Sublimation is a popular technique for printing on light materials, where colors vibrantly transfer into fabrics or hard substrates. However, sometimes it seems that this technology is limited when we want to print on dark or complex surfaces or when the material or surface is not polyester. If you’re wondering how you could further expand your product personalization capabilities, we invite you to join us at the event Sawgrass and Chromaluxe Sublimation Day, which will take place on February 19, 2025, at GAJCOM from 10 AM to 12 PM. Sign up via email: oblikovanje@sitotisk.net

This time we are taking a step forward and seeking solutions for when sublimation “fails.”

Sublimation with Sawgrass printers and Chromaluxe products

Sawgrass is a leading manufacturer of sublimation printers, cartridges, and paper designed for printing on smaller items such as puzzles, keychains, t-shirts, and other promotional products. At the event, you will have the opportunity to learn about the operation of Sawgrass printers and see a wide range of products that are ideal for sublimation.

We will pay special attention to Chromaluxe photo panels, which are made from high-quality aluminum or MDF boards, coated with a multilayer sublimation coating. These panels provide exceptionally vibrant and long-lasting color transfers, perfect for creating high-quality photo gifts or artwork.

Sublimation and its limitations

While sublimation is excellent for many applications, you may encounter limitations when printing on dark substrates. Have you ever thought about wanting to print on black mugs or dark blue t-shirts and bags? Here, DTF (Direct to Film) printing can help, a technology that allows printing on almost all types of materials, including dark surfaces.

DTF: An upgrade for dark and complex substrates

Sublimation is excellent for light materials, but DTF opens the door for printing on dark substrates where sublimation does not apply. At the event, we will also introduce DTF solutions that offer easy, fast, and high-quality printing on dark t-shirts, bags, caps, and other products that sublimation does not support. DTF provides a wide range of possibilities for those who want to personalize darker or more challenging items. You can also order only DTF transfers from us, which you can transfer yourself. What about products that you cannot “press”? Onto various notebooks, keychains, mugs, USB sticks, umbrella handles, and more, you can easily apply UV DTF transfers as they are applied just like a sticker, without heat treatment. You can now order these “stickers” from us as well.

You are invited to the event!

At the Sawgrass and Chromaluxe Sublimation Day, you will have the opportunity to learn about technologies that are leaders in the personalization industry and acquaint yourself with the new possibilities that DTF brings. On this occasion, you will be able to gain valuable knowledge on how to find the right solution for your printing needs. You can ask us anything you want. As always, we will make an effort to ensure you learn everything that truly interests you, perhaps even something you didn’t know you would find interesting 🙂

Don’t miss the opportunity to expand your printing capabilities and discover new technological solutions!

We are pleased to invite you to our events where we will showcase various segments of our offer. In addition to interesting presentations, you will also have the opportunity for one-on-one questions and discussions with our experts.

Event Location:
Gajcom d.o.o., Pot heroja Trtnika 45, Ljubljana – Vevče

Schedule:

• Presentation: 10:00–11:00
• Q&A Session: 11:00–13:00

Event Topics:

• January 15, 2025: Open Day for DTF Printing
  Description: DTF (Direct to Film) is a modern printing technique that allows for the transfer of colorful designs onto various textile and other materials (DTF transfers). The process involves printing the design directly onto a film, which is then transferred onto the product using a heat press. DTF technology offers vibrant colors, high durability, and versatility for printing on various materials. During the event, we will showcase products from Hanrun Paper and Unity, featuring high-quality films, inks, and powders for DTF printing.

• February 12, 2025: Sublimation Day with Sawgrass and Chromaluxe
  Description: Sawgrass is a leading manufacturer of sublimation printers, cartridges, and paper designed for personalizing smaller products such as puzzles, keychains, T-shirts, and other promotional items. Chromaluxe offers premium photo panels made from high-quality aluminum or MDF, coated with multi-layered sublimation coatings for exceptionally vibrant and durable color transfers. At the event, you can see the Sawgrass printers in action combined with top-quality sublimation products.

