Author Topic: If you are sublimating shirts..... you will like this  (Read 1841 times)

Offline Denis Kolar

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If you are sublimating shirts..... you will like this
« on: January 17, 2014, 06:50:22 AM »
I just started doing sublimation and I realized that using foam to prevent paper edge trail sucks.

I think I found a pretty easy and cheap solution to it.

Replacement silicone heat resistant pad!
Yes, the same pad that is already on the heat press

I ordered one from ebay, cut it to size (12.25" wide and 20" long) and I have put it in the middle of the press, right on the one that is already there.
I have Ricoh 7100 which prints up to 13x21, which allows me to have all 4 sides hanging of the extra piece of the silicone pad.

I use Hortonix Fusion and I have added 3/8" pad. I would suggest you to use 1/4" one, because this one is a bit too thick, the minimum pressure right now is 3 on my press, can not back it off any more
With a 1/4" pad you would have more control.

And yes, the pad does not move when you place it on the top of the existing one.


Hopefully, this will help someone down the road.
No edge marks at all, just a bit of a shine from heat pressing the shirt that will disappear after a first wash.

Enjoy the foam free pressing
(You might still need foam for a smaller pieces or just buy more silicone and make smaller pieces)


Offline starchild

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Re: If you are sublimating shirts..... you will like this
« Reply #1 on: January 17, 2014, 09:52:39 AM »
I've got the same press and thought about the silicone pads being a better option after watching a conde vid on it recently.. 1 because the sponge looses its firmness faster and 2 because of the ability to thread the shirt onto these fusion pallets. Watching them place the sponge inside the shirt was excruciating..

I have not done any sublimation with my press however because I'm yet to see where it fits in... But I wouldn't mind an Epson SureColor F6070 and a press that can accommodate 44 wide.. I def know how that would fit in..

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« Last Edit: January 17, 2014, 10:05:23 AM by starchild »

Offline sweetts

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Re: If you are sublimating shirts..... you will like this
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2014, 08:07:28 PM »
Great tip I was just using cardboard but will be ordering up a pad awesome


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Offline Frog

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Re: If you are sublimating shirts..... you will like this
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2014, 08:51:19 PM »
Watch out for a little sticker shock.
My last replacement pad was at least $50 a few years back.
It was a1/2" one though.


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Offline Denis Kolar

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Re: If you are sublimating shirts..... you will like this
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2014, 01:35:51 PM »
I got this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/281235287468
But I would suggest finding a .25" one, it is enough.

Frog, roll of foam is $30, it gets used up in few orders. Pad will last LONG time, it will pay itself of many many times if foam has to be used.

I'm thinking about ordering one more and making a few different sizes for different papers.

Offline Audifox

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Re: If you are sublimating shirts..... you will like this
« Reply #5 on: January 21, 2014, 02:45:56 PM »
I've got the same press and thought about the silicone pads being a better option after watching a conde vid on it recently.. 1 because the sponge looses its firmness faster and 2 because of the ability to thread the shirt onto these fusion pallets. Watching them place the sponge inside the shirt was excruciating..

I have not done any sublimation with my press however because I'm yet to see where it fits in... But I wouldn't mind an Epson SureColor F6070 and a press that can accommodate 44 wide.. I def know how that would fit in..

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We put the foam pad under the cover sheet. Saves time and frustration. No fighting with trying to put the sponge inside the shirt.
 But the silicone heat resistant pad would work even better, and definitely last longer.