What exactly is wrong? (epson p50, mug heat press)

[novolight]

Hello
I have a big struggle to make a good quality mug. I read the forum, tried to follow instruction, but nothing good comes out.
Could anybody help me to find out what exactly is wrong.
Please, see the sample of my "best" mug so far.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]610[/ATTACH]
this is what I have
Software CorelDraw X5
Heat press No lable
Paper No lable
Printer Epson p50 with refillable ink cartriges with ink for sublimation.

First, printing.
Printing parametres
Corel Draw Default color Management settings : RGB color profile is set on SP T50 P50 T60 Standard
After pressing File>Print>Properties I choose Photo print on Epson Matte Paper. In advance tab I choose Color Management ICM and off (no color adjustment). Here is the photo
[ATTACH=CONFIG]609[/ATTACH]

Second, using the heat press.
Recomended way is to use 180C for 300 sec if the press is cold, and 180C for 180 sec if the press is hot. Which doesn't work.
After reading forum I've done different, I preheat the press with extra mug until 190C and then put my mug on 190C for 200 sec, which were my best settings so far.

Third, getting the result
Nonesense.
People have a grey skin, image is not bright.


I understand that people ask the same questions, but so far I coulnd't find an answer which can help me.
I bought all the equipment from single supplier and it must work, but not in my case.

I would like to know if there is anybody who have the same equipment and sofware and have an exellent results.
Any advice will be appreciated.
THanks
Regards
Anna

[Paul]

Hi anna. You need to use icc profile. You need it to tell your printer how to mix the colours to get great results. Standard printer profile is no good. Also in printer driver i would think edge smoothing and high speed. Also check if you print on correct side of your oaper. Ps. Link to your mug does not work.


PAul

[John G]

Buy cheap, print cheap.

Why not buy a printer that's compatable with the ink you want to use. You cannot put ink through a printer that's not supposed to go through it without changing the profile.

[Justin]

First thing we need to establish is what paper you're using and where it came from. Next, we need to know what sort of ink you have. If this ink (as I suspect) is third party and not supported by Sawgrass, we cannot discuss this here.

The P50 is a fantastic printer for sublimation but as Paul has mentioned, you need the correct profile for the inks.papers you're using.

I would always recommend a new starter buying a supported printer and inks. Further down the line you may wish to experiment with other equipment but it's better to get it right now and start earning some money quickly.

[novolight]

Hello

Thank you for the replies.
So, it seems that there no problem with heat press, but with the printer and ink.
I've done some research and Epson P50 seems to do the job for many people. and the supplier looks reliable to me, so the ink and printer must be compatible.

Could you, please, tell me where can I get a right ICC profile for my printer and how do I install it. I work with Corel Draw

I am in the minus now, as I can't sell mugs like this to the customer

Thanks
Regard
Anna.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]611[/ATTACH]

[sarahjayne]

Paul will do you a profile for £25 - have a look in the offered/requested section - there is a thread somewhere and in the gallery you can see someone who posted a mug before and after Paul did the profile. The difference speaks volumes...

[Justin]

Can you post a photo of your mug press? You're obviously using sublimation paper as the image is there and the colours don't look toooo far off, it just looks washed out which could be the press/heat settings.

[Ian M]

I'm just wondering if giving the D88 profile a go might improve the colour a bit. It just may brighten things up enough & doesn't cost anything to try.

Here's the link where you can find the Epson D88 profile to download http://www.xprestechnical.co.uk/downloads.php

[Paul]

worth to have a go with ready made one. can we see the photo before it when on the mug?? so w eknow how far is off...

[Justin]

I've sent a profile to Anna so that she can at least get that bit working right, I'm still thinking it's more to do with the press though.