UNISUB TIPS AND GUIDELINES

Pre-Heating Transfers

Varying storage conditions may have an effect on the moisture content of transfer paper. To eliminate moisture from transfers, place the printed transfer 2"-3" below the platen for 20-40 seconds.

Prepare the Substrate

Remember to peel the transparent protective film off of the surface of the substrate (if applicable) and check to see that you are working with a clean, lint-free surface.

Temperature and Dwell Times

A temperature of 200 degrees centigrade is recommended for all Unisub products. Use moderate to heavy pressure - it should require some effort to close your heat press. Time and temperature may vary depending on your heat press and the thickness of the blank material. Dwell times can be increased or reduced in 5-15 second incremements until you find the duration which results in the clearest image. All times shown are for "face-up sublimation" - transfer on top of the substrate. Please refer to the documentation from your ink supplier for more information on temperature and dwell times.

Storing Finished Products

Special care must be taken when storing or packaging finished sublimated products. If sublimated pieces are placed in direct contact with other sublimatable materials or with any type of synthetic material, the inks will migrate from the sublimated piece to the synthetic material over time. Do not stack finished pieces face-to-face, either when hot or cool. Do not wrap finished pieces in shrink wrap or place them in plastic bags for shipping. We recommend that you use a paper sheet between stacked items, or wrap piecs in paper for shipping.

Troubleshooting

A blowout refers to an image whose colors have been "blown out" of its borders and appear smudged. The primary causes of blowouts are uneven heating, overheating and excessive pressure. Heat press accessories, such as a rubber pad or a Teflon sheet covering a transfer held in place with heat-resistant tape will prevent a blowout of your image by lessening the variance in temperature across the surface. If everything is set correctly and you still have trouble, your transfer many be shifting.

Sometimes a "double image" results when the transfer moves across the sublimatable surface while it is still hot, usually when the press is lifted or while removing the transfer from the sublimation surface. To prevent this, it is recommended to always use a transfer sheet that is larger than the surface you are sublimating onto. Ideally, the paper should have enough overhang to secure it to the backside of your sublimatable blank with heat resistant tape.

Do not tape to the foiled edge of a plaque or paperweight as it may pull the foil off when removed.

If possible, allow the piece to cool slightly before removing the transfer and tape.