Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Do you have templates for your products?

Do I have to buy a complete system?

Can your products run on batteries?

Which technology is best for not printing often?

Which technology can print on the widest variety of products?

Which technology has the highest quality?

Which technology gives the longest durability T-shirt prints?

Sublimation if decorating synthetic fabrics cannot be beaten. The print cannot even be bleached out and is part of the material. All sports clothing, umbrellas, most cloth banners and all synthetic garments are decorated with sublimation.

On cotton fabrics DTF is far more durable than any other technology even matching and often beating silkscreen printing (the process uses for decades on an industrial scale)

What is colour matching?

There is neither an ink nor a paper which can produce the exact colours required without colour matching. Without colour matching not only are colours wrong when printed but skin tones are awful and not even close to life-like. Users of desktop printers are unaware of this as the colour matching is embedded in the print driver and has been written for the exact model of the printer as well as the ink the print manufacturer supplies and the media being printed on. Different media results in subtle colour shifts, so when a desktop printer is set to plain paper vs glossy paper for instance the embedded profile for each paper type is used by the printer driver, all invisible to the user.

When a different ink type is used (say the user elects to buy refilled ink instead of using the ink from the printer manufacturer) the colours change – Sometimes subtly, sometimes less so.

With sublimation these changes are even more noticeable. A black skin tone comes out purplish, a white skin tone reddish and so on.

For this reason all sublimation printers should come with colour matching specifically for the ink used, the transfer paper used and the product being decorated.

Sawgrass printers are one of the very, very few desktop printers on the market that come with this advanced colour matching as standard.

Which transfer is the best transfer for cotton?

What are JG Electronics' trading hours?

How To?

How do I press a mug?

You will need

A sublimation printer loaded with sublimation inks
Colour matching software
Sublimation transfer paper
A coated mug and either
A mug press or our heat shrink bags used in an Craft Express Oven

Without a coated mug nothing will transfer. The coating is a thin layer sprayed on the mug that accepts the sublimation ink.

You print the paper with the image in reverse, apply to the mug fixing it in place with heat tape and then either inserting into the mug press or putting it into a heat shrink bag followed by the oven and leave it for a preset time and temperature and within minutes you have a stunning finished product.

You follow the same process for almost all products. The press will change according to what you want to decorate (mug shaped items need a mug press, flat items a T-shirt press, plates a plate-press, pens a pen-press, caps a cap-press and so on).

How to press a mug in a Craft Express Oven? Watch our helpful YouTube video https://youtu.be/U2XkFGlMxeA
How to press a mug in a Mug Press? Watch our helpful YouTube video https://youtu.be/z1K6C6OgP_8

How do you print on ceramic mugs?

Ceramic mug can be decorated with the sublimation transfer process if they have a sublimation ready coating on them. Mugs printed this way are not very resistant to UV and if the coating is scratched the print will be damaged. They can also be directly printed with a UV printer with a rotary attachment but the process can be cumbersome.

The most common way that commercial mugs are printed is with ceramic decals. A waterslide decal is printed either with a specialised industrial inkjet printer loaded with ceramic inks (inks comprised of ceramic particles), a laser printer with ceramic toner, or silkscreen (again with ceramic inks). The decal is released in water and then applied to the mug at which point it’s fired in a kiln at 800-1200C. The ceramic ink bonds with the ceramic glaze of the mug and forms a permanent bond. The print is practically impervious to UV light and impossible to scratch off without chipping the glaze of the mug off too.

This process is very cheap (with the exception of the laser toner process) if the volumes are high enough and is the way mass produced mugs are decorated.

How to decorate products with waterslide decals, watch our helpful YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/pQwBcDpHUKA?feature=shared

How to print on ceramic tiles?

Ceramic tiles can be decorated with the sublimation transfer process if they have a sublimation ready coating on them. Tiles printed this way are not very resistant to UV and if the coating is scratched the print will be damaged making this process suitable only for indoor and decorative tiles. They can also be directly printed with a UV printer but again the print is not impervious to scratching.

The most common way that commercial tiles are printed is with ceramic decals. A waterslide decal is printed either with a specialised industrial inkjet printer loaded with ceramic inks (inks comprised of ceramic particles), a laser printer with ceramic toner, or silkscreen (again with ceramic inks). The decal is released in water and then applied to the tile at which point it’s fired in a kiln at 800-1200C. The ceramic ink bonds with the ceramic glaze of the tile and forms a permanent bond. The print is practically impervious to UV light and impossible to scratch off without chipping the glaze of the tile off too.