• March 12, 2025: Open Day for Screen Printing with Grafco
  Description: Grafco is an Italian manufacturer specializing in high-quality screen printing inks, cleaners, and accessories for textile products. Their inks are known for exceptional coverage and ease of use, suitable for both beginners and experienced printers. Did you know that Grafco can create a custom ink specifically for your needs, enabling you to print using various techniques and on materials that may currently pose a challenge?

• April 16, 2025: Open Day for DTF Technology
  
  

• May 14, 2025: Sublimation Day with Sawgrass and Chromaluxe
  
  

• September 17, 2025: Open Day for DTF Technology
  
  

• October 15, 2025: Open Day for Screen Printing with Grafco
  
  

• November 12, 2025: Sublimation Day with Sawgrass and Chromaluxe
  
  

Event Registration

Due to limited availability, we kindly ask you to confirm your attendance at gajcom@sitotisk.net. If there is significant interest, additional dates will be organized as needed.

Do you have additional questions?
If you would like to explore a specific topic in more detail, you are always welcome to schedule a personal meeting. We are here to provide you with advice and support in your work.

We look forward to meeting you!

Selection of quality products in the online store:

• Promotional T-shirts, for printing we recommend plastisol or water-based colors.
• Quality polo shirts, for printing we recommend DTF.
• Sweatshirts and hoodies, for printing we recommend DTF and heat transfer films.
• Zip-up hoodies or non-zip hoodies, for printing we recommend DTF.
• Jackets, suitable for printing, for printing we recommend heat transfer films.
• Fleeces, we recommend embroidery.
• Caps with visor, for printing we recommend DTF
• Hats, we recommend embroidery.
• promotional bags and totes, for printing we recommend plastisol or water-based colors.
• everything for hospitality, for printing we recommend plastisol or water-based colors.
• equipment for fairs and promotional gifts.

We offer an additional 10% discount on textile products for printers, which also applies to smaller orders. For your first order, choose payment by proforma invoice and write to us to activate the discount. For more information, write to us.

if you ever need our assistance with printing, we are of course also gladly at your disposal.

This time, we received special training conducted specifically for us by the director and owner of Grafco, which employs 45 people.

Mr. Gianpaolo Coin is a chemist at heart, his knowledge is vast, and we haven’t yet encountered a problem he couldn’t first explain and then solve. This time as well, he introduced us to quite a few innovations and improvements that will surely benefit everyone using Grafco inks and additives in screen printing. Positive changes have occurred in the field of water-based inks for textiles, plastisol inks, as well as additives and cleaners.

CONSTANT AND FRESH STOCK

In Treviso, Italy, Grafco’s main office, warehouse, and mixing facility are located. The company also has several branches across Italy. For over 20 years, Gajcom has been ensuring a constant stock of inks and additives for screen printing from the regular range, and for some customers, we also supply custom-made ink.

Currently, the stock levels are good, prices are still competitive, and the quality of the products has already convinced many of you. For those of you considering switching to Grafco products, we can assure you that the transition is not painful. At Gajcom, we successfully made the transition 20 years ago, but it still required a significant amount of effort on our part at that time. In fact, we had to invest more in the change than you will have to now if you decide to make the switch.

We changed our t-shirt printing ink supplier due to the poor availability of the inks we previously used. The Slovenian market was not of interest to Grafco, so we had to negotiate both the import and distribution with them. We are still one of the smaller distributors, but according to Mr. Coin, we are reliable, and he admires our determination and resilience 🙂 Certainly, the satisfaction is mutual. In the picture are Mr. Gianpaolo Coin, the owner of Grafco srl, and Mr. Robert Kaltnekar, the owner of Gajcom d.o.o.

Available to you are cotton t-shirts that you will easily print on, the most popular brands are Fruit of the Loom, B&C, Sol’s, Promodoro, Kariban, Gildan and others.

See more products in the online store Gajcom.

