Issues with my slates again

[harlequeen]

I've tried with the silicon, but the results were very inconsistent, so I've gone for no silicon, which has improved the results, but not consistently. As a matter of fact, I follow Paul's advice from his video and have since amended the timing as he has recently said he was doing. Recently I think Paul said he was using light pressure and I favour that as when I use a medium pressure I get marks from my press coming out on my slates.

[Paul]

increase your pressure to medium and extend the time. this is what i would do. and then i would lower temp if time extend for more then 30sec.

[Justin]

Try the sponge sheet, it's only a fiver delivered on eBay I use at medium pressure, 500 secs 197c

[Justin]

Are you pre-heating? I give them a minute under the press so they're nice and toasty before attaching the transfer.

[pisquee]

Are you pre-heating? I give them a minute under the press so they're nice and toasty before attaching the transfer.

Our method statement:

Turn press on, setting to 200 degrees, and a time of 480 seconds
Unpack 4 slates and lay on top of printing side press facing up
Once press up to temp, attach transfers
Put 4 slates under press, transfer side down
Close press with medium pressure - enough to be tight, without cracking the slates
Unpack next four slates, and lay on top of press
Bin Chinese boxes, put feet in 'feet box', pile up bubble wraps
Sort/select and cut out next 4 transfers
If any slates on bench cooled enough, remove any remaining tape/transfer, brand label on back and pack into bubble wrap bag
When timer finished, remove transfers and lay on bench to cool
repeat as necessary

[Paul]

Try the sponge sheet, it's only a fiver delivered on eBay I use at medium pressure, 500 secs 197c

have you got link for sponge sheet Justin?

[Justin]

I believe these are the same as Marvelpress but you can specify sizes and thickness, I've gone for 2mm

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230688253972? ... EBIDX%3AIT

[pisquee]

I was about to suggest www.tym.co.uk before looking at your Ebay link and realised it was the same company!

[soulclaimed]

I do 200c 8mins image on top which I don't normally need silicone pad with but he recently I bought a silicone oven tray from Aldi and cut out the base and used that as silicone pad and it's working well, better than without

[harlequeen]

Well, it all seems a bit hit and miss to be honest. I use exactly the same method and get different results. I am wondering if my press is varying in temperature or coverage, but I only get an issue with slates.. (scratches head).

Thanks for all the input people.