This process is very cheap (except for the laser toner process) if the volumes are high enough and is the way mass produced tiles are decorated.

How to decorate products with waterslide decals, watch our helpful YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/pQwBcDpHUKA?feature=shared

How do I press a T-shirt?

You will need:

T-shirt paper for the printer type that you are using and colour of the shirt you want to decorate (with the exception of the DTF printer you need a different media for light / white shirts and for dark / black shirts)
a T-shirt press and
a T-shirt.

You print onto the transfer paper, apply to the shirt, put into the press and you’re done.

How to press and print on Light Cotton shirts? Watch our helpful YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/2Zv_QF0gucU?feature=shared
How to press and print on dark shirts using Multi Opaque transfer paper? Watch our helpful YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/BzW3oPN2gK4?feature=shared
How to press heat transfer vinyl T-shirts using a Craft Press? Watch our helpful YouTube: https://youtu.be/9JHHaegYq2E?feature=shared

How to transfer image to shirt?

You need:

T-shirt transfer paper specific to the printer type you intend to use
A heat source (A T-shirt press is best though some papers can be used with a home iron though results aren’t always perfect),
The shirt and
The correct transfer times and temperatures for the paper you are using

In the case of a sublimation printer, if you’re decorating a synthetic fabric shirt you use the standard sublimation paper. If you are decorating a cotton or dark shirt only then is T-shirt specific paper required.

Can a UV-DTF printer print T-shirts?

While both a DTF printer and UV-DTF have the word “DTF” in them they are not interchangeable.

The plain DTF printer prints with fabric inks which are cured with heat once a powdered adhesive is applied to the print, whilst.
The UV-DTF uses a ink which is cured by UV and is not suitable for adhesion to fabric. Once the ink is cured it rolls through a laminator that applies a glue to the print to make stickers. A UV-DTF print prints stickers and NOT fabric.

How does waterslide decal paper work?

Waterslide film consists of a thin clear or white thin coating which is applied to a thicker base release paper. This coating creates a film which has a water based adhesive on the back (in contact with the release paper). If printed with a laser printer the paper can be ducked straight into water, if printed with inkjet a clear water based lacquer need to be sprayed onto the printed side before the paper is put into the water as inkjet is water soluble and will just wash off without this extra step.

Once in the water the thin film that’s been printed separates from the base paper and can be removed and applied to pretty much any non-porous substrate. The film usually has water activated adhesive on the back which allows the decal to adhere to the item. Once dry the glue holds fast.

If the product decorated has a sublimation coating on it, then baking the item in an oven will improve the bond. Spraying a clear water based lacquer over the printed film will further improve durability. Printable tattoo is the same item usually with an adhesive applied over the film which helps it adhere better to the skin. Candles and ostrich eggs are two common commercially available products decorated with this product.

How to decorate products with waterslide decals, watch our helpful YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/pQwBcDpHUKA?feature=shared

What material can you sublimate on?

Any polyester and polyester based fabric as well as products that can withstand at least 160C for 30 seconds that have an Acrylic Urethane / Polyurethane type coating applied to them.

Acrylic items don’t need to be coated and some wood items have a coating embedded in them during the manufacturing process which is suitable for sublimation.

There is a limitation to white and light-coloured products, as sublimation inks are not particularly opaque and there’s no white sublimation ink to use as a base layer for transfers to dark items.

How to use transfer paper?

Transfer paper is generally but not always printed in reverse and should come with printer settings, transfer time and temperature settings for that specific paper.

The paper is printed, applied to the item being decorated and often adhered with heat resistant tape. It’s then placed in the heat press for the specified time and temperature as stated on the instructions and just like that it’s decorated.

How to transfer a photo onto wood?

With sublimation technology after applying a suitable sublimation coatings (these coatings can usually either be brushed or sprayed on),
with a UV printer or
with a UV-DTF printer or
with an inkjet printer
T-shirt transfer paper (as long as the wood is smooth),
or with a laser printer and suitable hard surfaces transfer paper.

A heat press is required for all processes except the UV printers and in the case of sublimation, inkjet and laser you need to stick to white or light woods.

