Pale images

[LJ Production]

Hello.
We have this problem with mug sublimation that the images are really pale, without much color and really splashy, with bright and dark spots next to each other, as seen in the bottom left corner.
Any ideas on why that could be?
Thank you.

vB_ID:5590

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[socialgiraffe]

Please provide the following:

Inks you are using
Mugs you are using
Paper you are using
Time and Temperature you are using
Mug Press brand you are using

Without the above it would be near impossible to work out the issue

[LJ Production]

Hello, thanks for your answer!

We use the following:
Inks: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Empty-R ... 06040.html
Mugs: https://sublimacia.sk/en/white-mugs/220 ... rieda.html
Paper: https://sublimacia.sk/en/prenosovy-papi ... 00-ks.html
Time and temperature: 110-120 s, 160°C . 165°C
Press: http://www.rezacieplotre.sk/lisy_CY/index_cy.htm - the first one, it is in slovak though, so you probably wont understand it. We recken the problem is due to the press.

[InkExpress]

First thing to combat the pale print would be to press the mugs at 175-180 for 180 seconds this is pretty much the standard temp / time for 11oz mugs and its what I recommend to anyone I speak to with your style of mug heat press.

The increased temp and longer time will allow for the sublimation process to occur for longer resulting in a better transfer with richer colours.

Can't really comment on the inks or paper, but you may benefit from an ICC profile to help with colour correction.

But the above will certainly solve the issue of pale prints for now

Alex

[webtrekker]

We recken the problem is due to the press.

Hi. This is just my personal opinion, but I think the mug press is the least of your problems.

My money would be on the relatively unknown brands of ink, paper and mugs. You need good quality consumables to produce quality items for sale. That doesn't always mean paying high prices, just take the time to research everything thoroughly and be prepared to lose a lot of stock until you arrive at the perfect combination.

[InkExpress]

Hi. This is just my personal opinion, but I think the mug press is the least of your problems.

My money would be on the relatively unknown brands of ink, paper and mugs. You need good quality consumables to produce quality items for sale. That doesn't always mean paying high prices, just take the time to research everything thoroughly and be prepared to lose a lot of stock until you arrive at the perfect combination.

Agreed. But the temp and time is certainly a factor, even with the best consumables they'd still have issues at 160 for 120 secs

[webtrekker]

Thanks Alex. I missed the part with the temperatures! DOH!

Yeah, I'd start at 180/180 and work from there.

[socialgiraffe]

I also think the print is way too close to the handle for your press.

In general, for mug presses you need to be 20mm away from the handle. Some might get a little bit closer, but I have a feeling the press you have will not.

[LJ Production]

Thank you for your answers! We will try to increase the time and the temperature tomorrow to see if it helps.
[MENTION=911]socialgiraffe[/MENTION] this mug was just a test, there is a different picture on the otrher side, we just wanted to try some prints so wee needed some estate, we usually dont print so close to the handle :)but thanks for the advice anyway