sublimation - Coastal Business

READ FIRST!
SUBLIMATION
•MUGS •TILES •JEWELRY •NOVELTIES • AND MORE!
Congratulations on purchasing the sublimation business kit!
Now that you have taken the first step into starting you own sublimation
business, you are on the way to creating professional mugs, coasters, jewelry
and more with your recently purchased products from Coastal Business Supplies!
We have a couple of tips to help you get set up and on your way.
quick guide
1. Print your image using sublimation ink, paper,
and correct color correction settings.
2. Secure transfer to item using thermal tape.
3. Press at the recommended time and temperature.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
Printer
The printer is the first piece of equipment you should setup. It is the first step in creating your personalized
items. You probably either received a Ricoh printer or Epson printer. Unpack the printer and begin setting it up.
However, do NOT install the inks that came in the manufacturer box. Because you are using this printer for
sublimation, you must install the sublimation inks that have the Sawgrass logo and either SubliJet or Artainium
UV+ on the box. Then install the Epson or Ricoh Driver from the disc included in the actual printer box. You
may need to visit the manufacturer website for the most recent driver.
Sublimation Ink
Make sure you install the correct inks, either SubliJet or Artainium. If you purchased a bulk system, refer to the
included instructions for setting up your system or contact us at 1-800-562-7760 for help.
ICC Profile/PowerDriver (color correction)
Because you will not be using regular inkjet inks, you will need to use a form of color correction. This will tell your printer what
kind of inks you are using and give it instructions on how to use them. You can download both color correction methods for free
at Sawgrass.com. Depending on if you have SubliJet Ink or Artainium Ink will determine if you should be using a PowerDriver or
ICC profile...
Artainium UV+ always uses an ICC Profile. An ICC Profile is a color correction file that is a one time installation.
However, you must print from a program that can manage color profiles. We currently only support use with
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Elements, Adobe Illustrator, and CorelDraw. After installing your profile, you should
refer to the instructions on setting up the profile within your particular program. These instructions can be found
on our website at http://www.coastalbusiness.com/sublimationsupport.aspx or at http://www.sawgrassink.com
and click on the Technical Support link.
SubliJet Ink most always uses a PowerDriver. A PowerDriver is a secondary driver that is used. First, install the
powerdriver by visiting http://www.coastalbusiness.com/sublimationsupport.aspx or at
http://www.sawgrassink.com and click on the Technical Support link. Next, when you are ready to print simply
select the PowerDriver in the list of printers when choosing your printer. PowerDrivers do all the color correction
work for you. You do not need any special design program to print from and can print from any program. There
are however a few settings that can be changed according to your substrate you are transferring to and some
color saturation settings for a more precise output.
Sublimation Paper
Your package should have included our Image Right Sublimation Paper. This paper must be used in
conjunction with the sublimation ink to work in the process. Print on the brighter white side of the paper.
Sublimation Media
“For Accurate & Consistent Imaging”
Heat Press
If you selected the option to add a heat press, then I am sure you have already seen it because you can’t miss it! It you haven’t,
it’s the large heavy equipment that has a lever on top. Think of this machine like a large iron, only hotter and way more powerful. This machine doesn’t print on to your garment, but transfers an image that you have previously printed with your
printer. We recommend reading your heat press manual before using. When transferring images to items, you will be
required to adjust settings on your heat press such as the pressure, temperature, and time. Your items that
you are transferring to will determine these settings. If your press is manual, the pressure is usually
controlled by a knob located on the top of your press that can be turned both clockwise and
counter-clockwise. Turn it to the right to increase to a heavier pressure. And to the left, to decrease
the pressure. You should test the pressure by increasing and decreasing while closing and opening
the press. This will help you understand how this features works. The heavier the pressure, the harder it
should be
to pull down the lever and close. The temperature will either be a setting on the LCD screen or a knob that will sync with the
thermostat reading. And the time will also be either set on the LCD screen or on the smaller presses, you will have a separate
time that can be used. If you have a more advanced digital press, most of your settings may need to be adjusted on the LCD
screen. Refer to your heat press’s manual for instructions on how to control these features.
Accessories
You may have received a few items that will become very effective tools in your sublimation process.
Thermal Heat Tape - Heat resistant tape used for holding transfer paper securely to item
preventing any movement that may occur during pressing.
Teflon Cover - 18”x20” teflon sheet used to keep your press platen clean. Simply lay it over
your bottom platen before placing any items on platen.
Sublimation Sample Pack
The sample pack will include various items that you can sublimate to such as plastics, hard boards, or metals. Great for practice.
Mug Press
If you selected the option to add on a mug package, you should have received a mug press and case of mugs. The mug press
is the same thing as a larger flat press, only in a different shape. It is used for transferring an image to round items like mugs
and water bottles. Just like a heat press, you can adjust time, temperature, and pressure. Refer to your specific mug press’s
manual for instructions on how to adjust the settings. When pressing to a mug, most mug presses should be set at 400
degrees and pressed for 3-4 minutes. (depending on the size of the image) Below are our suggested instructions for our own
Coastal Mug King Press.
Coastal’s Mug King:
-Set the idol temp to 280 degrees F, temp to 365, and time to 30-60 seconds depending on the size of the image.
-Once the press gets to the 280 degrees F, place the mug with your image taped securely in the press. You can adjust
the pressure by turning the bolt on the handle that goes from the lever to the mug holder. Close the lever.
-The temperature may go down depending on the temp of the mug. Once it rises,
it will go to 365 degrees F and then begin counting down.
-When the buzzer sounds, remove the mug from press, and peel away paper carefully.
TIPS
Time, Temp, and Pressure:
All items require their own pressing settings, but here are a few standard presets for
popular substrates:
Metals - 45 seconds @ 400 degrees F, medium pressure
Plastics - 35 seconds @ 400 degrees F, medium pressure
Hardboards - 35 seconds @ 400 degrees F, medium pressure
Polyester Fabrics - 35 seconds @ 400 degrees F, medium pressure
Your first prints:
If your prints are only transferring yellow after pressing, check that the sublimation
inks are installed in the printer and not the Epson/Ricoh inks! If the wrong inks are
installed, you will need to run a few self-cleaning cycles to clear out the inkjet ink
from the system. Contact us for more technical assistance.
Ricoh Printers - first time setup:
If your ink levels are showing low even though your haven’t
used the printer yet, that is okay. The ink is still there. It has
actually just moved to a new location throughout the lines
inside your machine.
Image Doubling “ghosting”:
Use a teflon cover to place OVER your item and transfer paper to prevent
any ghosting of your image. Ghosting refers to the look that you may get if
your paper shifts at all during the lifting of the heat press at the end of the
timed cycled. Layering a teflon sheet on top will provide weight and
prevent any movement.
After your first initial print, you may discover lines or “banding” throughout your print.
This can be normal. To clear this up, simply perform a head cleaning. You can do this
through your printer’s properties window.
For technical support, please call 1-800-562-7760 or you can use our live chat at www.coastalbusiness.com