we can recommend a variety of solutions to help you out. Try applying our Clear Protector or Frog Juice spray to extend the life of your products. Also, keep in mind that our Brite Blue and Metallic Gold are only one year outdoor rated. If you still would like more help, call us at 800-325-0911.
A: The foil Safety Red is the spot equivalent of the Ruby Positive foil. Improvements have been made to make Ruby Positive work better on clear positive substrates, but as a result, its usefulness on white vinyl is not as good as it once was. We do not suggest using Safety Red and recommend using Dark Red. If Safety Red is the color shade you need, you must coat it with our Clear Semi-Gloss or FrogSkin to ensure the graphic will last.
A: The ZeroNine Mirror Gold foil is not gold on both sides of the ribbon. When printing on a clear vinyl, the foil will show up gold on the top just like you would expect, but on the bottom it will print as a silver color. Keep this in mind when planning a job on clear vinyl.
A: Only one side of the clear positive is to be printed on. Make sure from your supplier instructions you are printing on the proper side. Your clear positive substrate is highly charged with static electricity, which attracts dust and dirt. Therefore for best results we recommend as does your supplier, you wipe down the print side with distilled water using a lint-free cloth prior to printing. You should also clean the printhead with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. Make sure the printhead is free of all lint and contaminates. Clean the work area of all lint and dust.
For storage of printed materials, place a slip sheet between all sheets to prevent from sticking. If you have any additional questions or comments regarding Ruby Positive, please call us Toll Free at 1-800-325-0911.
Please Note:
Halftone printing is best if you do not exceed 42 dpi.
A: Neon foils are formulated to add high intensity colors into your designs. By following these guidelines, you will be printing these foils hassle free.
| Color Settings: |
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Neon Yellow:
Neon Green:
Neon Pink: |
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Trans Yelow GCT-625
Trans Green GCT-116
Trans Red GCT-643 |
Printing Neon Foils on Calendered or Cast Vinyls
SETTINGS FOR 1 COLOR PRINT: neon foil on white or clear
1. Substrate Setting: Series 220 Premium Film
2. Printhead Setting: Lighter or Light
SETTINGS FOR 2 COLOR PRINT: neon foil with black overprint
1. Substrate Setting: Image Cal "P"
2. Printhead Setting: Lighter
3. Color Setting: Black GCS-012
Printing Neon Foils on Static Cling
SETTINGS FOR 1 COLOR PRINT: neon foil on white or clear
1. Substrate Setting: Static Cling
2. Printhead Setting: Lighter
SETTINGS FOR 2 COLOR PRINT: neon foil with white overprint
1. Substrate Setting: Static Cling
2. Printhead Setting: Lighter
3. Color Setting: White GCS-010
A: The vinyl that we sell is a FlipSide custom vinyl. You won't find this identical vinyl product any place else in the market.
A: Please allow for 5 business days for the vinyl to ship. Because the vinyl is custom printed, it could be more or less time depending on the season and the demand.
A: Yes! We have been extensively testing all of our ribbons on this exclusive FlipSide vinyl. All of our color charts, labels and test prints are all printed on this vinyl. We have found that FlipSide vinyl improves the color-to-color registration and also minimizes printing defects.
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