Coasters: Due to the unisub backing change I am looking at alternatives.

[windsweptgirlie]

I have always chosen Unisub because of the coating quality but with the change of the Unisub coaster back I am considering finding an alternative (read cheaper) supplier.

Has anyone suggestions for companies to look at.

I use approx 2000 coasters a year so I am able to buy in bulk, I just don't want to buy 100s of duff ones!

Many thanks in advance,

Claire

[UK Printed Mugs]

These are fantastic although not as bright white as Unisub (no-one is) but very cheap WHEN IN STOCK. They do sell out quickly but do get in containers often so perhaps ask when back in stock unless you want a different size to 9cm:
https://sublimania.com/products/6-x-mdf ... w-backed-2

[Justin]

We work with the overseas supplier of these coasters, I'll see what sort of deal we could get for a bulk buy.

[windsweptgirlie]

Thanks for your reply. Yes I found this company they were some how totally off my radar. I have bought 15 as samples and will go from there, when back in stock! They did say they had been taken by surprise in demand due to the change with uni sub.

[cook_58]

I'll follow this thread, as I Unisub coasters too, but haven't tried their new backing, is there an issue with the backing or is it the price they are for the backing on them?

[Justin]

Issue is the backing has had to be changed, the coaster is now much lighter to hold so doesn't feel as 'premium; as it should for the price. Early users are also stating that tapes are sticking to the back and causing damage.

We were out at Fespa earlier this week speaking to a couple of our suppliers. We can source a better alternative but the problem is always going to be consistency. Example, the company mentioned above for an alternative supply use the same manufacturer as we tested a while back. Samples sent were perfect so we placed a large order of sheets to cut ourselves in-house. They arrived very badly damaged. Had to fight with the manufacturer to get a refund and in the end that same company in the UK bought all of the stock from us, I assume they got a better price.

I spoke to a trusted supplier we've worked with for over 10 years and they said the same. They can source the products but coating will never be as good (or white) as Unisub and they will vary from batch to batch so they wouldn't sell them to me on that basis.

I'm not confident at this stage that there is a better solution that I could recommend to members using large amounts of coasters.

[Justin]

We have just made some tests ourselves. Our overseas supplier sent some of their most popular coasters, no doubt these should be the same as the Sublimania ones as they use same supplier.

These coasters are 90mm, plain back. They all tend to be slightly warped upon arrival, this is normal. When pressed the warp goes so final product should be fine. Tape doesn't stick to the back and print, whilst not as good as Unisub is excellent. The coasters are laser cut so edges are dark with a very slight laser smell but are cleaned after being cut so no charcoal residue.

Took the opportunity to test other coasters. The 'new' Unisub. Printed as well as expected. Our tape didn't appear to stick to the back but on close examination it did affect the surface very slightly making it a little rougher but not changing the appearance. Also tested cork backed coasters from Subliblanks which again printed perfectly well.

We prefer to UV print coasters wherever possible but do have a good customer who wants Sublimation. It will all come down to costs with them I guess.

I can get a good deal ordering from overseas in bulk but there are already several UK suppliers doing this so it would be just for forum members if we can supply at a better price. Downside is delivery can be up to 3 months for larger orders which you have to take into account when planning purchasing.

[pw66]

If the quality of the unisub coating is so superior then why not source self adhesive cork backing and apply yourself? There is plenty listed on amazon in varying thicknesses, either in sheets or cut to size. Looks like it would add 20p or so to the cost but at least you would get a USP of a higher quality product than your competitors can supply.

[Justin]

You can buy the Unisub coasters with cork on already.

[pw66]

You can buy the Unisub coasters with cork on already.

Sorry, I thought the issue was that the cork backing had been replaced with bare mdf.