QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q: How long does it take to learn machine operations and maintenance?

A: With proper training and materials we provide, the operation and maintenance of a Wall Printer can be learned in as little as 4 hours.  The routine setup and prep of The Wall Printer only takes a few minutes, before printing an image.

Q: What does normal maintenance consist of and how often should it be done?

A: Normal maintenance is cleaning the printhead before and after each use by using the four main functions built into the software on each machine. Pump, Spray, Test, and Clean. It is recommended to run the machine at a minimum of once every three days.  

Q: How often does the print head need to be changed?

A: Unless the print head becomes damaged or clogged due to lack of use, the part should not need to be replaced for at least two years. With the extended warranty, you get one free replacement within the two years.

Q: How much does a print head replacement cost?

A: MSRP is $1,750. The extended warranty does offer one free replacement within the two years. Distributors receive deep discounts on this price.

Q: What is the cost of an extended warranty and what is included?

A: The extended warranty costs ten percent of the machine sale and extends the warranty for an additional year. Included is unlimited technical support via email. In-person training is included at our warehouse located in Wilmington, NC. Warranties also include one free printhead replacement and a free supply of ink. Warranty is void if non-authorized inks are used. The cost of the extended warranty is often less expensive than purchasing the ink and printhead replacement. This assures both you and us that you have a Wall Printer operating perfectly to keep making you money and printing without issues.

Q: Do extended rails come with a printer purchase?

A: Extended rail heights are available for an additional fee. Standard rail height is 2.2 meters. This can be shortened for no additional cost. Purchase of extended rail height still gives original height as well.

Q: What specifically is included with a printer purchase?

A: The Wall Printer, one supply of ink (500ml each color), rails, manuals. Unlimited free technical support by email or online chat through a special customer portal direct to our support team, free training at our Wilmington showroom and offices (fee-based on-site training is also available,) a matching marketing development fund to help you drive Wall Printer awareness and early customers in your local area, and a one year manufacturer warranty, as well as next day replacement on inks and all available parts and accessories requested.

Q: What type of ink is used in a Wall Printer?

A: The non-UV machines use water-based ink. The UV machines use oil-based ink. All of our inks are non-toxic and biodegradable. 

Q: What is the life expectancy of a printed image?

A: Indoor prints with our standard Wall Printers will not fade or crack for up to 12 years. The UV prints are guaranteed outdoors for up to 5 years. Longevity also depends on surface material and weather factors.

Q: How long is the ink's shelf life?

A: Unopened bottles, stored correctly, last up to two years. After opening, recommended usage is six months.

Q: Will the color fade or wash away if something spills on it?

A: The type of surface and type of ink used are large factors in how durable the print is. If it is in a high risk location, a form of clear coat is recommended.

Q: Does ink need to be removed or purged after using or after certain period of time the machine is not in use?

A: It is recommended to run the machine at least once every three days to allow consistent flow of  ink and avoid blockages, utilizing the Pump, Spray, Test, and Clean functions. If there is a blockage, we offer a solvent that will remove the ink clog.  The worst ink blockages, after very extended periods of non-use without draining the inks (the easy solution if you know The Wall Printer is not going to be used for a lengthy time period) are usually caused by a dried up blockage in a $20 ‘ink reservoir’ part that can be easily replaced.  

Q: What Wall Printer models use wheels and what models use rail tracks?

A: Only the portable SL and SL-UV models have wheels. All other models use a rail system.

Q: Are all models controlled by one industrial computer?

A: The SL water-based ink model printers have one computer on the inside of the printer, and an external tablet that remotely connects to the computer allowing you full control wirelessly. All other models use a single touch screen built into the printer, along with industrial (commercial) quality computers and components designed for regular, daily use.

Q: What happens if I lose power while printing?

A: There are two resolutions for this. The first way is to utilize a battery backup system, available separately. The second way is built into the software and Wall Printer functions, allowing you to resume printing the same image from the same point should you experience a power failure. 

Q: The minimum distance to an edge is 15.75 inches on most of the machines. Is this because the machine actually needs that much space?

A: All machines have a larger base for stability, requiring a certain amount of clearance from the wall. The SK2 model has a unique and patented design that is capable of getting closer to the wall, within two inches. Keep in mind, Wall Printing is not a replacement for wallpaper or toxic vinyl adhesive stickers. The Wall Printer is for painting artistic images and wall murals …. Not edge to edge nor floor to ceiling wall covering.

Q: If there is any mistake or issue (with machine or customer) while printing, how do you fix or remove mistake?

A: In the case of a printer or customer error, the wall will need to be painted over and the process started again.  

Q: If we need to paint a wall back to its original color, is it possible to match the original wall color from the printer?

A: The printer has no camera or sensor for detecting wall colors. Color matching will need to be done by the customer if necessary.

Q: Are there any wall colors I cannot print on?

A: The Wall Printer is capable of printing on any color or surface material. However, for optimal results, it is always recommended to print on a white surface, unless you are using UV ink on glass, metal, tile, similar.

Q: How long does an image take to dry completely?

A: The UV ink will dry as the machine prints, due to the UV heat lamp attached. For water-based inks, we recommend a wait time of 24 to 48 hours, depending on temperature and humidity, as well as the surface.

Q: Is there a guide to show the recommended image specifications needed to print an image up to certain size and resolution?

A: While there is no minimum size or resolution needed, a higher quality image will produce sharper results. It is always recommended to print a test picture first to verify if the quality will match the customers needs. Here’s a sample of image sizes in their digital formats vs the printed image size. You can extend this for larger wall murals. Also, the type of digital image format (e.g. jpg, pdf, png, AI, EPS, tif, etc.) will impact the size and ability to be enlarged with acceptable resolution. Always consult a graphics artist to assure the image is prepared to achieve maximum quality for the size of the image to appear on the customer’s wall. Many wall murals are printed from images that can be more than 1gb in size.

Q: Does software show the image based prior to printing? Just to make sure the image is not blurry once it is printed on the wall.

A: The software within the machine does allow you to preview the image prior to printing. Referencing back to the previous question and answer, a higher quality image is always recommended as is a test print to verify the quality. Keep in mind, the monitor’s resolution and size limits the ability to have a 100% accurate representation of the printed image. It is the responsibility of the customer or you to make sure the image is created in a digital format to the quality and dimensions desired.

Q: Does the surface that is being printed on affect the quality?

A: Yes. Printing an image on a flat or glossy surface, on brick or cinder block vs a painted wall, all will have impact on the colors and detail of an image’s resolution and appearance. Surfaces are one of the largest factors of the quality of your print. A flat, matte surface will always produce the best results. When printing on a porous surface, images will form to the uneven surface of the wall.