We created this Essential Guide to help you succeed using the PNW Deluxe press!
Please remember that there's a learning curve with the PNW press like any new thing. You have to learn to crawl before you can walk.
Remember, this is supposed to be fun! If at any time you are frustrated, stop, walk away, search the group for your issue as your question has probably already been answered, and try again later.
Anna and Elena
29. Have a question about your press, sublimated tumbler, have an issue, and want to post a question in the group? Please provide us with as much information in your post as possible! Make it easier for us to help you: https://www.facebook.com/groups/573555163063197/posts/1376116342807071.
27. If you have tried EVERYTHING mentioned above and STILL need help, there's a press troubleshooting form to fill out, and the team will get back to you within 48 hours. Do not fill out the form and ask, "I just received my press, now what do I do?" You're an adult; try figuring it out yourself first. The form can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/posts/1234779656940741.
26. Need moral support? Want help pressing your first full wrap tumbler? Check out this recorded Live Class from Cara: https://www.facebook.com/cara.fletcher.3/videos/1015348952525229.
24. Do NOT keep trying the same thing expecting a different outcome... that will cause frustration.
25. If the standard method and tricks do not work, check out Angie's recorded live about her "alternative" technique. This is not a factory-recommended way of using the press, but it worked for quite a few people! https://www.facebook.com/groups/573555163063197/posts/1390962744655764.
22. White spots? Watch this #presstrick video in the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/posts/1295002940918412.
23. A couple of suggestions to eliminate the white spots and image fading at the tops and bottoms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/573555163063197/posts/1406910546394317
20. Start with lighter color designs as they're easier. Remember what we said about crawling?
21. Want to see what worked for other PNW press owners, or maybe like to share your success? We've got just the post for you: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/posts/1334280170324022/.
18. VERY IMPORTANT: Your environmental conditions like room temperature, weather, and humidity, the blanks you use, the paper and ink you use WILL affect your results! The combination of ink, paper, and the brand of your tumblers will affect the settings as well. There are so many variables! What works for us for time and temperature may not work for you. IT MAY BE DIFFERENT FOR YOU!
Nevertheless, start with our baseline cheat sheet in the group just as a STARTING point and adjust according to your Strip Test: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/permalink/1378820599203312.
19. Change only ONE thing at a time when trying to dial in your settings. If you change everything at once, you won't know what worked and what didn't. Sublimation is science. Treat it like a science experiment. 5 degrees or 5 seconds at a time. Keep records of the changes so you have something to reference.
16. Your press will come with two free tumblers. Use them for the strip test to avoid wasting tumbler after tumbler. Vertical strip test video: ​​https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/posts/1342589742826398.
Horizontal strip test video part 1: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/posts/1331735480578491
And part 2: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/posts/1332328583852514.
17. Looking for a perfect #striptest image? Try this one: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/permalink/1389258371492868. The image has the perfect blackest black and a rainbow tie-dye. Cut it in strips and follow the steps in the videos above.
15. Watch the #beginner video in our Facebook group: ​​https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/permalink/1315531408865565. It shows you how to cut your transfers, so there's no overlap on the bottom, top, and seam to prevent white spots, tape your cup, press your cup, and safety tips on what not to do.
11. Your first step with your new press is Calibration. NOTE: If you are working with the wrong temps without knowing it, you WILL have poor results. Calibration instructions can be found in the Press Guide or watch this video in the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/posts/1315547048864001.
12. You will need a good-quality infrared thermometer to calibrate your press correctly. You can find one at Lowe's or Home Depot. Amazon has a huge selection, but please read the reviews first.
13. When calibrating: watch this video https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/posts/1258228367929203 to learn how to measure the attachment temperature correctly. The way you hold the infrared thermometer is VERY important!
14. Still confused about the Calibration? We created this step-by-step Pictorial for you to make setting up and calibrating your press even easier: https://www.facebook.com/groups/573555163063197/posts/1420318141720224.
10. Each PNW Press owner is eligible for a lifetime coupon for 10% off our sublimation drinkware. Only one requirement: the order has to be at least $250. Any drinkware that can be sublimated in the press qualifies for the coupon! You can find the coupon in the Guide (restrictions apply). We keep lists of all press owners to verify eligibility. Please do not use this coupon if you did not purchase from us or the subtotal is under $250 to avoid unnecessary shipping delays - Thank you!
8. Watch us sublimating 10+ different cups and tumblers using just one standard attachment that comes with the press! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1CR5UChQAk&t=135s.
9. Other attachments are available for purchase separately to press nearly ANY cup type! Check out the attachments listings for more details.
7. The press will come with THE LONGEST on the market 12" skinny attachment (attachment #1) suitable for the sublimation of any skinny drinkware from 10 to 30 oz. It will also work for other drinkware: Mason jars, coffee mugs (sublimate two at once), can coolers, water bottles, etc.!
4. Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pnwblanks?lang=en.
5. After joining the group, please download our Press Guide: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks/permalink/1379062825845756.
6. Topics covered in the Press Guide:
Recommended supplies (sublimation paper, tape, etc.)
Safety warnings
QnA and Troubleshooting Suggestions
And many more!
3. How-to videos and recorded lives are available in our Facebook group. Search the group for: #tutorialtuesdays #tutorial #deluxesubpress #tumblermugpress to find them. The admin team works hard to create videos for YOU to watch and learn, not just for our enjoyment and funsies.
Also, check out our VIDEO LIBRARY post on this Forum! We collected all useful video links for you in one place! 😊
2. Please join our dedicated Facebook support group: www.facebook.com/groups/pnwblanks. The group is an excellent source of information! You will find how-to videos, guides, calibration info, see other members' creations, get inspired, etc.! Our Facebook group is the place for technical support should you run into any trouble, as we have a dedicated team of knowledgeable ladies to help you navigate through the press setup process. When joining the group, please answer all three questions to be accepted.
1. While waiting for your press to arrive, subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/pnwblankssublimation. Elena and Anna did EXTENSIVE testing and wasted a lot of tumblers before figuring out what tips and tricks work best. Watch our YouTube videos to learn what works and what does not! We add new content regularly!