Blotchy coasters...

[justme]

Hi,

I'm using the swing press from BMS. I think it's this one, except it's not blue, it's white http://www.printerowners.co.uk/hardware ... -press.htm.

I use the unisub coasters (http://www.printerowners.co.uk/sublimat ... asters.htm) and press at 190 for 60 seconds.

They are fine except when I use block colour and then they are often (not always) blotchy. That's the best description I can give...mottled?

I'm printing on the right side of paper, use an epson 1400.

Any ideas appreciated. Do you think it could be moisture and, if so, I know people talk about pre-pressing them. Do you just pop them in the press without the image on them for (how many?) a few seconds before then adding paper and pressing properly.

My only concern is that a few seconds over 60 in the press and they quickly go brownish...but perhaps the time attaching the paper would allow time for them to cool.

Advise appreciated

Kind regards,

Charis

[Sawgrass]

Hi,

I'm using the swing press from BMS. I think it's this one, except it's not blue, it's white http://www.printerowners.co.uk/hardware ... -press.htm.

I use the unisub coasters (http://www.printerowners.co.uk/sublimat ... asters.htm) and press at 190 for 60 seconds.

They are fine except when I use block colour and then they are often (not always) blotchy. That's the best description I can give...mottled?

I'm printing on the right side of paper, use an epson 1400.

Any ideas appreciated. Do you think it could be moisture and, if so, I know people talk about pre-pressing them. Do you just pop them in the press without the image on them for (how many?) a few seconds before then adding paper and pressing properly.

My only concern is that a few seconds over 60 in the press and they quickly go brownish...but perhaps the time attaching the paper would allow time for them to cool.

Advise appreciated

Kind regards,

Charis

We did loads of coasters on the stand at FESPA last week, and were pressing for 1 minute at 200 C/ 395 F. Try upping your temperature.

[Paul]

Just wanted to advis this same. Keep the time but rise your temp up to 200c

[pisquee]

Assuming that you're removing any protective covering on the coaster?
For pre-pressing, use a sheet of paper to cover them, which will hopefully help draw out/absorb any moisture in the coaster.

[justme]

Oh OK, will give it a whirl, thank you

[justme]

Assuming that you're removing any protective covering on the coaster?
For pre-pressing, use a sheet of paper to cover them, which will hopefully help draw out/absorb any moisture in the coaster.

Is there a protective cover?! Can't see one....

[pisquee]

Don't know - some sublimation items do have a protective peel off film on them - especially ones which are flat material cut from a larger sheet. They're not always easy to see.

[Sawgrass]

If they are Unisub, there is no protective film

[Scotty@BMS]

Hi Charis, I'd pre press myself. Pop them in the press for around 20-30 seconds and you should hopefully remove the moisture.

[purpledragon]

Hi Charis, I'd pre press myself. Pop them in the press for around 20-30 seconds and you should hopefully remove the moisture.

Another tip is to put ironing board felt on the press then place the coasters on top of this
i used to have the same problem but this cured it