I use color laser printing in producing color mass produced product
which is sold at many stores. The quality, when done correctly, is
nearly equivalent to a commercial post card printing quality, which is
pretty reasonable.
However, if you want glossy surface, that's a problem. I use hot
laminate to get that result, and it looks good. In fact, it improves
the image quality by smoothing the toner dots a bit, and increasing
contrast via the glossiness of the surface.
The toners (and Minolta's in particular) tend to be pretty matte, so on
glossy paper they tend to dull the paper anywhere they are applied,
while the non-toner area is very glossy. So, I use a matte surface card
or cover stock and use a hot laminate.
However, I did just read (I thinking this group) of a new laser printer
paper that is glossy and somehow it keeps it gloss. I suspect the toner
is melted into and below the surface of the paper somehow so that the
gloss surface remains intact (I have not used it and I don't even recall
it's name).
Since a color laser printer is a major investment, I suggest people go
to a dealer and test it with your own papers and even images if possible.
Art
