Page 2 of 3

Re: Alternative tape for mug press

Posted: 24 Oct 2012, 13:07
by socialgiraffe
WDR, I find that the green tape has a better adhesive. When sublimating things like photo slates I prefer this tape as the image stays in the place I put it. Brown tape seems to peel off easily.

Andrew, you are right about brown tape, but I only use it for mugs so do not have a problem with it. Have it on a tape dispenser to make things easier though. I am also surprised that you have masking tape that leaves no residue and holds to whatever you are pressing. Have you used masking tape for mugs? I have no intention to switch as the price of a roll of tape is £2.00 ish. But it is worth knowing should I ever run out of tape and need something desperately.

Justin, I have never had a problem with the green leaving residue, only the price LOL!!!!

JEN, as WDR says, if you cut the image perfectly then you will find it easier to position on whatever you are pressing. Equal top and bottom and sides will help you position everything perfect

Re: Alternative tape for mug press

Posted: 24 Oct 2012, 13:09
by WorthDoingRight
Well using masking tape is in my humble opinion like suggesting people can sublimate t-shirts using a clothes iron - probably would do the job but cannot be guaranteed and more hassle than it is worth.

The polyamide 'brown' tape is so cheap that not to use it makes no sense.

Re: Alternative tape for mug press

Posted: 24 Oct 2012, 13:16
by Andrew
WorthDoingRight;56970 wrote:Well using masking tape is in my humble opinion like suggesting people can sublimate t-shirts using a clothes iron - probably would do the job but cannot be guaranteed and more hassle than it is worth.

The polyamide 'brown' tape is so cheap that not to use it makes no sense.
We had a busy month back in August and printed 25,000 mugs using masking tape. I would like to see the same volume of t-shirts printed with an iron ;-)

Re: Alternative tape for mug press

Posted: 24 Oct 2012, 13:30
by WorthDoingRight
Andrew, I have no issues with the fact that you use masking tape. I am just saying that for those beginning it is likely to be a lot less hassle to buy the 'brown' tape.

Re: Alternative tape for mug press

Posted: 24 Oct 2012, 13:44
by Andrew
Not sure why it would be a lot easier if the correct masking tape works well. Plenty of rubbish green/brown heat tapes out there as well. Some of the green tapes we have had in the past at £6 per roll were awful for leaving marks. I have had new guys starting work on mug printing over the last year and all of them have used masking tape. If it works........ it works, simple as that imo.

Re: Alternative tape for mug press

Posted: 24 Oct 2012, 14:04
by Paul
I had some green one and had this same problem. Also masking tape.didnt work for me.

Re: Alternative tape for mug press

Posted: 24 Oct 2012, 14:46
by Fordy
I use the 5mm brown heat tape from ebay and I've had no problems whatsoever. Whack it in a tape dispenser to save fiddling around and fold over the end of one of your strips to make it easier to peel off after pressing.

Re: Alternative tape for mug press

Posted: 24 Oct 2012, 15:46
by WorthDoingRight
Andrew;56976 wrote:Not sure why it would be a lot easier if the correct masking tape works well. Plenty of rubbish green/brown heat tapes out there as well. Some of the green tapes we have had in the past at £6 per roll were awful for leaving marks. I have had new guys starting work on mug printing over the last year and all of them have used masking tape. If it works........ it works, simple as that imo.
Well, perhaps you can advise us on which masking tape is suitable as this would help all of us out if we run out of 'brown/green' tape.

I do not use masking tape or 'green' tape as I know they 'can' leave a residue. I have never had any residue issues using 'brown' tape. I am more than willing to accept that there may be a brand or two of suitable masking tape out there but without knowing the brand I do feel it is not a good general suggestion saying 'you can use (any) masking tape'.

Re: Alternative tape for mug press

Posted: 24 Oct 2012, 16:01
by Andrew
WorthDoingRight;57000 wrote:I do feel it is not a good general suggestion saying 'you can use (any) masking tape'.
Don't know if it has been said anywhere that you can use "any" masking tape. I have said there are only certain ones that are useable.

Go to Tesco and get a double pack of "Tesco Value" masking tape and that should work okay for most products in sublimation. 65p each (£1.29 2pk) for 25m and now and then you get a "buy 2 get 1 free" so works out at 43p.

Re: Alternative tape for mug press

Posted: 24 Oct 2012, 16:08
by WorthDoingRight
Andrew;57002 wrote:Don't know if it has been said anywhere that you can use "any" masking tape. I have said there are only certain ones that are useable.

Go to Tesco and get a double pack of "Tesco Value" masking tape and that should work okay for most products in sublimation. 65p each (£1.29 2pk) for 25m and now and then you get a "buy 2 get 1 free" so works out at 43p.
I never intended to give the opinion that you had said any masking tape but just to avoid confusing the masses who would read masking tape and assume any brand was suitable.

I thank you for the information and will endeavour to pick some up for trial purposes :smile: