Heat marks when sublimating plaques

[Nismoasfuh]

Okay so I Definitely don't have the best heat press, but I can't seem to ever get the adjustment just right to avoid getting these heat marks. I'm assuming these are heat marks as they are the same grooves (shape) as the heating plate (pics show this). The pics show the heat marks I am talking about, they go all the way over and are consistent and even just like the heating plate itself of course. As far as my procedure for actually pressing: I heat up my aluminum a bit to get out moisture, wait for cool down, tape up, and place two sheets of copy paper or use a heavier stock and clamp with what seems like not even much pressure, and these are the results. Any tips and or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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[mpn]

I know it seems backwards but have you tried less pressure?

 

[stoliker]

We use Viva brand paper towels instead of copy paper. It helps even out the pressure in case everything is not perfectly flat. Just make sure it doesnt have a pattern on the towel. Youtube Conde systems. They have some great tutorials.

 

[Nismoasfuh]

Thanks for the replies! As mpn suggested, less pressure was the fix! I basically got it to the point where clamping was basically effortless but this seems to be the solution. Just less pressure! Thank you thank you thank you!

 

[mpn]

No problem. I've run into the same issue and that's usually the fix. Almost seems like there's no pressure at all on certain plaques / substrates. The videos suggested above are a great resource.