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Pressing tiles
Hello
Does anybody know how not to break tiles when using a heat press? Trying to print sublimation tiles they do print very well but never in one piece. I put them face up with a layer of silicone both under and over it (1 mil thick) temp. 200 Celsius for 3 minutes. (the tiles are from Listawood)
Iosif
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3 Replies
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Hi Iosif
You need to pull back on the pressure a little. The platen needs to make contact with the tile, but not that much. Just needs to be enough for the tile to press into the silicon very slightly.
Also, you only need to use one piece of silicon rather than two. If printing the tile face up, place the silicon over the top of the tile.
If printing the tile face down, place the silicon on the bed of the press, the transfer print side up on the silicon, and finally the tile face down on the transfer.
I personally often find it easiest to decorate tile face down in the press. Works just as well (perhaps takes a minute or so longer – ie 200 degrees C for 4 to 5 minutes), and much easier to line up the image.
Hope this helps. If you are still struggling, feel free to get in touch with me.
Alex
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Thank you Alex .
I managed to print two tiles with excellent results…
I also got some mousepads (fabric top) how long do these need ?I did them in relatively short time 12 secs and they came out washed out…Any help is appreciated
Thank you
Iosif -
Hi Iosif
It varies slightly from press to press, but generally with textile topped mats you should print them for 20 to 30 seconds at 200 to 210 degrees C.
In most cases 30 seconds at 200 degrees C does the trick.
Unlike the ceramic tiles, you have to decorate these face up, with the paper placed print side down on top. Also, there is no need to use the silicon rubber sheet with this product.
Hope this helps.
Alex.
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