Bag sublimation problem

[named-it]

Hi i am having a problem when sumlimating shoulder bags, i keep getting small areas around the inner seam edge where it looks like the paper/ink is not hitting the bag, any ideas on what i can do to stop this??
Was thinking about using a heat press mat but can not find them big enough.

Many Thanks in advance.

[socialgiraffe]

Can you post an image?

[named-it]

Here you go, get problem on just about every bag.[ATTACH=CONFIG]1580[/ATTACH]

[FairyD]

The seam will be double the thickness of the 'flap' to accomodate the 'hem'...I know Paul uses mouse mats to 'elevate' the thinner areas when printing bags, laptop skins etc..that might help!?!?

[socialgiraffe]

FairyD is right, this is probably a pressure issue.

As the seem is thicker there is more pressure to that area and as she recommends, use something like a mouse pad so that there is even pressure all round

[purpledragon]

agree with all the above this oftem occurs with presses from the cheaper end of the market try getting some ironing board felt and using this uner the item its worked for me in the past

[named-it]

Hi Purpledragon, when we started we bought everything on the cheap, including the press, we upgraded a few months ago to a swing press that cost considerably more. I thank you for the idea about ironing board felt, really never thought about that, will certainly give it a try.

Thanks to everyone else for the input as well, much appreciated.

[named-it]

Sorry Socialgiraffe, i did try the mouse mat and it does work on smaller items such as vanity bags, but most of our bags are around 32cm x 25cm and the mats are not big enough, tried 2 together but they do shrink slightly with the heat so got a line through middle.

[socialgiraffe]

Hi Named-it

Although a mouse mat seems to be ideal it is not the definitive thing to use and as Purple recommends felt may be the answer.

Basically you need to try and find something that is quite thick (up to 5mm) that will withstand heat and is soft. If you do loads of them you could try purchasing some bar runners which are made from exactly the same material as mouse mats but longer. Alternatively a trip to your local fabric shop may show something more suitable.

Lastly, Listawoods I think have fabric mouse mat material on a roll. It might be worth emailing them, explaining what you require it for and they may be able to sell you a few meters

Either way, three of us think its pressure so you are on to a winner if you can eliminate that

Good luck mate

[Paul]

Use giant pressure. I almast broke my handle off but bag look awsome