EnMart is proud to announce we’ve added a few new products to our sublimation blanks.   The first new product category is one I like quite a lot – tempered glass sublimatable cutting boards.   These are available in 8 x 11 and 11 x 16 flats and a 12″ circle.    These cutting boards have a full 100% sublimation surface area in white and rubber feet for added stability.  Instructions on how to sublimate the boards as well as information on settings for your heat press are included on the EnMart website.

I watched one of each size of cutting board being sublimated the other day and it’s quite easy to make a great item that looks terrific and unique.   You just need to print your transfer a bit larger than the size of the board and then sublimate as instructed by our guide on the website.  The finished product looks beautiful and is also useful.  I have to confess, I’ve been angling for one of the circular cutting boards to make its way to my kitchen,  but that hasn’t happened yet.

The other new product category we’ve added  is black rubber  iPhone cases.   These are another fabulous addition,  and the best part about them is that they’re made entirely in the USA.   If you have customers who are very firm about wanting U.S. made products,  these cases would certainly be an easy sale.  These cases are also antimicrobial,  so they’re great for cold and flu season.   Adhesive is pre-applied and the backing paper is easily removed.  The sublimation insert is high quality white gloss metal.  These look great and they’re made in the U.S.,  what more could be necessary?  Currently the iPhone cases are on backorder,  but we expect our stock to arrive very soon, so we are taking pre-orders for this item.

Tags: cutting boards, iphone cases, made in the USA, Sublimation

Over on the EmbroideryTalk Blog,  I just did a post where I collected all the links to my series posts in one place.  For those who don’t know,  a series post is when I deal with one subject over several posts,  talking about a different aspect of the topic in each post.   I’ve also done some series posts here on the SubliStuff blog,  so it seemed like a good idea to collect links to those posts all in one place so people can more easily find them.

Subject:  Getting Started with Sublimation

Target Markets for Sublimated Products 

Sublimation: It’s (Not) Complicated 

Create, Print, Press! Is It Really that Easy?

Choosing a Heat Press

Choosing a Printer 

Target Market 

Sublimation Reality Check

Subject: How to Sublimate a Specific Item

How to Sublimate a Shot Glass

What Exactly Can You Sublimate 

How to Sublimate Tiles 

Subject:  Sublimation Paper

Mpres Paper 

The Quest for Fire… Sublimation Paper, pt 1

The Quest for Fire… Sublimation Paper, pt 2

Subject:  ChromaBlast Ink

ChromaBlast:  A Comparison 

ChromaBlast for Cotton

ChromaBlast Printing for Dark T-Shirts

Please keep in mind that this blog has been around since 2010, so some of the printers mentioned may no longer be offered.   I do think the information contained in these posts is still helpful, however, and hopefully you will as well.

Tags: ChromaBlast, getting started with sublimation, paper for sublimation, Sublimation

I post on a couple of decoration forums and on one of them,  the ADF,  we’ve been having a discussion about sublimation.  Now,  if you search sublimation on a decoration forum,  you’ll find lots that’s positive,  as there are many people out there who are doing very well with sublimation and having thriving businesses built around sublimating clothing or other goods.   You will also, however,  find people who don’t like the printers,  don’t like the ink and don’t think sublimation works well at all.   Everyone is, of course,  entitled to their own opinion,  and certainly an individual’s own experiences will form that opinion,  but I have to wonder if part of the disillusion when it comes to sublimation is because of poor information at the start.   Since I figure that might be the case,  at least in part,  I thought today might be a good day to post a sublimation reality check and discuss a few things that everyone should know before they start sublimating.

Reality Check #1:  Learning Curve -  The learning curve for sublimation may be smaller than for other decorating techniques,  but there is a learning curve.   You need to expect to make some mistakes and ruin some blanks.   You need to plan on spending some time watching videos or reading blogs to learn how to sublimate correctly.   Compared to some other decoration techniques,  sublimation is fairly simple,  but it still takes time to learn how to sublimate properly.

Reality Check #2:  Printers and Ink – Yes,  sublimation ink is different from regular printer ink.  Yes, printers used with sublimation ink,  regardless of brand,  can have clogs and sometimes do.   No,  this does not mean that sublimation ink is terrible and the printers are crap.    It means you have to learn how to use your system properly, and you have to pay attention to the conditions around your printer and stay on a regular printing schedule to avoid problems. It also means sometimes you can do everything you know to do and clogs happen.  The law of averages says some printers will have problems,  but that doesn’t mean every printer and every cartridge of ink is flawed.

