Standard Coating
VersaCoat Ink-Jet Coating
Standard coating for use with sublimation inks and dye-sublimation printers
(i.e. SUBLIJET from Sawgrass) in an ink-jet printer.* Epson: (800/850/900/980/C84/C86/1280/1290/1520/3000/4000//9000)
* Offset printed transfers
* Laser printers (single color/HP or SUBLIMAX) with Sublimation Toner. Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. Why can't I sublimate onto a regular coffee mug?
A. Ceramic glazes will not accept sublimation dyes. Mugs must be coated with a polymeric substance that will accept the dyes.Q. Is your coating FDA approved?
A. Yes. The components in our coatings are FDA approved. Q. Why can't I use the Cactus Wrap with my video printer?
A. Video prints are constructed of a plastic base material that does not allow trapped air to pass through. Halfway through the sublimation cycle the air must be "squeeged" out, much like removing air bubbles from under a decal. With the Cactus Wrap, everything is very hot at this point including the handle of the mug, making it very difficult to handle. A mug press must be used for any of the "dye-sublimation" printers.Q. Do I need the 110 volt or the 220 volt mug press?
A. If you live in the United States, Mexico, Canada or Japan you will use the 110 volt Press. All other countries are on 220 volt electricity.Q. Can I use my HP inkjet printer to make mug transfers?
A. No one is currently supporting the HP printers with sublimation inks. The Epson: (800/850/900/980/C84/C86/1280/1290/1520/3000/9000) models are the only printers supported to date.Q. I am using a video printer and the mugs come out with white spots on them. What can I do about this?
A. Halfway through the printing cycle (approx. 1 1/2 minutes) the print must be "squeeged" to remove any trapped air. The print must be in intimate contact with the mug for the dyes to transfer.Q. My image looks blurry. How can I fix that?
A. Reduce the time and/or temperature.Q. The image on the mug is too light. What's wrong?
A. Not enough time and/or temperature. FDA Compliance

Cactus Coatings is advised by all of our chemical suppliers, and have letters on file to this effect, that all components of our proprietary coating systems are in compliance with, and can be used as, components in the coating of food contact surfaces in the manner described in 21 CFR section 175.300 under the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, as amended.

In addition, we routinely submit samples to an independent laboratory for extractive testing as specified in the same section. Copies of these test results are available upon request.

Cactus Coatings, Inc. is registered with the State of California Department of Health Services, Food and Drug Branch for their "California Tableware Safety Program" under section 25884 of the California Health and Safety Code. This code sets forth the limits for leachable lead and cadmium and follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations Compliance Policy Guides CPG 7117.06 and CPG 7117.07.

As far as the mugs themselves are concerned, all imported dinnerware items are checked at U.S. Customs by either the FDA or the National Sanitary Foundation for heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium etc.) among other items. The fact that these mugs have passed through customs indicated their compliance with all applicable regulations. An independent testing laboratory has performed extractive testing for Lead and Cadmium according to the FDA and the California Proposition 65 requirements and found that we comply with those guidelines. Copies of this testing is also available.

Should any regulatory agency question our compliance, we will be more than happy to supply them with our proprietary formulations and any other information they may desire.