Total Novice Needing Advise Please...

[dynamix]

Hi everyone,

Before writing this I've tried to do as much research as possible to try not to ask the same questions as someone before, but I'm stuggling to find the answers I needed. So hoping someone might help.

Im a total novice to all this Dye Sub stuff. I've done a reasonable amount of research. I've bought the very very basic stuff to get started with to see if I can make a viable business before splashing out on some better equipment, but I'd still like to be able to produce good prints.

OK, so let me start by telling you what I'm using.
Epson S22
SRN 128gsm Paper (from ebay)
********* Ink
A LC-4 Mug Press (from Love Cut)
Durabrite Mugs from Listawood

So the problem Im having generally is that the guy I got the press from supplied me with a mug and an already printed design with lots of nice bright colours. He said have a go when you get the press, and see how it all works, the press was set up already 200secs @ 186 degrees. Result was a lovely looking image on the mug...

Then I printed something, and it didnt come out quite as nice. Blurry images, blacks turning a crimson red colour that sort of thing. I experimented with diferent temps and timings. I've even gone as low as 120secs, and the result seems slightly better than if i use a longer time setting, but the results are still not great. especially black. it comes out not black no matter how long or short i cook the mug for! Ive been reading about ICC profiles and that there isnt one for this printer, and im not even sure how they work or how to implement them. Im using PS CS3.

Any help is greatly appriciated.

Thanks

[Ian M]

Neil, you do need an ICC profile to get your colours correct. Have a word with Paul who should be able to help you. I've had to edit your post because we cannot discuss non supported inks here.

[dynamix]

No problem, thanks for that. I wasnt sure if i could mention that ink as someone previoussly had mentioned it in another post asking if it is any good

[bms]

Hi Neil, Ian's correct you need a profile (ask the person you got the set up from for this). At least you've got some decent durabrite/ RN coated mugs to get you going, but avoid wasting mugs as best you can but printing smaller images and re-using the same mug until your colours come out okay. There are lots of factors that go into getting a decent image (ink, paper release, mug press quality and mugs).

[pisquee]

I got here too late to see what inks you are actually using, so hard to know if you have got a good deal on good quality ink, or cheap rubbish.
Either way, you will need an ICC profile making for your inks and printer so that your computer/printer knows how to mix the different coloured inks in the printer to give you the correct colours.
As mentioned, Paul, is the guy to talk to about this, and can help with how to set it up in PS.

[bms]

I got here too late to see what inks you are actually using, so hard to know if you have got a good deal on good quality ink, or cheap rubbish.
Either way, you will need an ICC profile making for your inks and printer so that your computer/printer knows how to mix the different coloured inks in the printer to give you the correct colours.
As mentioned, Paul, is the guy to talk to about this, and can help with how to set it up in PS.

...and remember if your paper (possibly) or inks (definately) change in the future then you need another profile!

[Paul]

True with inks. Not to true with paper