Discuss the different brands, makes and models of printers used to print inkjet and laser heat transfers. Also includes information on the inks that can be used to make your own transfers.
WHAT IS THIS?? i was reading the best blanks site about Dye Sub. and have no idea why it is telling me i NEED power driver pro.. especially since i ONLY have macs and it only runs on windows!
I read (kinda) that it color corrects for printing on things like metalic items.. but do i REALLY need it? is there a mac counter part?
one of the bumps that Mac users run into is that a lot of programs that the PC world uses is not available for Macs...A constant source of frustration for my wife, an avid Mac user
yea.. but do i NEED it. i mean, i have illustrator adn photoshop, which is what i will be doing all of my editing from.. I will be printing mostly on white things to start with anyways..
Is it nessecary to run that printer?? There is no way i am buying a PC for this!
"If your computer and software do not meet these requirements, please contact your BestBlanks for other color management options."
http://www.bestblanks.com/epsonprinters.html
"The 1400 is the next step for those looking to upgrade from older Epson models and users looking to upgrade to a true tabloid-sized printer for t-shirts, mugs, license plates, plaques and more. The 1400 is an ideal upgrade for Epson 1280 owners looking for improved quality, speed and stability. Sublijet PowerDriver Color Management Software with latest Windows and Mac drivers are included at no charge. Sublimation inks sold separately"
ok.. but do i NEED them. What do they do? I mean, my computer comes with loads of regular drivers installed already, i can get an epson driver FROM epson.. what does the power driver do?
looks like it helps with color matching... I'm guessing you can print with only the Epson drivers...
Explanation of PowerDriver Pro Software
PowerDriverPro for Windows
PowerDriver Pro is our own proprietary printer software, working alongside Epson's printer software to automatically color match artwork for metal, ceramic, fabric, mouse pads, and Unisub wood board. PowerDriver automatically sets the Epson printer settings for SubliJet printing. Using PowerDriver is simple. Simply design your artwork, print to the PowerDriver printer, and transfer the image. Colors print the way you expect and photographic images look like the original. For spot color matches, PowerDriver comes with a useful color table that approximates Pantone spot colors for corporate logos and signage.
PowerDriver works alongside any graphics design software that runs under Microsoft Windows operating systems. If you can print from your application, you can print to PowerDriver!
yea.. i read that. That is what i KINDA understood from their explaination too, but the thing is, they say its required.. SO i am basically asking if anyone uses an epson printer for Dye Sub and DOES NOT use that driver?
I use Artainium inks with only the Artainium ICC profile and CorelDraw. My prints are pretty comparable to what I see on the screen. When it first prints, it does look a little bit faded on the paper, but once they sublimate into the coating, looks real sharp. I just did a puzzle yesterday for a friend's daughter for her birthday and I'm thinking about replacing the one in my shop with it, I'll include some photos in a bit.
I have a true to print color monitor because we do photographer, and use photoshop for all editing.. So if i knew i was printing on a darker image, couldnt i do it by hand? and when printing on white, i wouldnt need any of that stuff.. So really, CAN you run an epson printer with the dye sub. cartridges without that software??
Other than color correction, does it do anything different?
ICC profiles are used by printers and software to color correct, usually they're used for specific materials (similar to choosing Glossy Photo Paper as opposed to regular paper when printing), but in this case it's for the sublimation ink (Artainium) itself, since sublimation ink does have different properties than what your regular printer uses.
Finished that puzzle, here's the photos of the initial image, my adjustments (she likes pink, hence the pink clouds), pre-press, postpress, and a closeup.
haha.. i love how that piece fits right on her nose!!
Anyways, I understand now, but i COULD make my own color profiles in photoshop by just testing a few options and creating an "action" For instance, i have created some profiles to use when printing photos on metallic paper, glossy paper, or matte paper... so i would just create a profile for stainless steel, ceramic, puzzles, ect the same way!
I'm going to be printing lots of tests anyway, so i can just keep note of the adjustments..
Does this make sense?? is doing it manually acceptale?
yes, I've heard of different companies offering different profiles altogether. Most people either don't have the knowledge to create their own profile, or don't want to spend the time and money (the ink is quite expensive). A lot of time the color correction is included when you buy the bulk system, but if you're a perfectionist, then you may get better results tweaking yourself. Do take into consideration that what is on the paper isn't always what is on the substrate like I showed, the paper before heatpress has a bit more dull of a look than the finished product (which adds a glossy finish and the ink I believe becomes darker when heated).
yes, i have read about the dullness of thepaper, and can clearly see it in the pictures posted above. That is good to know so i dont freak out when i print my first ones.
I'm just trying to put together a list of things that i would need to print my own stuff..
I would LIKE to have
1 flat heat press
1 mug press
a C120 epson printer
inks
heat tape
paper
blanks
(do i need some kind of coating?)
I cant think of things that i need though..i keep looking and looking and its all so overwhelming
Hi. I had to create my own colour profile for sublimation, as I am in the fortunate position of not having to use Sawgrass inks, due to having a large format printer.
The reason you need a profile, is that the inks have different qualities to regular inkjet printers, so you end up with things like brighter blues, deeper reds etc. The profile corrects those differences in the ink, so you end up with what is seen on screen (usually).
Sublimation needs quite a bit more work than regular inkjet printing to get the colours just right.
I'm sure with trial and error, if i stick with the same ink brand, i can make my own profiles, like i do with photo printing.. but if they have one for mac, i would rather just get one specifically forit..
WHAT?? do i really NEED this? 
