Glass and acrylic

[peterwiggins]

Hi. I'm Peter and a newbie and thinking about investing in a small sublimation set up but I need some advice.

My wife and I want to be able to print photographic images to glass and acrylic panels (not huge - maximum A3 and more likely under A4) and want to know if dye sublimation is the best way to go.

We can source glass coasters (with a white coating) that will be useful but when it comes to finding any pre-coated imprintables larger than this we can't seem to find anything other than glass cutting boards/placemats that aren't quite what we're after.

We will be happy to experiment with different materials and options to coat the media ourselves but we could really do with some advice or feedback from others who are printing on to transparent media.

The coating doesn't necessarily have to be white, it can be clear too so that white highlights in the image appear transparent.

Anyway, this forum looks very helpful and we look forward to embarking on a journey of discovery.

Cheers
Peter

[Andrew]

I wouldn't have thought it the best process really as the blanks aren't readily available. You can coat any size of glass that can fit under a heat press but you would need the white backing to get any bold colours out. Without the white it is wishy washy if you know what I mean.

Acrylic - doubt it is suitable for the heat process of atleast 185c.

Giclee printing I have seen used for these types of materials recently.

[peterwiggins]

Thank you, Andrew. I take your point. Glass might be a better option if we coat it ourselves. I see there's a product 'Digi Coat'. Can anyone recommend this? Does it get good results? Are there other products readily available?

Thanks. Peter

[Andrew]

Digicoat does a good job on what I tried but that was a small area. If you are looking at a larger print then how even you could get the coating I don't know. Also, a clean rom type environment is needed to get a very good finish. Ain't cheap stuff either and not aimed at large scale. I know of someone who mixed his own coating in the past as it is just a few chemicals stuck in a pot. Probably a minefield on all the legalities and red tape though.

The main supplier/manufacturer of glass items is probably the best bet for bigger/bespoke sizes but all depends on viability of quantities. Glass items is something I have done little research on so can't be of much more help.

[johnfrancis]

Andrew have you used Chromaluxe for any of your printing. I'm thinking of setting up and I would also be interested which press you use. Thanks.

[Andrew]

Chromaluxe always prints well and gives a very good photo quality reproduction. I don't use much but have tested it before and know the other items are always good that come from the manufacturer. A bit costly for me.

There are newer items available on the market these days compared to my above posts in 2010 such as the acrylics which have been developed. Good to see the industry moving on. Just a pity some of these newer blanks can't be more cost effective.

[Justin]

Transfer supplies/Marvel Press had a small but very nice range of glass panels for sublimation last year. When I tried to order I was told that they weren't available but a new range would be released in October....nothing yet I'm afraid