In this article we’ll walk you through choosing the right products to use with VersiFlex Ink and VersiFlex Light paper.
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With traditional sublimation, finding the right blanks are easy. You are looking for blanks prepared for sublimation with a poly coating. As long as you are purchasing from a reputable source, product quality should not impact your result.
With VersiFlex Ink on VersiFlex paper, you no longer are having to purchase specific blanks. With this in mind, we have some tips on choosing the right products to use with VersiFlex.
Tips for Picking the Correct Uncoated Wood:
- Look for wood that is flat and has an even surface
- Warped wood will not provide an even result and with enough of a bend, you may have areas where the ink does not bond with the product at all.
- Your surface needs to be porous – slightly rough is better than very smooth. The VersiFlex Light paper will not bond with smooth surfaces.
- Look for softer woods like pine, spruce, and fir. These are more porous and the solution will bond with it more completely.
- Do not use products that have raised areas or that is would not be in full contact with the press. These can product areas that do not properly receive the ink.
- The wood needs to be uncoated for the VersiFlex solution to bond with it. Look for wood that is not coated, varnished, or sealed.
Tips for Picking the Correct Fabric:
- With fabric, you are looking for ones that can take high heat and pressure.
- More fragile fabrics like silk cannot take heat and will scorch as will leather.
- When choosing a color of fabric other than white, avoid ones that are garment dyed as they may experience discoloration and will not hold up to as many washes.
- Because the system does not have a white ink, you need to fabrics colors that are in the white, light and bright range so that the design is as visible and vibrant as possible.
Tips for Picking the Correct Stone:
- Would choosing stone, or ceramic, you want one that is porous and does not have any coating
- Because the system does not have a white ink, you need to choose lighter color stones so that the design is as visible and vibrant as possible.
If you are having any issues getting consistent, high quality results with VersiFlex even after following these tips for choosing your product, please reach out to the Sawgrass Care Team at care.sawgrassink.com