Sublimation printing face masks

[Poppy22]

Hi all, a question if that’s ok. I am in the process of working with my insurance company to cover me for face coverings/masks. I have got the Safety Sheets from Sawgrass for the Sublijet inks I use and have read them but am still non the wiser as to whether the ink is safe to apply to masks that people will be breathing through - the safety sheets seem to be more about the safety side of when you are using them / pressing them etc. Am I missing something? Is there a particular section of the Safety Sheets I need to be looking at? Or any other insights very welcome? Thank you in advance, Lucy

[pw66]

Sawgrass and most sublimation inks are safe for garment use, but I have no idea if they have been tested for use on a mask.

In addition to the issue of inks you need to make yourself very aware of the legal distinction between 'masks' and 'face coverings'. There are implications to how you advertise and sell your products.
Any 'mask' sold to offer the wearer any form of protection is classified as PPE and MUST be tested and CE marked.
This doesn't apply to 'face coverings' (as they aren't being sold as protective devices). You can't advertise them as protective devices, and if the customer tells you he or she is buying the product for covid protection you must inform them otherwise.

Your local Trading Standards dept. should be happy to help.

[webtrekker]

Sawgrass and most sublimation inks are safe for garment use, but I have no idea if they have been tested for use on a mask.

In addition to the issue of inks you need to make yourself very aware of the legal distinction between 'masks' and 'face coverings'. There are implications to how you advertise and sell your products.
Any 'mask' sold to offer the wearer any form of protection is classified as PPE and MUST be tested and CE marked.
This doesn't apply to 'face coverings' (as they aren't being sold as protective devices). You can't advertise them as protective devices, and if the customer tells you he or she is buying the product for covid protection you must inform them otherwise.

Your local Trading Standards dept. should be happy to help.

That's good information, thanks PW.

[Justin]

Anyone printing these? I was looking at buying some from Xpres to have a go with. I wondered if there is any lasting smell when printed?

[wendyh]

I've printed 1 from Longforte for my own use and haven't been aware of any smell

Anyone printing these? I was looking at buying some from Xpres to have a go with. I wondered if there is any lasting smell when printed?

[UK Printed Mugs]

We have stayed away due to legal implications.

[Paul]

I print face coverings. just the single ply to cover your mouth when going to the shops. is lighter then mask.

[pisquee]

We're printing a tight weave satin polyester, and then sewing it with two layers of black cotton for the inside, with elastic for the straps
no noticeable smell