Reality Check #3:  Sublimation is a money pit/ gold mine -  It costs money to get started in sublimation,  although start up costs are lower than with some other decoration disciplines.  It’s also possible to make a good living with sublimation,  although that takes work and some selling.   Customers won’t drop into your lap,  but they are out there,  and sublimation also makes a nice compliment to other decoration disciplines,  like embroidery.

The main thing to remember is that building a sublimation business is like building any type of business – it takes time and dedication and a certain amount of making mistakes before you reach success.   If you are dedicated to buying a good sublimation system,  willing to spend the time to learn how to use it properly,  and realistic enough to understand that there will be bumps in the road,  you will most likely be able to develop a profitable and satisfying sublimation business.

Tags: Epson, getting started with sublimation, questions about sublimation, reality check, Ricoh, Sublimation, sublimation ink

One of the beauties of sublimation is that it isn’t limited to one type of item.  You don’t have to just embellish garments,  or just work with fabric,  or just work with hard goods and never work with fabric.  Sublimation allows you to decorate a wide variety of items,  some fabric,  some hard goods and some in the spectrum in between.  While each specific item will have its own unique characteristics,  there are some things that are fairly universal.   Here are six tips that can help you in sublimating almost any substrate,  from poly t-shirts to puzzles and mousepads to mugs.

Tip 1:  Each item is different, read the instructions and then test – It’s easy to think that a ceramic tile is a ceramic tile or a polyester shirt is the same regardless of manufacturer,  but that isn’t always the case.   Make sure you read the instructions specific to the item you are pressing and then do a test run before you start your production run.  Each heat press, batch of ink and substrate will react a little differently.  Purchasing one extra item to test can save you a ton of money in ruined items down the line.

Tip 2:  Too much moisture is a bad thing – If the room where you’re sublimating is too humid,  it can cause problems with your paper and with the items you’re sublimating.   Make sure your sublimation paper is stored in a cool dry place.   If you suspect your paper is too moist put it on your press for several seconds to to evaporate the moisture.  You can also press garments for 10 seconds if they’re retaining more moisture than they should.  It may also be a good idea to use an absorbent cloth or a non textured paper towel behind your transfer to absorb excess moisture.

Tip 3:  Don’t leave the transfer on too long – This tip may be especially relevant when it comes to ceramics, like tiles or mugs.   Removing the transfer quickly helps prevent ghosting of the image and prevents the paper from sticking.  Once the paper has been removed,  cooling the ceramic in a bucket of water is recommended.

Tip 4:  Make sure your pressing time is just right -  Press your item for too few seconds and you won’t get a good print,  in the case of garments,  you may even get a print that washes out too quickly,  as the ink hasn’t had time to dye the fibers.   Press the item for too long and you could get image fade on fabric,  or ghosting on ceramic items.   Check the instructions for the item you’re pressing to be sure you’re sublimating at the right time and temperature.

Tip 5:  You will make a mistake.  Deal with it -  In my opinion, one of the biggest problems novice sublimators have is the fear that they’ll make a mistake and ruin an expensive blank.   I hate to be the bearer of bad news,  but that will happen.  Plan for it to happen,  deal with it when it does happen and move on.   Don’t let fear of making a mistake stop you from ever trying at all.

Tip 6:  Information is your friend -  The more you know,  the better you can sublimate.   Sawgrass has a whole host of videos and webinars that can help you learn to sublimate specific items.   Blogs like this one will give you tips and provide advice and encouragement.   Forums like T-shirt Forums or the ADF Forum have whole sections devoted to sublimation.    Google and read and study and learn and then practice,  that’s the best way to get better at sublimation.

*Yes,  I like a bit of alliteration on occasion.   Why do you ask?

Tags: EnMart, how to sublimate, Sawgrass Ink, sublimation tips

In an ideal world,  should there be such a thing,  our sublimation printers would be in clean rooms with perfect temperature,  perfect humidity, and not a speck of dust or lint anywhere near them.   In the real world, however,  nothing could be further from the truth.   Most sublimation printers probably share a shop with other machines.  They’re most likely to exposed to some temperature and humidity changes.   It’s also likely they’ve seen their share of thread lint or dust.  Sometimes they may sit unused for days,  if orders are slow.   That’s just the way it is.

