Sublimating Powder Coat

[socialgiraffe]

Hi Guys

I recently had to get some stuff powder coated and while there got chatting. Apparently the "standard" powder coating is a polymer product which rang a bell for a job that I am working on. I took a couple of samples home with me and had a go.

Now it printed lovely apart from one tiny thing, the image is no where near bright enough and the whole thing looks faded. To show you what I mean I have taken a picture with a mug with the same artwork. As you can see the black on the mug is perfect, the black on the flat plate is a medium grey.

Now I have presumed this is because the powder coating does not contain enough polymer to get a decent colour, but I could be wrong and turn to you guys for your opinion. I only had a couple of samples and upping the time or temperature etc did not work and actually was worse.

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So can anyone confirm my thoughts that although it contains polymer, there is not enough and is the reason why it is faded.

[Paul]

I like your thinking buddy
it may b not enough pol content but i would try to press it for much longer

[socialgiraffe]

Tried that Paul.

Ended up with one seriously hot metal bar and a lot of "guey" powder coat!

[Ian M]

Simon, have you thought about trying something like a clear coat on top to make it glossy. There used to be a superb product called Johnson's Klear which you could just wipe over the item with a cloth to make it look glossy. Sad to say you cannot buy this product anymore as they stopped making it. However Humbrol make a clear varmish that might work & maybe worth a try. Here's the link http://www.humbrol.com/humbrol-craft/cr ... ar-ad7550/

[socialgiraffe]

Hi Ian

The actual finish on the metal is really nice (it's my photographic skills that need the polishing!) The problem is the lack of colour. The black of the bottom metal plate needs to be as black as the mug on the top which is what I can not get.

I have thought about spaying it with the sublicoat spray you can get, but I have an idea for thousands of these so would rather not have to introduce another step in the process.

Another thought is if anyone knows where I can get sublimation spray in bulk. I have a can of it purchased from Mega UK which I think was £11.00 a can (ouch!).

[pisquee]

If this is such a good idea, and a product you think you can produce/sell in 1000s, do you really think it is wise to be sharing your secrets on an open public forum, where there are plenty of other people who could happily nick your idea, after you've come up with the idea and done all the hard work?

[logobear]

I am thinking that you don't have the correct icc profile for this new product, if you cannot 'cook' for longer, maybe you need a different colour mix to get the right result?

[socialgiraffe]

Hi Pisquee

I haven't actually said what the idea is and to be honest, even if someone did nick it I have very loyal customers so my "thousands" are secure In a way I hope that someone does nick it as that means it can be done! Also, you obviously do not know me as you have mentioned "hard work", that my friend is definitely not me!!!!

Good idea logobear, will try some different profiles to see what happens.