Many artists and designers have questions about software, art supplies, printers, etc. that Karin Schminke uses to make her digital/mixed media work. In addition to checking out the book she co-authored, you may want to look at the the Digital Atelier website (the joint website of the three authors and long term art and technology colaborators.) The Resources section at DigitalAtelier.com covers both hardware/software and processes used by the artists.

The two main tools that allow Karin to integrate digital images with vertually any other media are the Epson 9600 Stylus Pro printer and brush-on precoats from inkAID.com.

The wide-format printers from Epson use pigmented inks for better permanance, have a straight paper path and take substrates that have the thickness of mat board. This allows for printing trouble-free on a wide assortment of substrates.

Here two aluminum panels with paint, rust and inkAID precoat are printed. On the right is the completed work: "Equinox" 24 x 42 inches diptych. © 2006.

The inkAID precoats come in both clear and white as well as a new series of iridescent colors. Check out their website and read their FAQ's which will answer most of your questions.

For a great on-line resource on the technical aspects of digital printing for fine art, check out both Harald Johnson's website and books.