A further way that can be used is waterslide paper though again the wood needs to be smooth for best results and clear water based lacquer will need to be applied to the wood post transfer once the waterslide decal is dry.

Computer Related Q & A

Do I need a computer?

Do I need a graphic program?

Can the system be used by someone with no computer experience?

Do you offer Coreldraw courses?

Can you download Silhouette studio software from the internet?

Heat Press and Vinyl Cutter Related Q & A

Can I use any element on my Mug Press / Heat Press?

Is the Silhouette Cameo 5 embossing tool compatible with the Cameo 4 vinyl cutter?

How long does the Cameo blade last before I need to replace it?

Service and Support Q & A

Where can I find the cost calculator, product templates, and product instructions?

How to get the cost calculator, product templates, and product instructions on the online store?

What if I have a query/problem long after I have purchased my equipment?

Your success is our success (as we make our money little by little over a long period on the consumables), so if you have a problem, please call/email us, so we can solve it for you. Please note that we cannot give support on products or equipment not purchased from ourselves though.

Johannesburg Branch Tel: +27(11)789-6033 or WhatsApp us at +27 63 753 3532

Cape Town Branch Tel: +27(21)511-0134 or WhatsApp at us +27 76 892 9952

Bloemfontein Branch Tel: +27(51)430-1554 or WhatsApp at us +27 64 983 7363

Tech support email: techsupport@jgelectronics.com

Can I submit a support ticket for technical assistance online?

Do you repair and service equipment?

Why Buy From JG Electronics?

Why us?

We were the first company to sell sublimation technology in Southern Africa in the early 1990’s when it first came to market and the 2^nd company to sell heat presses, inkjet and laser transfer technologies. We were awarded the agency for Sawgrass sublimation inks in the early 1990’s – An agency we have to this day.

We used to manufacture our own heat presses right here in South Africa as well as coat our own sublimation products – Who else can claim this? This proves our technical expertise.

33 years and counting in business, our track record speaks for itself.

We are the company that customers who have bought cheap products elsewhere run to when they have problems – This says a lot.

Do we sell consumables?

What about training?

Quality of our products and repair?

As the importers / sole agents/distributors for the items we sell you’re dealing with the source.

We sell products based on their reliability and quality first and foremost.

If we cannot repair something locally we don’t sell it.
All the products we sell are imported legitimately and have verified safety specifications and licences for you and your family’s protection.
We are NOT the cheapest, which is why we have quality stock and spares readily on hand.

What do you need to start a sublimation business?

You need:

A sublimation printer
Sublimation inks
A heat press (mug press, T-shirt press, Cap press etc)
Sublimation paper and
The willingness and courage to sell products to people you don’t know

Both Epson and Sawgrass manufacture sublimation specific desktop printers and there are lots of Epson printers that have been retrofitted to use sublimation inks though some users have great success with the retrofitted models and others not. On the large format size there are printers from pretty much all the printer manufacturers.

Who should NOT buy a system ?

Payment Related Q & A

Do you offer credit terms?

Yes, we have the following credit options available.

You can finance through Mobicred and pay online. They offer easy repayment options and allow you to finance up to R50 000 per purchase. You can find more information and easily apply online by following the link below.
You could alternatively make use of our Lay-By option which allows you to purchase goods interest free and pay it off over 6 months. Your consultant will assist you with the quick and easy application.

I am not sure which system I want, can I come in and look at the different options?

Absolutely, we highly recommend you come in before you spend any money.

We would be thrilled to have you visit our showrooms at our offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Bloemfontein. When you visit us, we can show you firsthand all our different equipment and let you see and feel the quality for yourself. Our experienced consultants will be able to show you all the possible solutions we offer, giving you advice on which system best suits your needs, enabling you to make an informed decision and start out on the right foot with your new venture.

Book your consultation here online: https://jgelectronics.com/visit-us/

Printer Related Q & A

Which printer is the fastest?

Can I use refillable or non-Sawgrass cartridges in my printer?

We strongly discourage the use of non-Sawgrass ink cartridges in your Sawgrass SG400/500 or 800/1000 printer. The reasons for this are:

To properly fill cartridges of this type requires technical skills and specialised equipment to prevent contamination with air or foreign particles. This equipment is VERY expensive and not widely available meaning that the company doing the refilling is unlikely to have this equipment.
The inks being put into non-Sawgrass carts or being used to refill carts are unlikely to have the UV inhibitors (which prevent the print from fading prematurely), anti-fungal additives (fungus growing in the ink is a very real problem which destroys print heads which are very expensive to replace), simply because they are hard to add to the ink (requiring specialised equipment) and expensive.
The inks are not profiled for the printer and paper being used which often results in colour accuracy issues which often results in jobs being rejected by the client.
Inks expire and no one has any idea whether the inks being used are fresh or not. Expired ink also damages print heads.

