Alternative tape for mug press

[Jen]

Hi,

I was told I could use masking tape to hold my design in place while in the mug press and it worked, but I've found it really difficult to get the sticky residue off. Has anyone got any tips on getting this off easily and should I be even using masking tape?

thank you,
Jen

[WorthDoingRight]

The simple answer is no. There are two type of heat reistant tape on sale for sublimation purposes. These are often known as 'green' or 'brown' tape. The brown tape is preferable as it has a higher melting point and I find leaves no residue on mugs. The 'green' tape can melt slightly in a mug press and needs residue removing.

The 'brown' tape is so cheap it makes no sense to waste time with masking tape or 'green' variety.

So for example here is the 1st eBay supplier I found for the 'brown' polyamide heat tape http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Heat-Resistan ... 1c297d8ac2 33m long roll of 5mm wide for £1.85 delivered. Probably even cheaper if you bought more or did a better search. You use approx 2 pieces of 2.5cms per mug to hold the paper - so at my calculation 1 roll should do in excess of 600 mugs!

[Paul]

People shoud get shoot for advice like that lol!
Get brown tape as wdr recommend. Cheap and last ages....

[socialgiraffe]

Hi Jen

WDR is correct, 10 rolls of brown tape 5mm wide (which is more than adequate for mugs) is only £10.99 for 10 rolls from "SUBLIMATOR" on ebay so there is absolutely no point in trying anything cheaper. I have purchased from him and found that delivery is normally next day if I purchase in the morning.

I have found the green tape is stronger and I use that for things like photo slates. I get this from BMS

[WorthDoingRight]

I have found the green tape is stronger and I use that for things like photo slates. I get this from BMS

Never tried the 'green' polyester tape myself - when you say stronger do you mean sticks better or more tear resistant?

[Jen]

I best find myself a hitman!Don't suppose anyone has any tips for getting my design perfectly straight too do they? The ones so far have been ok, but I want them to be bang on perfect. If you're going to do something...

[WorthDoingRight]

I best find myself a hitman!Don't suppose anyone has any tips for getting my design perfectly straight too do they? The ones so far have been ok, but I want them to be bang on perfect. If you're going to do something...

If your design is printed onto your sublimation paper straight then if you cut the paper the correct distance from the bottom of the image so that if it is wrapped around the mug the edge of the paper is exactly at the bottom of the mug then it should go on perfectly.

[Justin]

I switched to brown tape a while back having used green for many years. The green often used to leave a little residue/colouring on some items but the brown having a higher melting temp. works a treat.

[WorthDoingRight]

I think we should clarify that the 'brown' tape we are talking about is not 'brown' parcel tape! So please do not use sellotape, masking tape or parcel tape in sublimation - they may melt and if not they will leave a residue!

[Andrew]

I am surprised at so many outright "No" answers for masking tape when we use this day in day out as our prefered choice and it works perfectly fine. You just have to know which one leaves no residue. So whoever gave the OP the info was correct, just should have indicated which tape works without leaving residue.

Sounds like the brown tape is a safe bet though. Can't say I am keen on the very thin stuff myself as it curls up easily and can be fiddly.