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Frequently Asked Questions
All/Airbrush/Compressors/Frosting Sheets™/Kolor Kartridges/Kopyjet Specifications/Printer and Print Head/Projectors/Scanners/
Why use a projector?
There are a number of reasons artists benefit from using a Kopykake projector:
1. You can enlarge photos to the size you want and quickly trace the image to get an accurate sketch in minutes. This saves hours compared to the squaring off method.
2. Using a projector helps the artist conquer drawing easily – no more problems with perspective or proportion.
3. Many artists prefer painting than drawing so a projector allows them to get their image down fast and sketch in minutes.
4. A projector allows artists to draw an accurate sketch every time for repeat orders.
5. Because sketches are easy with a projector, artists feel more confident as they paint because they know they can start over if they make a mistake.
6. Professional artists realize projectors help them achieve more in less time = more money!
Why is my projector is not projecting a clear image?
Be sure to follow the Owner’s Manual instructions carefully, located here.
The following applies to all projectors:
1. Be sure to remove the protective film from the mirror before use.
2. Did you insert the lens correctly? It must be inserted into the lens barrel (like putting a cork back into a wine bottle). For enlarging your image, insert the lens glass so that is in the upward position. For reducing, insert the lens glass so it is in the bottom position.
3. Is the original image buckling? If your original image is buckling in the heat then it will create an out of focus projection. Tape your image to a piece of card to give it rigidity.
4. Are you focusing by moving the lens in and out until the image becomes clear?
What if my original image is larger than 6" x 6"? How do I project that?
Our Kobra projector will allow original images of up to 8.5″ x 11″ (A4 letter size) but our other models accept only images up to 6″ x 6″ (except the K35 slide projector).
To project an original image that is larger that 6″ x 6″, do one of the following:
1. Purchase a Kobra projector.
2. Reduce your original image on a photocopier.
3. Scan your original image at a reduced size and print it.
4. Project the image in sections.
Can I use an Airmaster Compressor rather than an Airmaster Plus for my arts & crafts projects?
You could BUT there are some elements of the Airmaster compressor that are NOT helpful for the artist. Therefore, it is worthwhile paying the little extra for an Airmaster Plus:
1. Airmaster can only accept a push on silicon hose, not the standard arts & crafts hose with a screw on 1/4″ fitting.
2. Airmaster only gives up to about 30psi, Airmaster Plus is more powerful with up to 50psi.
3. With the Airmaster accepting only a push on hose, the airbrush user is restricted to using a single action airbrush that has air flowing through it at all times – a characteristic many artists do not like.
How do I maintain and clean my Kopykake Airbrush?
For Periodic Airbrush Cleaning and Lubricating Instructions click here.
What are the Kopyjet System Requirements?
Pentium 133Mhz processor or better 64 megs of RAM (64 meg recommended) 16 bit graphics card or better CDROM 2X speed or better Microsoft Windows 95/98/Millennium Edition/XP 160 megs of available hard drive space.
What Printers will work with the Kopyjet system?
Many models of CANON and EPSON Printers can be used with our Edible Inks. We currently recommend that you click on the link below, to see our most current Cross Reference of our edible inks and compatible printers.
This list changes from time to time, so it is a good idea to check this before purchasing you ink tanks.
Click here for our list of inks and compatible printers.
Is the Kopyjet system NSF certified?
According to the CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES, the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF) certification programs contain the only related standards accredited by ANSI. Also according to the CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES, There are currently no standards, NSF or otherwise, that govern the use of an ink jet printer in food preparation. Therefore, as stated in the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law, the approval for the use of an ink jet printer for food preparation remains at no higher than the county level in California and possibly at the state level in other areas.
Based on this information there is no national or international level sanitation standards or certification currently available for an ink jet printer.
Please keep in mind the following points: All frosting and ink ingredients are FDA approved, all materials that come in contact with the edible portion of the product, backing paper, ink cartridges, cartridge filling and printer rollers, are FDA approved.
Are the Kolor Kartridges and Frosting Sheets FDA and EEC approved?
Yes. They are FDA and EEC approved.
Are the Kolor Kartridges and Frosting Sheets Kosher?
All Kopykake Kolors and Frosting Sheets are kosher approved. For more information, see our Kosher Certificate here.
Which Edible Inks suit my printer?
Please refer to this document.
What should I set my printer paper type and print quality to?
Canon Settings:
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- PRINT QUALITY – “HIGH”
- MEDIA TYPE – “PLAIN PAPER”
Epson Settings:
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- PRINT QUALITY – “PHOTO”
- PAPER OPTION – “PREMIUM PRESENTATION MATTE”
What scanners work with the Kopyjet system?
Any scanner that can digitally scan an image and transmit that image to the graphics software program can be used with the Kopyjet system. Keep in mind that any digital image can be used.
What DPI should I use?
150dpi works pretty well. The larger the DPI the more RAM you’ll need to edit your image.
Why do my images print badly or have lines running through them?
