Looking for advice on best setup for creating canvas prints

[Russell]

Im looking into buying a large format inkjet printer for creating
canvas prints of digital photos and artwork.

Does anyone here do the same? If so...
Which printer do you use? (Im looking at an Epson 7600 at present)
What software do you use (do i need a RIP to get good results?)
Do you use original manufacturer inks and canvas or 3rd party stuff
(eg, Lyson inks)?
What are the main problems you come across?

Any other help or advice would be most welcome!

[Douglas]

You're on the right track with the Epson. The new K3 inks are as good as
it gets right now with 200 year life. (yeah... like we're all gonna live
that long!). I use "Magic" brand photo canvas in mine. It leaves a sort
of soft surface but it is durable.

I also use a HP photo plotter with course weave canvas I coat myself
with a mixture of gelatin and crushed chalk. Artists call the stuff
"Geso". You can buy it in some art stores but you have to get the
coating even. I spray it on.

The problem you'll hit is not so much the printing but the fact you
can't stretch the canvas to a frame after it's printed and coated with a
surfactant so you'll need to devise a way of either stretching it or get
hold of a vacuum mounting press and glue it to board with acid free
adhesive. The magic stuff doesn't like glue and Epson stuff costs like
fine wool suits do.

You don't need a RIP unless you intend to output true Postscript files.
Why would you tho?