Printing on MDF plaques

[tmp55]

I've printed T-shirts and Mugs but am about to attempt my first ceramic plaque. It's the 9"x 7" MDF tile type mounted in a wooden frame.

Pressing time from chart is 50secs @ 200c light pressure

From the instructions I have it says position heat tape on reverse of plaque and not foiled edge.

Does this mean I need to cut the picture with an unprinted border so its the same size as the whole plaque, including frame, and tape to the back to avoid tape marks on wooden frame?

If so it's going to be a bit of a job lining up the area to be printed on

I was thinking of printing picture exact size of white tile area and taping at the edges so I could line it up better?

[Kaz]

You'll end up with scorch marks, or even worse, the colouring from the frame will lift if you don't do it properly.

Happened to me on a wall plaque before crimbo, and the advice from the guys on here was to wrap the paper round the frame and tape on the back

[tmp55]

Thanks, If that's the case I'll wrap it round. Will just have to try and get the picture lined up properly so it doesn't come out wonky.

[rich b]

I gave up on the paper wrapping and ended up just cutting the image out and using dye trans spray to affix the paper to the plaque surface, only had to re-do 1 out of 45 plaques due to mis-alignment. After they cooled a quick spray cleaning with windex got the adhesive residue off. Pay close attention to the slots on the back so you don't make any upside down plaques. Here is the unisub guide to plaques - http://www.unisub.com/worldof/Tips/pdf- ... 0sheet.pdf

[tmp55]

Rich B

Thanks for the link to the guide and advice, I like the idea of the trans spray but don't think it can be bought in the UK unless there is something similar over here but with a different name?

[rich b]

Hmmm, Conde in the US sells the dye trans spray, it's just a spray adhesive with light holding power and holds up under heat. Check the UK sublimation suppliers to see if they carry anything that would work. the spray made very quick work of the whole process. I printed, cut, glued and pressed 43 plaques in an evening.

[tmp55]

Think the answer to this might be 3M 75 adhesive spray

[Adrian]

Think the answer to this might be 3M 75 adhesive spray

Hi... just interested if anyone has used the 3M 75 adhesive spray? - I am looking to print onto ceramic and like many need to avoid heat tape because of yellowing.
Thanks
Adrian

[Ian M]

Adrian,

I have used it a few times & it is very good. You hardly need any on at all for it to work & what I do is spray it onto the paper from about 2 feet away with just a couple of quick blips on the nozzle. Make sure you have plenty paper down for any over spray or spray into something like a box.

[Adrian]

Thanks Ian....I've just ordered some - are you using it for ceramics? I'm about to start printing on to plates and I am after as much advice as possible as I know uneven surfaces and breakages are common.
Kind regards
Adrian