hey just wondering if you need to buy sublimation ink to print on things like mugs etc or is the paper enough?
thanks
Dye sublimation requires three things:
Dye sublimation ink (which turns into a gas when heated)
Dye sublimation paper (which lets the ink release when it becomes gaseous)
A polymer coated or polyester item that the ink will absorb into
As the others have mentioned, there are also inkjet transfers and laser transfers that cover a wide variety of these types of products as well. The advantage of dye-sub to me, is pretty much the glossy eyecatching look from coasters, puzzles, mugs, etc.
Dye sublimation requires three things:
Dye sublimation ink (which turns into a gas when heated)
Dye sublimation paper (which lets the ink release when it becomes gaseous)
A polymer coated or polyester item that the ink will absorb into
As the others have mentioned, there are also inkjet transfers and laser transfers that cover a wide variety of these types of products as well. The advantage of dye-sub to me, is pretty much the glossy eyecatching look from coasters, puzzles, mugs, etc.
Very nice breakdown, the only thing I would add is the transfer for sublimation is high bond regular paper. The ink when heated to 400 degrees and the ink turns to a gas that perminates the polyener coated items. .... JB
If you use an one of the Epson Photo Printers, which are common in sublimation, they have very nice Pigment ink in them. So you don't have to buy a CISS for it, but if you intend to do many many prints it will save money in the long run.
I use a C88+ for sublimation, though I am looking to go wider with a couple of 1400's
Right now I use an R260 for standard heat transfers. It has Claria ink and the colors POP! Very nice. I will get a 1400 with standard inks so I can print 13 X 19 and cover the shirt.
Good comments. I would add that not all mugs are created equal. So buy from a company that
has a large selection with a good reputation for consistent quality (packaging, shape, hard coating)
David Gross
Last edited by Rodney; June 25th, 2008 at 09:34 AM.
Dye sublimation requires three things:
Dye sublimation ink (which turns into a gas when heated)
Dye sublimation paper (which lets the ink release when it becomes gaseous)
A polymer coated or polyester item that the ink will absorb into
As the others have mentioned, there are also inkjet transfers and laser transfers that cover a wide variety of these types of products as well. The advantage of dye-sub to me, is pretty much the glossy eyecatching look from coasters, puzzles, mugs, etc.
For products like mugs the answer is a loud NO. These coating must meed FDA requirements for lead and
cadmium. Yes there coatings out there but understand they must be applied correctly. I have personally
used an automotive clear coat for testing new types of tiles.
For products like mugs the answer is a loud NO. These coating must meed FDA requirements for lead and
cadmium. Yes there coatings out there but understand they must be applied correctly. I have personally
used an automotive clear coat for testing new types of tiles.
Re: do you need special inks for dye sub mugs, or is the paper enough?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ruch1v
hey my titles changed:S i dont just want it on mugs, but all items such asmousemats, plastics keyrings,lighters etc
Sublimation is sublimation. Any item can be sublimated if it has a polymer coating. The gas from the transfer goes into the coating on the item; not the item itself.
In the case of fabrics, the fibers must be synthetic. In this situation, the subliming process causes the gas to actually go into the fibers. Since it becomes a part of the fabric, you again, cannot feel anything.
Polyester is the most common fabric. There are others: nylon (very tricky because of the sublimation temperatures required) and most types of satin, to name a few. I have a few clients offering upscale satin totes that are beautiful.
Quality coatings not applied with professional equipment look amateurish at best. At worst, if the coating is not applied in a dust controlled environment and within a correct temperature and humidity range, it will delaminate.
I made my first sublimation print in 1981 and would sooner try to fly by flapping my arms, than try to coat my own products.
That doesn't even take into account that some of the possible coating materials are carcinogenic and explosive.
Others may have differing knowledge.
__________________
Jack - staff@alphasupply.com - Alpha Supply Company - Dye Sub Tips
Heat Press Equipment and Supplies - 1-800-908-9916
This is a discussion about do you need special inks for dye sub mugs, mousepads, etc, or is the paper enough? that was posted in the Dye Sublimation section of the forums.
do you need special inks for dye sub mugs, mousepads, etc, or is the paper enough? 
