21 Feb 2026, 18:37 Re: Blizzard Convection Oven Owners 21 Feb 2026, 18:37 Re: Blizzard Convection Oven Owners
Having just had some duff prints due to fading towards the handle I decided my adkins presses needed new blankets. BUGGER they are expensive!
I have a George Knight mug press which is a cracker. I suspect I would have heart attack if I needed a blanket for that.


Blizzard oven ordered. Wraps ordered.

This thread has been really useful in making the decision.

Cheers folks. :D

Martin (AKA Janners)

19 Feb 2026, 12:55 Re: Welcome to the new DSF! 19 Feb 2026, 12:55 Re: Welcome to the new DSF!
Thanks button now installed!

Please see attached screen shot, thumbs up (or down if you want to remove thanks) at the end of the blue icons.

28 Feb 2026, 20:27 Re: Time V Temperauture 28 Feb 2026, 20:27 Re: Time V Temperauture
Hi Tony

It's been trial and error. I get curious and start exploring variations.
Many years ago I read an article about sublimation on outdoor signs. The recommendation was low and slow for durability, but there was no explanation or proof of why.

If this (low and slow) does create better durability it's useful for mugs.
I have found that hot and fast means over cooking happens quick, but that is an obvious event.

I have just switched from presses to an oven, hence playing with time / temp again. :D

19 Feb 2026, 12:45 Re: Welcome to the new DSF! 19 Feb 2026, 12:45 Re: Welcome to the new DSF!
Please try the upload again, it was set very low and has now been raised so 'should' be ok

07 Apr 2026, 11:58 Re: Who made it to the new forum? 07 Apr 2026, 11:58 Re: Who made it to the new forum?
I have sent a mass email out to all members, assuming they received it things should get busier again.

We have had a small influx of new members joining as well in recent weeks.

02 Jun 2026, 11:21 Re: Forum Update - Please Read 02 Jun 2026, 11:21 Re: Forum Update - Please Read
I've changed your password and sent you a new one via PM and Email....let me know if you get it sorted ok. Thanks, Justin

17 Apr 2026, 21:22 Re: eBay....Does it still work???? 17 Apr 2026, 21:22 Re: eBay....Does it still work????
my mate claude said
For bulk printed mugs (i.e. wholesale/trade quantities rather than one-at-a-time retail), the channels are quite different:
Best options

Direct B2B outreach — approach businesses directly: offices, pubs, cafés, sports clubs, tourist attractions. A cold email or call with samples is often all it takes. Highest margin, no platform fees.
Your own website — a dedicated trade/wholesale page on your WooCommerce site with a bulk pricing table and minimum order quantity. Easy to set up and positions you professionally.
Not On The High Street / Etsy — reasonable for branded bulk gifting enquiries, though fees hurt and it's more retail-leaning.
Trade shows and markets — good for face-to-face bulk orders, especially gift trade shows (Spring Fair, Top Drawer).
LinkedIn — underrated for B2B. A post showing your print quality and bulk pricing can generate serious enquiries, especially from businesses looking for branded merchandise.

19 Feb 2026, 13:28 Re: Welcome to the new DSF! 19 Feb 2026, 13:28 Re: Welcome to the new DSF!

Justin wrote: 19 Feb 2026, 12:45 Please try the upload again, it was set very low and has now been raised so 'should' be ok

Added to my screen print post

19 Jun 2026, 08:46 Re: Wasn’t sure where to add this? Help with impact outlines 19 Jun 2026, 08:46 Re: Wasn’t sure where to add this? Help with impact outlines
If I read you right, this sounds no different to window tinting or at least the same principles might apply.

Have a look at this for starters
https://youtu.be/24jXVfO62RQ?si=GcsyP81m8pFMpsIa


There's a whole bunch of them that might help.

Otherwise give Roland a call, they used to be very helpful, maybe its in their promo book

21 Apr 2026, 15:38 Re: eBay....Does it still work???? 21 Apr 2026, 15:38 Re: eBay....Does it still work????
Try not to pay £50 a month for premium, ive found it next to useless

21 Feb 2026, 08:00 Re: Welcome to the new DSF! 21 Feb 2026, 08:00 Re: Welcome to the new DSF!
I made it here. So coming over to the new home must be easy!
Great work Justin. I would miss it if it wasn't around.

Martin (AKA Janners)

11 Apr 2026, 11:00 Re: Any Etsy Experts out there 11 Apr 2026, 11:00 Re: Any Etsy Experts out there
I'm no Etsy expert but we've been on the platform for a number of years. Initially we preferred it to NOTHS as fees were around 7% on Etsy, 25% on NOTHS. The fees have increased over the years on Etsy to the point where they now take a % of your shipping!

Issue with Etsy is you have to really be on the ball, if you don't respond to a message quickly, ship quickly etc. you get a reduced rating. This happens very easily and impacts your products visibility on searches. Very soon you can get warnings from them.

