cloudy image when printing coasters

[catcapers]

I am new to whole dye sub printing lark. All started well with printing coasters and I was very impressed with the colour quality. However, a couple of coasters I printed today looked a bit cloudy towards the lower edge. I have been printing two at a time and I don't know whether it's because the edge of the heat press is not as hot as the centre or there's another reason.

Also I've noticed that the oven paper under the coasters gets damp and I'm thinking that this could be due to moisture in the cork. I'm not sure.

Would be grateful for any thoughts or comments.

[UK Printed Mugs]

Hi. When this happened to us (although not since we bought a fantastic new press from BMS) then it was down to parts of the press plate not obviously holding temperature. Olly

[scotty44]

due to moisture in the cork

That would be my first guess, pre press with paper over the top and see if that brings out any moisture!

[catcapers]

Thanks for your replies, much appreciated.

[MREDD]

Hi All

I two am having this issue with coasters, I am using an Adkins press so I am fairly confident that the platten is OK

I am pre pressing for 80 at 200 & I can see moisture burning off. I then press for 80 again at 200 but still getting cloudy results, this used to happen on another press when trying to do place mats which of course are a larger area but I thought coasters would not pose this much hassle.

Thoughts please!

Ed

[Justin]

Unisub coasters? I press for 60 seconds at 195c and they're spot on. I don't pre-press but I do ensure background heat in my office at all times. Yes, some moisture comes off but print is fine.

[UK Printed Mugs]

Our pressing is virtually the same as Justin by using unisub, 60s but 190c. We have done over 200 today which all had solid neon colour backgrounds and like Justin all came out perfect. Room kept warm and coffee machine always on! Olly

[catcapers]

I seem to have solved my cloudy coaster problem. I am pre-pressing for around 10 to 15 seconds with paper underneath and on top. Then left to cool and then printing as normal (190c at 65 seconds). I'm not using the teflon sheet any more - just the paper. All seems to be ok.