Because of the potential issues listed above, the use of non-Sawgrass ink cartridges will therefore render the printer warranty null and void.

I am clicking on print but nothing is printing?

Why are my colours wrong, I print red but get pink or orange?

How do I resolve blocked nozzles causing missing lines in my nozzle check?

Blocked nozzles appear as missing dashes/lines on the nozzle check print out. Below is an example of a complete nozzle check as well as a bad nozzle check. A sign of blocked nozzles will be lines throughout your prints.

This articles assumes that you are using genuine Sawgrass ink cartridges that are within their use by dates. Should you be using expired or non-Sawgrass ink cartridges, we strongly recommend they be replaced prior to commencing the below procedures.

In order to bring back these missing lines, we would recommend performing the following:

No more than 3 head cleans, each followed by a nozzle check
No more than 2 head flushes, each followed by a nozzle check
Print a couple of PRN's to get the ink flowing, followed by a nozzle check. The PRN can be printed from the SPM menu > Printer Utilities > Full Page Full Bleed.
If the nozzle check is still not satisfactory with limited improvement, then the next step would be to clean the capping station with some hot distilled water. We would recommend cleaning the filter in the capping station until the fluid evacuates relatively quickly from the suction cup. As a result you may need to clean the capping station multiple times. Once the capping station filter is clean, perform a head flush followed by a nozzle check
Perform an ink charge as a last resort. Please be advised that this will use approximately 20% ink.

Please note, that in order to reduce unnecessary ink consumption, it is recommended to perform the head clean or head flush on the relevant head, this will either be head 1 (Cyan/Black) or Head 2 (Magenta/Yellow).

The Nozzle check, Head clean and Head flush options can be accessed through the printer menu > Maintenance.

Should the above instructions not resolve the problem, please submit a ticket with our technical support team for further assistance.

Why are my initial ink cartridge levels not 100% in my new printer?

When you purchase a new printer, no ink is present in the ink tubes, only the quality control fluid, therefore the printer will need to perform an initial ink charge. Upon inserting your set of initial starter cartridges, the printer will use the ink to fill the ink tubes, print head tank and print head. As the set of cartridges that initially comes with your printer are only starter cartridges, this means that your ink levels will be a lot lower than expected and you will therefore not be able to print as many pages as you might expect prior to having to replace them.

The ink used during the initial ink charge is however not lost and remains in the printer. Once your initial set of cartridges has depleted, the next set you insert will show a level of 100%.

Why does my black appear green once pressed?

Colour issues can be caused by various reasons. In this instance, black pressing green is caused by one of the following-:

The black cartridge has expired: The first thing to check if the black is pressing green is whether the expiration date on the cartridge has passed. The expiry date is located on the end of the cartridge as well as on the white label located on the side. If the cartridge has expired, we recommend it be replaced for a new one. You will then need to flush the new ink through the ink tubes and print head. To do this, you may print 10 black PRNs. You can access this through the SPM menu > Printer utilities and select the full bleed option.

If you have recently replaced your ink cartridge and are now experiencing blacks pressing green, it could be that your previous ink cartridge was expired. If this is the case, then we would recommend you also print 10 black PRNs in order to flush the new ink through the lines.

Not printing through the Print Manager or incorrect settings: The issue could also be caused by not printing using the Sawgrass Print Manager or, if you are printing from a software other than Creative Studio, incorrectly configured settings. If you are printing from either Photoshop, CorelDRAW or Illustrator, you may verify the correct settings using one the colour settings articles.

Enable ColorSure palette: Depending on the paper and substrate you are using ,you may find that enabling the ColorSure palette under the Colour tab option in the Print manager settings can resolve this issue. When enabled, the ColorSure palette will lay down a bit more ink than normal in order to achieve a darker black.

Poor quality substrate or paper: Another cause for this issue could simply be that the paper and/or substrate you are using is not of high enough quality. Some substrates do not have a thick enough polymer coating in order to achieve a finished product of high quality.

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