I have been decoupaging designs onto ceramic tiles and backing with cork. They look great, but I would like to improve the quality of the product as well as utilize my time better. I would like to start out with a good basic system. Can anyone tell me what equipment/accessories I need as well as a good place to get 4 x 4 and 6 x 6 tiles? Thanks so much indeed!
Re: Help! What system/equipment is needed for tiles?
You could sublimate the tiles you are talking about. You would need a basic sublimation printer, a heat press, and a couple of accessories. You need to have your design on a graphics program such as Coreldraw or Photoshop. You then print the image with the sublimation inkjet printer, and apply the image to the specially coated tiles using the heat press. That is a very basic description.
__________________
Kevin Lumberg
Sublimation Specialist, Johnson Plastics, 888-869-7834
Re: Help! What system/equipment is needed for tiles?
we use an epson c86(discontinued) with refillable carts and sub ink. you can get a new small format printer with carts. DKs20 heat press. we have been doing mostly tiles for years and they turn out great. get hold of linda brooks at conde she can set you up. we mainly do 4.25 and 6" tiles, lots of ways to display them. good luck.
Re: Help! What system/equipment is needed for tiles?
If your going to make tiles with sublimation,I suggest the felt pad from johnson plastics. This helps keep the tiles from cracking. I suggest a name brand swing away press too. I suggest the swing away because it makes tiles easier and the name brand for quality. ..... JB
Re: Help! What system/equipment is needed for tiles?
Thank you all so very much. I have all my designs in Paint Shop Pro. I have an HP Color Laserjet 2605dn - would that work or will I need to get another printer?
Re: Help! What system/equipment is needed for tiles?
the c120 will print standard letter size...I prefer the Epson 1400 over the 1800 as it uses 6 colors not 8...for sublimation you do not need 8...and it does 11x17 prints.. Where are you located? that will help us direct you to a source for tiles...closer the better since they are heavy to ship. and you have to have specially coated tiles for sublimation...The cheapest place I know is on the west coast...but that does not help someone in the east.
Re: Help! What system/equipment is needed for tiles?
You can open files from Paint Shop in Corel Draw so no problems there. Have you considered using laser sublimation also you can do laser transfers to standard tiles with special transfer papers. I have used Versatrans For Hardgoods. They take more practice than dye sub but a lot of people are using them succesfully. There are advantages and disadvantages for both types. Personally I use inkjet dye sub since patience is not one of my few virtues.
You may want to check out the website at Alpha Supply Company, one of the sponsors here since it is full of good info and they sell a press called the Tile Master if you are into volume production that is worth reading about.
Re: Help! What system/equipment is needed for tiles?
Wow, I have a lot of researching to do! I live in Virginia, so no, a West Coast outfit may not be economical. Thanks again, you are really helping me narrow my research.
Vicky
Help! What system/equipment is needed for tiles? 
