DSF

JMugs;54578 wrote:So wrap but not stick. Or don't wrap?

We don't wrap. We lay slate on paper and tack the paper to the back of the slate so it is held in place but the paper is always flat.

I'll give it a try.
Thanks Martin.

Janners.

I sublimate tiles face down on top of the sublimation paper and I do not tape the paper down. I was always led to believe that for most thick items that sublimating with the item on top but heated for longer was preferable to putting the transfer on top.

Not sure if it helps but whenever I do slates I always split the time into 2 then and turn the slate around half way through.

I suppose it helps to get the heat to every area of the slate but since doing this I haven't had any major problems.

Thanks all
Lots of interesting points there.
Martins comment about a ripple in the paper is very interesting. The way my clamshell comes down, the orientation of the slate, and the orientation of the image defect, would all tie in.
Turning the slate around to even out any discrepancy in the hot plate also makes sense.
Putting the image on the bottom with the slate on top looks interesting, but how does the image get onto the the chamfered edge?

This business can be so entertaining at times......... cough.

Janners.

Well clamshell presses are notorious for not being that good with thicker items and that might be the root of your problem.

JMugs;54649 wrote:Turning the slate around to even out any discrepancy in the hot plate also makes sense.............

I don't think that would work?

Metal/glass - yes as these conduct heat very well, not sure about a thick slate though???

WorthDoingRight;54650 wrote:Well clamshell presses are notorious for not being that good with thicker items and that might be the root of your problem.

We press the slates in our clam press okay

ive done several slates........ i use a clam press as well.....i always preheat my transfer as well to ensure all moisture is out of the paper
i also place slate face down on trans to align i use spray to hold and smooth transfer never tape i then flip cover with silicone sheet and press trans up
i have had excellent results.......... i have had the shadowing as picture but really believed it to be moisture in my print