[NewGreg]

I've been making ceramics for years, and I'm looking for a low-investment way of doing full color mugs. I have a process to transfer iron oxide based designs which can be fired onto ceramics, but this limits me to only shades of brown. I'd like to find a full-color process that works well for short-run items. Ceramic decals are just too expensive for me since I tend to only do a few of any particular design at a time.

Looking around, it seems like dye sublimation will do what I'm wanting to do, but I'd be interested in hearing about other methods if they exist.

Currently, I'm leaning toward a Ricoh SG 3110DN from Conde using their mugs, mug wraps, ink and paper. I figure if I stick with one supplier, I shouldn't have too much trouble getting the different elements to work together with satisfactory results.

If there is anyone who has used this specific process, I would like to hear what their results were.

I'd like to try before I buy, if possible. I'm thinking that if I can find someone who can provide printed transfers, I can bake them on the mugs here, and see how they sell. Should sales reach the point that it justifies the cost of buying a printer, I would go ahead and make the full investment.

 

[headfirst]

Are you able to glaze them with a polyester resin? The ceramic won't naturally take the sublimation print. It needs a poly coating to absorb the dye.

 

[NewGreg]

I would be interested in trying that if that's a thing people do. I was under the impression that I needed mass-produced mugs designed for sublimation, such as those sold by Conde.

 

[charles95405]

The mugs from Conde are coated and ready for sublimation. I currently use the Richol 3100 without any issues. I have been a customer of Conde for years. You will do fine with them, Especially when starting out.

 

[headfirst]

I would be interested in trying that if that's a thing people do. I was under the impression that I needed mass-produced mugs designed for sublimation, such as those sold by Conde.

Yes you do. Based on your post I thought you were making your own mugs.

 

[NewGreg]

Cool. Yeah, their mugs are only a little more than the regular ceramic mugs I have been using.

If I do find someone to make some prints for me, how long will I be able to keep them before using them?

Do they need to be used quickly after printing, or is it ok to keep them in a drawer for 6 months?

 

[charles95405]

You can use them as soon as they cool from the heat press. BUT hand wash, the dishwasher is not good.

 

[NewGreg]

Oh, that's good to know, but I meant from the time they come out of the printer until they are used in the press.

Will a 6 month old print still transfer to the mug as well as a new print?

 

[headfirst]

Oh, that's good to know, but I meant from the time they come out of the printer until they are used in the press.

Will a 6 month old print still transfer to the mug as well as a new print?

In theory yes, but in practice there are a lot of variables at play. You need to keep the printed transfers dry and control the humidity.

 

[mgparrish]

Oh, that's good to know, but I meant from the time they come out of the printer until they are used in the press.

Will a 6 month old print still transfer to the mug as well as a new print?

If you store your transfers in a sealed moisture free bag most should hold for 6 months. The use of a desiccant in the sealed bag will keep out moisture. These come in small packets and are often found in the shipping boxes of electronic equipment. AKA silica gel.

The bags should be stored in a cool dry and dark environment.

 

[mgparrish]

You can use them as soon as they cool from the heat press. BUT hand wash, the dishwasher is not good.

Charles, I have to strongly disagree. Some of Conde's mug are not dishwasher safe, but some are.

Some can be washed in a dish washer only using a detergent that is bleach free, and others that are RN coated don't even have that restriction.

Classic 11oz and 15oz Mugs - DyeTrans.com

The Cactus mugs I use can be put in commercial dishwashers that restaurants use, those have higher water pressures and temperatures than the typical home dishwasher has.

One of long time members of DSSI that only does mugs exclusively has performed a serious of tests (even boiling the mugs) a few years back on mug coatings. RN and Cactus hard coatings are superior in the dishwasher. Some of Conde's mugs are RN coated.

Photo Mug, imprinting photo picture, logo, text on custom coffee mugs, cup

DSSI

 

[Osoyoos]

NewGreg, I've used a mug wrap to print mugs. I have a Ricoh printer with SubliJet ink. I've used sublimated images that I had locked up in a Tupperware plastic container without problems on tile or fabric.

I'm also trying to sell my equipment. If you are interested please look at
http://batonrouge.craigslist.org/bfs/4342614086.html

 

[PhilDx]

I've run many mugs (hard coated) through the dishwasher many times. They will eventually start to 'fade' but it takes ages for this to happen. I've had commecially glazed decorated mugs that faded faster.