Contacting Etsy as a seller is made extremely difficult. Best description I was ever given for Etsy is that they are the farmer who owns all of the land, you are renting some of that land without a contract. if they want you "Off my land!!" They just boot you off. Happened to us many years ago, we came in on what should have been a busy Monday morning to find zero orders. Not notification from Etsy but they'd suspended our account. It took me 2 weeks to get to speak to a human being in Ireland and I had to really push to get it investigated. Most folk give up at this stage it appears. Eventually after a further couple of weeks the suspension was lifted. No apology, we were told our account had 'incorrectly' been associated with another seller who was breaking the rules! Ever since we've been fine.

You need 500+ products to stand any chance of standing out. Great titles and descriptions, the algorithm was always getting changed so the goal posts move, it's a full time job keeping on top of everything.

Etsy can and does work but you have to put in the time. Everything is pretty much saturated and it's hard to stand out. Advertising does help but you can find yourself paying £300 per month only to get £300 a month in orders so had to be carefully monitored.

06 Jun 2026, 08:04 Re: Mug press shape types 06 Jun 2026, 08:04 Re: Mug press shape types
Anything involving a curved surface would be a challenge. So straight and tapered sides do-able. Curved profiles would need somebody else to chip in.

22 Apr 2026, 09:40 Re: Anybody used Raja? 22 Apr 2026, 09:40 Re: Anybody used Raja?
I sent the elusive "Raja" an email on Friday with a simple question regarding their 10oz and 11oz mugs. As they list them as the same height, width and volume i wanted to know what was the difference? It appears on obvious question.
The response? Errr no don't be silly, there hasn't been one!
I messaged the EU side of Raja when I didn't get a response to my initial enquiry asking if the UK warehouse was still open. They replied in 10 minutes.

So I give up with Raja UK. I might just stir the pot a bit by sending an email to the EU side highlighting the lack of response from the UK. Just for my own amusement. :lol:

Martin

01 Mar 2026, 14:30 Re: Forum Update - Please Read 01 Mar 2026, 14:30 Re: Forum Update - Please Read
Where is everybody? It's gone quiet.

11 Apr 2026, 11:43 Re: Any Etsy Experts out there 11 Apr 2026, 11:43 Re: Any Etsy Experts out there
My advice would be to concentrate on your own website and drive traffic there, far better in the long run, you have full control. Sure, it's not an easy option but imo much better.

Lots of folk rely on Etsy and it bites them in the bum.

30 Jun 2026, 11:48 Re: MUG OVEN SILICONE WRAP ADVICE (PLEASE) 30 Jun 2026, 11:48 Re: MUG OVEN SILICONE WRAP ADVICE (PLEASE)
Thank you for your reply.

I use S Race 120gsm Vivid sublimation paper, I have been testing 2 sheets of plain copy paper and a lot less ink on the wraps.

I have now also reduced my time for 1 x 11oz mug in the oven to 190c for 8 minutes and the results are brilliant for the photos and the black text is sharp.

Now just have to figure out the times from 1 - 20 mugs :(

29 Apr 2026, 09:14 Re: Anybody used Raja? 29 Apr 2026, 09:14 Re: Anybody used Raja?
Well this morning I decided to put my "big boy pants on" and overcome my aversion to Raja after all the faffing.

Ohhhh..... They print very well.
160 degrees in the oven for 20 minutes.
Epson ET-1810
Inktec Sublinova
Ink experts 120gsm paper.

Now if only they weren't such a useless company to deal with. :roll:

01 Mar 2026, 17:49 Re: Forum Update - Please Read 01 Mar 2026, 17:49 Re: Forum Update - Please Read
Hopefully members are making the transition but I'll send it a bulk email.

11 Apr 2026, 14:42 Re: Any Etsy Experts out there 11 Apr 2026, 14:42 Re: Any Etsy Experts out there
There are essentially 2 views on how to work Etsy.

1/ As many products as fast as possible and advertise everything with loads of money.
2/ Don't do the above.

A link to a chap who is the second option.

https://www.youtube.com/@etsyconsultant

I have linked to that as there are gazillions of "experts" for option 1.

I am just returning to Etsy after years away, so I can't advise which is best. However I am following option 2 to see if it works.

Also trying to get a website running and eBay.

I used to do alright out of eBay and Etsy but got distracted with a different business idea, which never really got off the ground. I should have stuck with what I was doing originally, but "Hey Hoe" that's life. :lol:

24 Aug 2020, 22:33 Re: MDP mug press. Read here owner review and pics. 24 Aug 2020, 22:33 Re: MDP mug press. Read here owner review and pics.
So seeing as so many questions are asked about this press I think it’s best I put as many answers here as possible.



[U][B]How much is the press:

[/B][/U]At the time it cost me £125 plus vat from mdp supplies.

thanks to olly @ukprintedmugs I have discovered signzworld sell the same press for £89 sometimes reduced to £85 on their eBay store.

It’s exactly the same press!

[URL]https://signzworld.co.uk/shop/mug-heat-press-machine-st-130-sublimation-printing/[/url]



[U][B]Does it work:[/B][/U]

Yes very well if used right.