Since the vast majority of us can’t afford a clean room,   it’s simply good business to know what conditions are optimum for a sublimation system to perform its best,  and then to try and replicate those conditions as closely as possible.   If you’re looking for the best possible performance for your machine,  here are some things to keep in mind.

Humidity – Humidity matters when it comes to ink and also when it comes to paper.  If the air in your shop is too humid,  your paper can absorb water from the air and won’t work its best.   I wrote a post about this particular problem a while back.   Ink can also be impacted by humidity.   Sawgrass recommends,  for optimum ink performance,  that your shop have a humidity level above 35%.

Temperature – Temperature is another variable that can impact how well your sublimation system works.   Sublimation ink works best at between 59 and 77 degrees.    Sudden drops in temperature can impact the ink which is, after all, a liquid.

Sunlight – Most humans love to bask in the sunlight,  but we know that too much sunlight can do us more harm than good.    It’s much the same with sublimation paper and sublimation ink.   Too much exposure to direct sunlight can cause both the ink and paper to fail.    If your shop gets a lot of sunlight,  make sure your ink and paper are stored in a space that is protected.

Lint and Dust – If you have an embroidery shop,  thread lint is a fact of life.   Debris from old ink,  dust and other random particles probably swirl through the air of your shop every day,  and can settle on all your machines.   Make sure to protect your sublimation printer from debris in the air,  and to run head cleanings to help ensure the heads stay clear.

Tags: ideal conditions for sublimation, ink and humidity, paper and humidity, setting up a sublimation shop, Sublimation

EnMart’s parent company,  Ensign Emblem, has been working with inkjet sublimation practically as long as inkjet sublimation has existed.   We know the benefits of adding sublimation to a business because we’ve helped a great many businesses  do just that.    If you’re looking for a new profit center in 2013,  or searching for a relatively inexpensive way to start a business of your own,  sublimation may be just the thing for which you’ve been looking.    Make 2013 your most profitable year ever by following EnMart’s 5 steps to sublimation success.

Step 1:  Buy your equipment and supplies from a dealer who knows sublimation -  I know many of you probably thought I’d say that step one should be buy from EnMart,  and I do think you should buy from us,  but I won’t say we’re the only company out there who sells sublimation supplies knowledgeably and at a reasonable price.   Take your time,  do your research and ask questions of the companies from which you are thinking of buying.  Go with the one that suits you best and provides the information and experience you require.   Personally,  I think if you talk to us,  the company you choose will be EnMart.

Step 2:  Take your purchases out of their boxes – I can’t tell you how many times someone has called me and said they bought a sublimation system at a show months ago and never took it out of the box.   A system that isn’t used can’t generate revenue.  Don’t let your sublimation system gather dust in a corner.  Take it out,  set it up and turn it on.

Step 3:  Make mistakes, lots of them  – Let’s get this out of the way now,  you will screw up.   You’ll sublimate a design upside down.   You’ll leave something on the heat press too long or not long enough.   Learning the graphics software you choose will be more difficult than you anticipated.   You will waste money and time,  completely unintentionally,  but it will happen.  Make peace with that fact and don’t let fear of screwing up keep you from even trying.

Step 4:  Learn -  Sawgrass has a wide variety of videos and webinars which can help you learn various aspects of the sublimation business.    Attending a trade show is always a great way to learn more.    Reading blogs, like this one,  can give you lots of hints and tips.     Download the Dye Sublimation Guide from our website.    Read and watch and ask questions  all with the goal of getting better at sublimation today than you were yesterday.

Step 5:  Sell – Once you’ve got your sublimation system up and running,  it’s time to let people know what you can do and start soliciting orders.   Post pictures of your work on your company Facebook page.   Set up a table at a local market.   Create an intriguing display in a corner of your shop.  Contact your current customers and let them know about your new capabilities.  Network with future customers to find out what sublimated goods they might wish to buy.

Tags: EnMart, getting started with sublimation, Sawgrass Ink, sublimation tips

We wish you all a happy and safe Christmas.

EnMart will be closed on Monday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 25, 2012 for the Christmas holiday.   We will reopen on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.

All orders placed on 12/22 – 12/25 will ship on Wednesday, 12/26 when we resume normal operations.

We will also be closed on Monday, December 31 and Tuesday, January 1, 2013.  

                                                                                               Happy Holidays!

