DSF

I have the thermoshrink, but my first attempts were not very successful, I probably should have bought larger sheets. Not liking the idea of using tons of disposable plastic, I purchased some smaller blue silicone wraps which fit the other style of camping mugs. Don't ask me the cost..it breaks my heart.

Not liking the idea of using tons of disposable plastic

I am with you on that, I am currently working on something that I think is a better solution

Have looked at this after reading your comments.
With the different sizes I am presuming you can cut the sheets down is this correct of not I wonder if the bags would be easier.
A solution to avoid the disposable plastic would be a great idea.
Also do you put it in the oven to shrink or is it easier better to use the heat gun before.

Yes you can cut sheet down and yes you need to heat shrink it before oven.

Cheers
Will order the larger sheets.

So how do you apply the plasitc shrink, stips around top as well as the silicon rubber wrap or just the shrink wrap (or bag) and then with a heatgun, how you avoid cooking or burning the paper or am I missing something first thing this morning

The shrink wrap will not burn BUT goes VERY VERY brittle if left to cool so (thanks to Justin for this tip) you will need some heat protective gloves to remove the shrink wrap as soon as you take the mugs out the oven.

We only do enamel in the oven if the print is very solid colour and close to edges otherwise we use mug press but our oven process is:
1) Cut down shrink wrap sheet in half so we can get two out
2) Cut a little slot on one side
3) Inside cup and poke handle through slot. Use heat tape under the handle to ensure both sides of wrap are kept in place.
4) Fold the remaining wrap around the mug and heat tape to mug
5) Use heat gun from a distance on low heat to shrink wrap around the mug (carefully and rotate mug as you do)
6) Insert mugs in oven only when temperature is reached but we only do max 4 at a time
7) Remove from oven and "try" and get wrap off (will be soft) as soon as you can
8) Place on cooling shelf with fan

All the above takes AGES and quite frankly isn't ideal. Based on labour costs then you won't be making much of a margin if selling to trade although if you're selling personalised mugs then your margin will be bigger.

Conclusion - using shrink wrap was an ideal solution for a particular job we had but isn't perfect. Using a smaller design on the enamel mugs and using a mug press is proving better in terms of profit margin.

I need to buy a mug press then I guess (more kit to store!) so whats the choices apart from Adkins, I usually buy quality following the buy cheap buy twice rule but been putting off getting one as had easy results with an oven and wraps with none of the heat the base and other tricks and tips! Thanks all for the inputs here btw

mr-gobby;138348 wrote:I need to buy a mug press then I guess (more kit to store!) so whats the choices apart from Adkins, I usually buy quality following the buy cheap buy twice rule but been putting off getting one as had easy results with an oven and wraps with none of the heat the base and other tricks and tips! Thanks all for the inputs here btw

Genie III press by Listawood. Purchased mine yonks ago and it’s a cracking press with a good blanket.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I remember looking at GeneIII at the P&P show think it was on offer with a bunch of different shape sleeves but I was thinking I woulgn't want to fart about with artwork for conicals shaped ones so the basic press might suffice however the extra sleeves weren't a lot more on top of the basic machine, how long do the sleeves last?