Printing TOG Metal
Through the "Plastic Mask"
Create your artwork the same
way. If you need to center your printing on the metal plate,
then create the hairline rectangle around your graphics and center the graphics inside the rectangle.
Increase the heat from 350F
to 400F on your heat press. This time do not remove the plastic mask. Place the transfer under the metal and close the heat
press. Use 16 TO 20 seconds as your print time. As the ink travels through the plastic, it goes straight down and slightly
sideways. The longer you "cook" the transfer the more blurred the image becomes on the metal. Usually at 16 to 20 seconds
there is only minor blurring. If you use 40 seconds you will see a definite blurring. Letters will begin to look bold.
You may want to experiment with this just to see exactly what I am talking about. Print one plate at 20 seconds and then print
another at 40 seconds. You will want to use the shortest time that still delivers a good black image.
Once you have "cooked" the metal
and the transfer, open the heat press and remove the transfer and the metal plate. Place them in an area where they can
cool down. If you are using TOG metal, it is best to allow the plate to cool down before trying to peal the plate away
from the transfer. If you try to peal them apart while the metal is still hot you will find that the plastic is
not stuck to the paper and will tear apart and create many problems. Once cooled the plastic covering is stuck to the paper
transfer. You will notice that the image on the metal is excellent but is not quite as crisp and sharp as it would have been
in you had first removed the plastic and printed the plate direct. However, if the printing is simple, it will look pretty
good anyway. If there is fine detail or a high quality award plaque, you probably do not want to print
through the plastic. The advantage of printing through the plastic is it is a little quicker and there is no cleanup of
the plate. It is still advisable to use TOG Plaque Finish as a final step as this puts an excellent shine on the plaque and
helps keep fingerprints off the surface.
Note: this proceedure has changed
within the last year.
