How Do You Avoid Sublimation Misprints?

Here are some basic methods to eliminate misprints on mostly flat products, or those with a slight curve:

Tile (ceramic, porcelain, marble): A Nomex pad is placed over the Teflon-covered heat press base. The printed sublimation transfer is placed on the Nomex face-up. The tile(s) are placed on the transfer face-down. 

Lighter or metal sign or photo wood panel: No Nomex is used for these items. Tape the transfer to the part, which goes in the heat press face-up. Position the mat between the heat platen and the transfer-covered part being pressed. The wood and metal part will require firm pressure, while the lighter only needs medium pressure. 

Gift tin or cake pan: Again, no Nomex is used. Place the part over the precut prescribed size cushion to support the item from bending the sides of the part against the heat press base. Use a thermal rubber mat on top of the transfer paper. 

Metal switch plate: Add additional layers of felt pad on the deep rounded shoulder of the switch plate so that the transfer paper presses firmly against the plate. Use the sponge to dampen the four corners of the switch plate to eliminate any paper wrinkles.

Note: Pressing products with larger curves and surfaces (i.e. belt buckles, switch plates, convex porcelain jewelry, and fishing lures) where these parts have an unusual shape, curve, or surface variation requires the use of the half-inch cushion and more than one layer of the thermal rubber in order for the transfer paper to contact 100 percent of the surface being processed. 

Porcelain oval: Tape the porcelain to the transfer, moisten the paper, place the oval face down on the half-inch rubber cushion, and press with firm pressure. 

Belt buckle: Hike up the buckle using a small piece of half-inch cushion, and add five pieces of thermal rubber mat to compensate for the concave curve in the belt buckle. 

   —LRi/Laser Reproductions, Inc.