More information about the ceramic coaster with cork back for sublimation

• With an original design, perfect for bars and restaurants as an advertising or promotional gift, as well as to give away at events and celebrations.
• Can also be used as a decoration tile.
• Very smooth and resistant surface.
• Includes a cork sheet with an adhesive, to fix it to the base of the coaster after sublimation.
• For its personalisation, you can use a flat press, a sublimation oven or a 3D Vacuum Press.
• To ensure that the heat is evenly distributed, especially on the edges, it is recommended to place a Nomex pad on the press' lower plate. You may find this pad in Related Products.

DIMENSIONS (APPROX.)

Recommended instructions and parameters for sublimation printing

BEFORE INITIATING THE SUBLIMATION PROCESS

If the coaster has been stored in a cold place, it may have accumulated moisture, and this could affect sublimation. In these circumstances, it is recommended to:

• Pre-press or pre-heat the coaster with its printable side face up and protective paper to 175ºC for 5-10 seconds and at medium-heavy pressure.
  
• Let the coaster cool before starting the sublimation process.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• It is possible to sublimate the coaster with a flat heat press transfer machine using either the direct method or the indirect method. Testing is recommended to establish which method gives the best printing quality. The test will also help you adjust the parameters for sublimation.
• A sign that the transfer process has lasted the appropriate time is that the amount of residual ink on the paper is minimal.
• It is important to follow colour profiles instructions given by each ink manufacturer.
• If you decide to use the direct sublimation method with a heat press, and in order to achieve a uniform transfer, it is recommended: (1) once the pressing time has elapsed, open the press and without removing the coaster, separate the paper a little from a corner (without taking it off completely); (2) if the image hasn't been transferred correctly to the coaster's surface, put the paper back into place and rotate the coaster by 180º. Press again for 50 more seconds.

WITH A FLAT HEAT PRESS TRANSFER MACHINE - DIRECT METHOD

• Print the design in mirror image.
• Preheat the press to 175ºC.
  
• Use a Nomex Felt Pad on the press' lower plate to achieve a uniform heat distribution.
• Hold the paper's printed side against the coaster and fix it with heat resistant tape. Place the coaster with its printable side face up on the heat press' plate.
• Press at medium-heavy pressure for 200 seconds.
• Using a protective glove, remove the newly printed coaster.
• Remove the paper carefully.
• Once cooled, stick the cork sheet to the base of the printed coaster.

WITH A FLAT HEAT PRESS TRANSFER MACHINE - INDIRECT METHOD

• Print the design in mirror image.
• Preheat the press to 175ºC.
• Use a Nomex Felt Pad on the press' lower plate to achieve a uniform heat distribution.
• Hold the paper's printed side against the coaster and fix it with heat resistant tape. Place the coaster, with its printable side face down, and the paper on the heat press' plate.
• Press at medium-heavy pressure for 300 seconds.
• Using a protective glove, remove the newly printed coaster.
• Remove the paper carefully.
• Once cooled, stick the cork sheet to the base of the printed coaster.

WITH A SUBLIMATION OVEN OR 3D VACUUM

• Print the design in mirror image.
• Preheat the press to 175ºC.
• Hold the printed design face down against the white part of the coaster, and fix it with heat resistant tape.
• In the case you are using a 3D Vacuum press, introduce the coaster with its printable side face up. Close the membrane and create a vacuum. Make sure that no air bubbles are left on the surface.
• If you are using heat shrink bags, fix the paper to the coaster with a heat gun, removing all the air inside.
• Close the sublimation oven or the 3D Vacuum press and let it operate for 13 minutes.
  
• Open the oven and, using a protective glove, remove the newly printed coaster.
• Remove the paper carefully.
• Once cooled, stick the cork sheet to the base of the printed coaster.