Note:  I first wrote this parody of The Night Before Christmas last year.  It amused me,  and some other people, so I thought it was worth making it a Christmas tradition. 

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the shop
All the printers were printing and going non-stop
The pressers were pressing with all of their might
For presents, for Christmas, were needed that night

The t-shirts were folded up neatly and boxed
And dreaming of sublimation transfers that rocked
And mamma in her apron and I in the same
Were printing sports jerseys with numbers and names

When out front of the shop there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my work to see what was the matter
Away to the entrance I stumbled pell-mell
Threw open the door and screamed out “What the … bell?”

I clung to the doorframe, exhausted and drawn
Wondering where all the daylight had gone
A miniature sleigh, and Santa, plus eight
Reminded me quickly that orders were late.

The little old driver, that lively St. Nick
Cried, “Bring me those orders, and move them out quick!”
Bring mousepads, bring mugs and t-shirts galore
Bring bookmarks and puzzles and tote bags and more!

Now Printer, you know this, stop looking so ill
There’s children, world over, with stockings to fill
Bring jerseys; bring car flags, and maybe a plaque
But hurry, please hurry and fill up my sack!

I’d never made claim to being an elf,
But found, by St. Nick, I could not help myself
The printers sprayed color, the heat presses pressed
And presents were finished for Santa’s great quest

The last transfer was printed, the last item dyed
When I turned to find Santa smiling by my side
“Printer you’ve done it!” he said with a grin
And his sack started bulging as the last gift went in

Whether mugs for a latte, plain coffee or tea
A puzzle, a clipboard, a box for jewelry
A key chain or shirt with a logo so bright
There’ll be happy children with gifts made this night

How Santa’s eyes twinkled, his belly it shook
As he gave me the kindest and nicest of looks
His laughter was merry, his praise much desired
My gifts had passed muster and were much admired

As I stood in my shop, all the gifts finally made
The stress of the holidays started to fade
Personalized gifts, sublimated, jolly and fun
Would delight gift recipients, every last one

With a wink and a nod Santa sprang to his sleigh
Gave a flip of the reins and was flying away
His bag bulging with presents, his sleigh loaded down
He set off to being joy to every city and town

I laughed as I saw him, that jolly old elf
Flying off with gifts made by my very own self
With his bag full of pet tags and beer mugs and all
I waved as he flew off and then heard him call

Hey Printer, keep working, there’s always next year
And I’ll be returning now never you fear
Until then, keep printing, with colors so bright
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

T’is now truly the season,  with Thanksgiving behind us,  for purchasing holiday gifts.  In all the drift of Cyber Monday and Black Friday sales,  there are people out there who are looking for something unique to give as a gift.   It could be something with a personal meeting for the recipient,  or simply something that is one of a kind that couldn’t be purchased off the shelf.   If you’re the owner of a sublimation shop,  this time of year can be a perfect opportunity.   People are looking for personalized and specialized gifts,  and you have the ability to offer them.   All you have to do now is let potential customers know what you can do.     Here are a few tips on how that can be done.

Tip 1:  Don’t neglect local media – Local newspapers,  magazines,  radio and television stations are always looking for stories,  and plan their holiday schedules quite far in advance.  Contact a local television station and offer to show off some great sublimated gift ideas on one of the local news broadcasts.   Do a press release or offer to write an article for the local paper about this great method called sublimation that can be used to personalize gifts.    Get creative with your holiday story ideas and approach the local media earlier in the year.

Tip 2:  Don’t neglect social media – Local businesses can use social media very successfully,  if they put some thought into who to follow and what to post.   Make sure to follow local businesses and local residents.    Ask your current customers if they’re on the same social media sites that you are,  and make sure to include your social media information on receipts and any brochures or flyers.  Once you have established a following,  make sure your feed is more than just a series of “buy my stuff” messages.   Use your feed to show off work you’ve done,  interact with customers and suggest ideas for holiday gifts.

Tip 3:  Create an idea center – Some customers will come to you knowing exactly what they want,  but others might only have a vague idea or no idea at all.    To help those customers see the possibilities,  create an idea center that showcases possible gifts.   It could be a binder with pictures,  or a portion of your shop wall that showcases actual items you’ve created.    The main point is to have examples that can help spark ideas.

EnMart wishes all our customers, fans, and friends a happy Thanksgiving.

On the list of things for which we are thankful,  you all rank at the top!

We will be closed on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23 in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Normal business operations will resume Monday, November 26.