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  • Sublimation Printing – grainy print finish?

    Posted by Jason Bagladi on 10 November 2005 at 00:35

    I have an Epson C86 and use Rotech Ink and coated paper, but seem to get poor results when printing mugs in my Europa Press. The image appears grainy in areas and the colours are not as vibrant as the samples show by the supplier – Listawoods.
    Any suggestions would be appreciated.

    On a side note, any tips for charging a bulk ink system? I keep getting one of the colours not transfering to the cartridge, resulting in loads of head cleaning operations to get the system primed. Again a Rotech Bulk Feed System.

    Simon Kay replied 19 years, 10 months ago 3 Members · 11 Replies
  • 11 Replies
  • Jim Clough

    Member
    10 November 2005 at 09:03

    Which paper are you using?
    Jim

  • Jason Bagladi

    Member
    10 November 2005 at 09:19

    Rotech Jewal (sp) A4. It has a coating on it. Listawoods suggested heating up the print prior to application.

  • Jim Clough

    Member
    10 November 2005 at 15:12

    That’s where your problem is. The Rotech Jewel Paper is a high release paper which is suitable for poly T-shirts etc. but it releases to much of the ink for hard goods, the excess ink has no where to go in the thin coating which cause a build up giving the grained texture look. Try Epson Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper. ref. no. s041061 It’s £9.95 for 100 sheets, instant dry and releases just enough ink.
    Jim

  • Jason Bagladi

    Member
    10 November 2005 at 19:15

    Thanks for the info Jim! Off to Staples to get some to try.

  • Jason Bagladi

    Member
    20 November 2005 at 22:15

    Right, I have got some Epson Photo Paper as suggested. The grainy finish is not evident, but the colours are dull.
    Corel Draw 12 for the design and Listawood colour profiles.
    Europa Press @ 200’c for 3 mins.
    Durham Mugs from Listawoods
    Any ideas

  • Simon Kay

    Member
    20 November 2005 at 22:43

    Are you doing everything to the highest quality setting that you can or are you trying for speed instead ?

    Simon.

  • Jason Bagladi

    Member
    20 November 2005 at 22:45

    All on high settings! Speed isn’t an issue at the moment.

  • Simon Kay

    Member
    20 November 2005 at 22:50

    Got to be your colour profile then, I would think.

    You have a different combination of equipment to us so I can’t really direct you. However I think there should be others available. Ask around. Try some others.

    Good luck, nothing worse that dull.

    Simon.

  • Jim Clough

    Member
    21 November 2005 at 09:49

    Try printing without the profile, ie through the Epson print settings. I tried the Rotech profile and couldn’t get anything acceptaable so ditched it. Also remember the Epson paper is coated so make sure you print on the high white side. You could also try longer time in press.
    Jim

  • Jason Bagladi

    Member
    21 November 2005 at 20:11

    Thanks Simon and Jim for the feedback. Just need to bite the bullet and play around with setting.
    Now, who wants a mug (slight seconds!!) :lol1:

  • Simon Kay

    Member
    21 November 2005 at 22:10

    Hey Baggy,

    Just throw it in my seconds cupboard along with my collection of about 100 mugs 20 t-shirts , polos, place mats etc etc.

    I keep all my stuff ups for the tax man!

    Simon

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