[U][B]

What times and temps should I use: [/B][/U]

For mugs: I have it set to 185 *c and 185 sec

For travel mugs and water bottles: 185*c and 45 sec



[U][B]Pressing a mug:

[/B][/U]


[LIST=1]

[*]Switch on the press and when it reaches set temperature it will beep to say hey i'm ready.

[*]I insert a mug and close the press.

[*]As soon as the press is closed the timer will start to countdown.

[*]The insufferable non stop beeping will start when the timer reaches zero. (if you are using multiple presses this will annoy you)

[*]Remove mug from press after the 185 sec and dunk it in hot water and shake vigorously to remove the print.

[*](If making more mugs just add mug to press as soon as i remove the first mug and close the press no waiting)

[/LIST]

[U][B]Top Tip:[/B][/U]

I dunk my mugs into hot water [COLOR=#ff0000](from the hot tap not kettle)[/COLOR] leaving the print on the mug and shaking until the paper falls away. Using cool or cold water may give issues with cracking of the mug or coating.

This stops the sublimation process instantly and any issue with blurring on images



[U][B]Can it do a full mug print:[/B][/U]

Yes technically I do full mug prints allowing a gap for the handle Of course. (See images)



[U][B]Will it cater for other items e.g. water bottles etc:[/B][/U]

Yes But as all presses you will need a different element for each different size item.



[U][B]How much pressure should I use:[/B][/U]

Personally I use quite a bit of pressure to ensure a nice snug fit around the mug and paper.

When the handle reaches the half way point it’s starting to get a little tension so when fully closed it’s clamped in. This is down to personal preference though.



[U][B]What paper and inks do you use:[/B][/U]

I use truepix paper and sublinova inks in an epson et2711.

UPDATE: I have now switched to ink experts mug paper (can't remember which one though style lite I think)



[U][B]What mugs do you use:[/B][/U]

I only use Durham 10oz mugs from mdp. I have been through lots of different types of mugs from lots of different sources but the mdp mugs are consistent and good quality.

[B]Not to mention dishwasher safe even on high heat.[/B]



[U][B]Do you pre heat your mugs:[/B][/U]

I have started to warm my mugs in hot water and drying before applying the print and pressing.

I had been making some designs where the image ends around 3mm from the base and found some fading around the base.

using hot water got the base of the mug up to around 50*c and worked very well. Although all my other designs do not require warming of the mug.



[U][B]Have you had problems with this press:[/B][/U]

I have had little to no issues with this press apart from a few heating elements that went pop or bubbled as they were heating.

Mdp were or are fantastic with warranty and are more than happy to resolve issues with customers.



[U][B]Spares:[/B][/U]

Elements are very cheap at only £18 +vat from mdp and I always keep two spares as I make a lot of mugs and you can never be to careful.



[U][B]Taping the design:

[/B][/U]I see so many people absolutely plastering their mugs and tumblers with kapton tape (heat tape) there's no need.

I add a small strip to each side of the mug (see below) and the pressure of the press itself holds the design in place so there is really no need for all that tape people.



[ATTACH=CONFIG]7174[/ATTACH]



Inserting the first mug.
[youtube=youtube;VhZ-Y4G3LZg]https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=VhZ-Y4G3LZg[/youtube]

I can only add one video here sorry.

Changing mugs

[URL]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H_4b6ZwN7Hc%3F[/url]



I will update this post as and if needed.

I keep meaning to make a video of setup and use but just haven’t had a chance yet. I will get to it I promise.





[ATTACH=CONFIG]6337[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]6338[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]6339[/ATTACH]



[COLOR=#ff0000]If this post has helped please feel free to click the thanks button or post your question and I will do my best to answer them.[/COLOR]

04 Aug 2026, 17:23 Re: Considering trying dye sublimation---sort of 04 Aug 2026, 17:23 Re: Considering trying dye sublimation---sort of
Haha, nope heading sooth this time! Time will tell what's next....hopefully it hurrys up and blooming tells me!

08 Mar 2026, 17:21 Re: Forum is Harder to Navigate 08 Mar 2026, 17:21 Re: Forum is Harder to Navigate
Found it

Quick links, top left hand corner "New Posts" also "Unread Posts" etc.

16 Apr 2026, 18:35 Re: Return to Business - Should not have left! 16 Apr 2026, 18:35 Re: Return to Business - Should not have left!
Niche down (once you've found the niche that is). Good luck.

07 Apr 2026, 13:20 Re: Wide format fastest print and cut? 07 Apr 2026, 13:20 Re: Wide format fastest print and cut?
We looked at going down the route of a wide format coupled with a graphtec cutter at one point but realised it’d be too much hassle. The only advantage would be it could’ve been left to run overnight but then we’d have loads of mug wraps to collect and make sure they were right way round, etc.

We went down the route of a desktop printer (currently sawgrass) and pre cut mug sheets. On a busy day we do about 500 mugs a day and the sawgrass just about keeps up.