where can i source mouse mats please?

[red dragon]

Hi Gav,

I use the sublimation inks for transfer onto mousemats.

Not tried transfer paper method.

You would be right though that you print in mirror, then transfer with heat press. If it’s still on the board I’ve posted a pic of one of the subli mousemats that I’ve done, take a look at that.

Best place to get them I would say is Listawood Trade Supplies
Tel. No: 01485 529100
They do three different thicknesses of mat prices start from 51p for rectangular and 46p for round.

Hope this helps

[WP_Graphics]

Thanks Sharon,

Do you have a special printer set up for doing sublimation only? I was thinking in using my Epson C80 and swapping the cartridges over. What do you recommend??

Gav

[Lorraine Buchan]

Gav,

If i’m correct – you can’t swap carts from normal to sublimation and back, once you use the printer for sublimation thats it its no good for normal printing. Don’t ask me why it was just something i’m sure i was told.

[red dragon]

Hi Gav,

I have my Epson C80 set as a dedicated sublimation printer, since I have the use of 3 others it’s not a problem.

Lorraine is right in respect of not changing from one form of cartridge to another. The main reason being if i recall correctly is that some of the ink remains in the chamber, and if changing from normal to subli would not give a vivid enough transfer. Even when you fit the subli inks for the first time its always better to print off a couple of A4 sheets (obviously at the lowest resolution) to ensure the subli inks are coming through the head and not the remains of standard ink.

If done visa versa, then the normal ink printouts would like very washed out.

From my experience the Rotech (Listawood) inks are definately not as problematic as the Sawgrass inks, in that they do not appear to clog the print head with pigment residue, and it might be worth trying.

I always print a nozzle check before printing out anything anyway, it’s cheaper than a lost A4 sheet. 😛

[Martin C]

Sharon,

Do you get Vivid colours using sublimation onto Mousemats? It’s one area that I’m not entirely happy with as the image always looks poor.

I’d agree that Listawood are good but use Xpres as I can get everything including shirts, placemats, mugs, name badges etc., from one source

[red dragon]

Hi Martin,

I’m more than pleased with the colours on the mousemats. I haven’t tried this yet, but, on the dye sub forum they recommend pre heating the mousemat for a few seconds (similar to tees).

With you getting everything of Xpres I assume you’re using SG inks – watch those printer heads – they will clog. I used SG for 2 years and was glad to see the back of them.

I get my tees, polos (subli) and cutting transfer film from Xpres, and find them a great firm to deal with.

For mugs, mousemats, inks I stick with Listawood, I prefer their mugs, and they really are dishwasher proof. I’ve had one living in the dishwasher since I first installed the inks (april/may) washed at 65deg (hot fill dishwasher) and it’s still good.

[Martin C]

I’ll have another go with some different settings on Power Driver pro.

Do you use this software?

Also if your’e printing a mat do you print direct from your Photo package (I use Corel Paintor Ulead photo Impact) or do as I do and import it into Corel Draw first?