Chromablast - question on time of print?

[AdamB]

Hi all,

I have a chromablast system that I use often, but I can remember reading (or I'm sure I did) that prints must be pressed within a certain time?

I think I read that once printed, you've got to press them within 20mins for best effect - but I can't find anything now??

I was going to print some out today for some t-shirts I have to do tomorrow but I remembered about the time thing and can't find it now - I have been googling for about an hour on the web and the sawgrass site and can't find anything.

Anyone know please (and remember, it's my birthday and everyone is sending me free stuff - see other post!).

[John G]

Are you impressed with the results? - would like to get one of these one day.

[AdamB]

Are you impressed with the results? - would like to get one of these one day.

I'll be honest with you John and say that when I first set up I went for the system after reading lots and lots about it (i.e you need the specific ink and specific paper).

It says that it'll go on 100% cotton and the t's are cheaper than subli ones so it'll work out a saving after all.

BUT, if you leave the printer for a couple of days it'll clogg which can be a pain. Plus, you need to get the time, temp and pressure right for your press with many tests to avoid the 'yellow hand'. If you get it right you can get an image onto a t-shirt with very little hand at all (you stretch it both ways afterwards).

My customers love it as I 'boost' it up with a couple of very nice example shirts that are printed to show them the look and feel ................ but, I have only had good prints on 100% white t-shirts - not 100% cotton (light coloured) stuff like the 'advert' says!

If you can use it, you'll love it.

If you don't need it - then it's an expense that can probably be used elsewhere.

[John G]

I bought a spare Ricoh 5050n for sublimation but touch wood my 1st one is still going strong. I was going to use this spare one for Chromablast but unfortunately its not covered by sawgrass. Think i'll buy some of the magic touch transfer paper instead as it was only ever going to be aimed at one offs and hen/stag shirts.

[Kaz]

I do my hen/stag shirts in vinyl, as it's usually just "Josie's hen night" and a name that goes on them

[John G]

Me too! but have been asked quite a few times lately to do photographs which I turn down - so I've been looking at either transfers, chromablast or poly t'shirts with a sub print.

[AdamB]

Yeah, I know that most hen/stag/event t's are done in vinyl but I often get asked to ........................ "put her head on the bird in the wheelchair out of Benidorm" (as an example).

How better for the finished product than a chromablast photo t-shirt.

I'm also thinking about getting another system in with some pigment ink and trying the old 'printable' flex that's on the BMS site. According to the description it has all the same good things that flex has:

Printable Flex material has the same properties as Flex, but has the added benefit that you can print directly onto it with an inkjet printer.

This should (in reality) mean a hard wearing and lasting image that can be applied to dark garments ................. without having to fiddle about with Magic Touch (and masks) and without having to remortgage the house for a DTG Printer.

[smitch6]

i'd be interested in feedback on that Adam if you do try it. it seems a simple solution to a hard question

ps hope the surprise party was fun

[fredster]

ive tried it but the vinyl is really thick ...feels like youre wearing a plastic bag on your chest ..great results though if you can handle the weight n feel of the vinyl.
i personally thought it too thick for doing for customers ..ive tried the printable flock and thats a good one for adding photos onto shirts with .,.. but a matt finish only.

[AdamB]

ive tried it but the vinyl is really thick ...feels like youre wearing a plastic bag on your chest ..great results though if you can handle the weight n feel of the vinyl.
i personally thought it too thick for doing for customers ..ive tried the printable flock and thats a good one for adding photos onto shirts with .,.. but a matt finish only.

Which one was too thick mate?

The printable flex?