CLTT..need some input

[Mike Null]

If I were attempting to use an iron to transfer an image I think I would use a thin piece of foam under it to help ensure more even heating over the area of the transfer. That would lengthen the press time but will give a better result.

[Rodne Gold]

Tried some wood , a lacquered oak plaque (with quite a grain structure) and results were pretty poor. Didnt matter what temp and dwell we used. Results on that "fake wood" type plaque (I think its a vinyl put over a cheap MDF base) were actually pretty good.
I reckon the lacquer and grain structure or the real wood plaque were to blame , so in all likelyhood we won't be offering CLTT on wood...(not that it was important for me for it to succeed on wood , it was just an incidental substrate to try)

[Martin Boekers]

Tried some wood , a lacquered oak plaque (with quite a grain structure) and results were pretty poor. Didnt matter what temp and dwell we used. Results on that "fake wood" type plaque (I think its a vinyl put over a cheap MDF base) were actually pretty good.
I reckon the lacquer and grain structure or the real wood plaque were to blame , so in all likelyhood we won't be offering CLTT on wood...(not that it was important for me for it to succeed on wood , it was just an incidental substrate to try)

I have done this with Alder and it came out nicely. I had to position the image on the paper so the paper covered the whole piece. It seems that
if I didn't do that I got and impression of the paper edge in the finish on the plaque. I guess that's why they recommend unfinished plaques.

[Mike Null]

Rodney

I am not impressed with the results on wood either.

[Balsanu Gabi]

Hi,

I also want to jump into CLTT, but I have some questions:
- what is the smallest thickness of acrylic which can be heat pressed without wrapping?
- can I put an image on both sides (on acrylic or metals)?
- how can I make the image more brighter (printer does not have white toner)?
- what kind of clear varnish do you apply for outdoor use?

Thank you
Gabi

[Balsanu Gabi]

Nobody has some answers to my questions???

[Mike Null]

I would suggest you do some searching on the forum for CLT. There have been a number of threads related and you will find many answers there. Also check this web site as they have considerable information and videos. http://www.themagictouchusa.com/

You can transfer to acrylic as thin as guitar picks on both sides--it's in their video. You can transfer to both sides of metal as well.

The only way to make images brighter is to use a white substrate or a printer that can print white.

You can search the finishing forum or post a question there related to varnish for outdoors.

[Balsanu Gabi]

Hi to all,

Does anyone know what is the thickness of the silicone pad sold by Magic Touch? And also another source? They want too much money for that.

Thank you
Gabi

[Scott Shepherd]

Hi to all,

Does anyone know what is the thickness of the silicone pad sold by Magic Touch? And also another source? They want too much money for that.

Thank you
Gabi

I don't have another source, but I had a silicone pad I used for dye sub and I kept having problems. Bought their pad (so I can go to them if I had problems and not have to hear "what pad are you using"), and things started working much, much better. The dye sub pad has texture to it, the MT pad is slick and smooth.

[Martin Boekers]

I use three different pads green textured pad, a "cream colored" silcone pad and a yellow felt pad. The silicone and felt pad I use for sublimation.
Yup, rubber pads ain't cheap.....

[Mike Null]

Gabi

For some MT things you can use a 1" thick green foam pad that you can get at the fabric store. When you use that you cut the time in half.