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digitalark
29-08-2010, 12:18 AM
Hi

While I have been screen printing and transfer printing for many years, I have only just embarked on sublimation printing for mugs.

I have purchased an Epson D92 with sub inks and a wrap round mug press. I also have purchased 36 coated mugs for sub and the related paper.

I printed some trial transfers and printed them onto the mugs following the instructions. The result was pretty good. I would also like to add that I cooled the mugs in cold water after printing.

Now for my question. I wanted to make sure the designs would last. So we have been using a couple of the mugs in every day use (tea coffee, etc). The mugs have been washed in the dishwasher at the 65 degree full cycle. The mugs have been washed about 7 - 10 times with no issue. However, today I noticed that the red text on one of the mugs looks like it has 'ghosted'. The direction of the 'ghosting' is down. Can anyone give me some ideas why this should have happened after a number of washes and what I can do to eliminate the issue.

Many thanks

Simon
Digital Ark

Glen
29-08-2010, 07:54 AM
Hi Simon..the mugs can't have been dishwasher proof as we use mugs here in the shop that we printed over a year ago and washed every day and still look good..Where did you get the mugs from..?

bms
29-08-2010, 10:06 AM
Hi Simon,

Have to agree with Glen - this is a typical "non dishwasher proof" coating. Sometimes the really bad coatings will flake off, others will look good when printed but then the image fades as you wash it - sometimes the first wash sometimes after a few washes (as you're now finding).

There's a post on here somewhere with a link to mugs printed with different coatings and how they fair in a dishwasher. The ones we sell are RN coated and the image doesn't change at all. You'll pay more for a good coated mug but then it will be fully dishwasher safe/ proof whatever you want to call it.

digitalark
29-08-2010, 08:22 PM
Martin /Glen

Thanks for the prompt replies.

I can't find the original order. However, I was pretty sure it stated dishwasher proof. But guess they probably were not.

Where is the best place to buy dishwasher proof mugs in the UK and what is the typical cost?

Will the mugs I currently have be OK if they are hand washed?

Thanks

Simon
www.digitalark.co.uk (http://www.digitalark.co.uk)

bms
29-08-2010, 08:42 PM
I'll blow our own trumpet here - we have RN coated sublimation mugs which are totally dishwasher safe. These apply to the more popular European mugs as well as the 11oz mugs as well as several others. We have a special offer on our website for a single case of these to new customers so for £40 inc vat and carriage you can try a case of 36. They are on our website at:
http://www.PrinterOwners.co.uk and in the search box just type in European or 11oz and you'll be taken right there.
The website seems a little slow from my end this evening for some reason though.

digitalark
29-08-2010, 08:48 PM
Hi Martin,

I will take a look later - for some reason the page is not loading.

Not sure who your hosting is with but perhaps you may want to look at our hosting services at www.digitalark.co.uk (http://www.digitalark.co.uk)

Regards

Simon
www.digitalark.co.uk (http://www.digitalark.co.uk)

AdamB
29-08-2010, 09:46 PM
The website seems a little slow from my end this evening for some reason though.

I noticed it was running a little slow a couple of days ago Martin ............. thought it was me?

Justin
29-08-2010, 09:58 PM
Had difficulties getting onto BMS site this evening Martin, still struggling now, seems a little hit and miss.

I can vouch for BMS mugs, certainly the best I've ever used.

bms
29-08-2010, 10:17 PM
Sorry, not a lot I can do unfortunately. The hosts themselves are aso having problems so I can only assume someone, somewhere (over the rainbow... :) ) is looking into it.

JSR
31-08-2010, 12:39 AM
If it's helpful, I have a page on my site to demonstrate the different dishwasher properties of mugs.

I did some tests with three types of mug - one that wasn't dishwasher safe at all, one that the supplier said was dishwasher safe but "not dishwasher proof" - a qualification I've never really understood (it's either dishwasher safe or it isn't as far as I'm concerned), and a third that really is dishwasher safe.

The pictures speak for themselves - http://www.mugsandgifts.co.uk/dishwashing-mugs

I used the last of my allegedly "dishwasher safe (not dishwasher proof)" mugs for family and friends. I had reports back that they were not up to daily handwashing either. Needless to say, I don't buy them any more.

PS - I can't get through to the BMS website today either. Wanted to check on pricing of something. Hope it's back up and running tomorrow.