Print head malfunctions are usually manifested in what we refer to as “banding”. Banding is the presence of lines running left and right across the printed page. Normally the lines are approximately 1/8th” wide and may be white or some color other than the intended.
How do I clean the Canon print head?
It is almost inevitable that at some point your print head will become blocked and you will experience printing difficulties.
We recommend using the Kopykake Steam Jet Cleaner. However, there are a number of other methods seen here.
What size Frosting Sheets are available and what are the dimensions of each?
FS0811-T – 8.0″ X 10.5″ printable frosting area centered on the 8.5″ x 11″ backing sheet.
FS-STRIP – 8.0″ x 10.5″ printable frosting sheet strips on the 8.5″ x 11″ backing sheet.
FS1.25CIRC – 1.25″ round printable frosting areas (35) on a 8.5″ x 11″ backing sheet (download our 1.25″ template for use with Photo Express)
FS1.5CIRC – 1.5″ round printable frosting areas (30) on a 8.5″ x 11″ backing sheet (download our 1.5″ template for use with Photo Express)
FS1875X20C – 1.875″ round printable frosting areas (20) on a 8.5″ x 11″ backing sheet (download our 1.875″ template for use with Photo Express)
KJFS0811 (Quarter sheet) – 7.5″ x 10″ printable frosting area centered on the 8.5″ x 11″ backing sheet.
KJFS1117 (Half sheet) – 10″ x 16″ printable frosting area centered on the 11″ x 17″ backing sheet.
KJFS8RND – 8″ round printable frosting area centered on the 8.5″ x 11″ backing sheet.
KJFS10RND – 10″ round printable frosting area centered on the 11″ x 17″ backing sheet.
KJFS3RND – 3″ round printable frosting areas (6) on a 8.5″ x 11″ backing sheet.
KJFS2RND – 2″ round printable frosting areas (9) on a 8.5″ x 11″ backing sheet.
KJFS35X1 – Business Card Size (10) on a 8.5″ x 11″ backing sheet.
FSHEART6 – Heart Shaped Frosting Sheets (6) on a 8.5″ x 11″ backing sheet.
What is the shelf life of the frosting sheet?
Frosting sheets have a shelf life of 1 year. Be sure to keep the Frosting Sheets in their Zip Lock air tight bag, otherwise they will dry out and become brittle and unusable.
Will the Frosting Sheets™ melt into frosting that has set for a day or more?
If the frosting on the cake appears dry or crusty, apply a fine mist of water onto the cake top before applying the Frosting Sheet™. This can be achieved with an airbrush or small misting bottle.
What types of brands of frosting do Kopykake Frosting Sheets™ work best with?
Fresh buttercream or non-dairy topping, fondant, marzipan, even ice cream are the best. It is recommeded that you do not put the Frosting Sheets directly on a high moisture base, such as whipped creams. You may fill cakes with whipped cream, but use a thin layer of buttercream under the actual Frosting Sheet You may use hard frostings, such as Royal Icing, Marzipan, etc., but you should also put a very thin coating of a buttercream, piping jelly, or at least a fine mist water spray so the the Frosting sheet will adhere to the surface.
What do I do if the Frosting Sheets™ will not come off the backing sheet or appear to be dry and brittle?
Please consult are Frosting Sheet Help Tips.
Can the Frosting Sheet™ be stored after printing?
Yes. Return the printed Frosting Sheet, once printed and place it back in a zip-lock bag. You may choose to dry the image before or after storage. Be sure to keep the image out of any direct light to prevent color deterioration.
Why do bubbles appear on the Frosting Sheet™ when it sits overnight?
In most of the cases, the bubbles are caused by moisture coming up from below the Frosting Sheet. The best preventative measures are to use the recommended frosting and store the image covered in a cool dry place.
Why do cracks appear on the image?
If the cake is allowed to flex during transportation, wrinkles or cracks may appear depending in whether the image was compressed or stretched. Using a double board, especially on the half sheet cakes, will help eliminate this problem.
Are the Frosting Sheets™ FDA approved?
Yes they are.
Are the Frosting Sheets™ kosher?
All Kopykake Frosting Sheets are kosher. See our kosher certificate here.
How many sheets can I print with a set of cartridges?
While it varies based on the color intensity and sizes of the finished images, the Two Kartridge Set for the smaller Canon Printers should yield approximately 30-40 prints. The Four and Five Kartridge Tank Sets later model Canon Epson Printers should yield approximately 85 – 100 prints.
Are the inks and cartridges FDA and EU approved?
Yes.
Are the inks and cartridges kosher?
Yes, our food coloring inks are kosher approved. See our Kosher Certificate here.
Can I refill my cartridges?
Yes. We currently have a Kolor Kartridge Refill Kit available to refill your Kolor Kartridges. However, we do not recommend multiple refills of your cartridges as doing so can increase the likelihood of printing problems.
What do I do if my inks drool or leak?
It is unlikely but sometimes the ink cartridges may drool when first opened, or leak if incorrectly placed into the print head. If your inks drool, hold the cartridge at a 45 degree angle to prevent further spillage and gently wipe the excess ink with a paper towel.