Today we reminisced a bit. Just briefly and in passing, because the memories might not be as important as what’s happening to us today.

Thank you to everyone who’s with us – no matter how long you’ve been here. We even have customers who’ve been with us since the very beginning. There aren’t many of you, but you do exist. And to our great delight, we have more new customers with us year after year.

Technology is changing, even though it seems to remain the same. We used to adapt to the market every 10 years, but now it feels like the market changes every few months… Sometimes we’re confused, but perseverance always pays off. We have still found good solutions for printing on T-shirts (and other products) for ourselves and for you. Most often, we achieve this together with you. Thanks to all our printing friends, you mean a lot to us.

Thanks to the entire team, we really are the best team, even if we say so ourselves!

Let’s keep moving forward. Tomorrow we’ll be old pros 🙂

Gajcom, Ljubljana, 3.5.2023

vibrates with vitality and energy. It is a shade rooted in nature, originating from the family of red tones, and signifies a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is bold, fearless, and energetic, whose exuberance fosters joyful and optimistic coexistence and writes new narratives.

This year’s Color of the Year is powerful and fruitful. It is a new persuasive red that revels in pure joy, promotes boundary-pushing and uninhibited self-expression, an electrifying and boundless shade that stands out as a distinctive statement. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta embraces everyone with the same zest for life and rebellious spirit. It is a color that is bold, witty, and inclusive.

In the age of technology, we seek inspiration from nature and what is real. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta takes its cue from the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes from the family of natural dyes, and one of the strongest and brightest known to the world.

PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta, rooted in the matter, reconnects us with the original material. By invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta invigorates our spirit and helps us build inner strength.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute

The color with a hint of scarlet will appeal to all brave people who, being genuinely present in every moment, follow their personal freedom of expression and creativity.

Color of the Year 2022 – Pantone 17-3938 VERY PERI

Carefree confidence and bold curiosity epitomize our creative soul, also expressed through the inquisitive and exciting color Very Peri. The Color of the Year 2022 transforms the field of possibilities, helping to open new visions and change lives. Purple hues always spark a sense of gratitude, especially when they join hands with blue, representing new dimensions of today’s emerging dawn. Very Peri illuminates our future in a new light.

We live in a time of intense change. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri symbolizes the global spirit of the times and the current changes in the world. Isolation has brought us a new awareness with which we are transforming the physical world and boldly sailing into a new era of different ways of connecting. Digital design helps us push the boundaries of reality, opening up a new world of a dynamic virtual realm in which we can explore and create new colorful possibilities.

With new trends in the world of computer games and simulations, the increasingly popular idea of the metaverse, and the incredible potential of artistic societies in digital space. Very Peri is a blend of modern life with color trends of the digital world as seen in the tangible world and vice versa.

Pantone Color of the Year 2021 – two colors that support each other: PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating

Two independent colors that excellently support each other and together represent the color of the year 2021. 

It is a solid, yet warm and optimistic pair. The combined colors PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating represent strength and positivity. This is a story of colors that encompasses deep emotions and courage, promising something sunny and friendly.

A message of happiness that instills hope. We need to feel that everything will become brighter. This is crucial for the human spirit.

When people seek refuge in positive thinking, clear thoughts, and hope to successfully navigate uncertain times, we need colors that give us vitality. Bright and vibrant yellow radiates vibrancy. Warm yellow symbolizes the power of the sun. Gray represents solid and reliable elements symbolizing durability and strong foundations. These gray colors are pebbles on the beach and many other rocks that tirelessly withstand the effects of time. This gray shade gives a sense of security and also strengthens feelings of stability and resilience.

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2020: PANTONE 19-4052 CLASSIC BLUE

New year, new color. The color of the year 2020 isPANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a classic, timeless blue that emphasizes the elegance of the year ahead with its simplicity. It hints at the evening sky and emphasizes our desire for reliable foundations that will withstand the myriad changes predicted by the stars.

PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blueis a calm color that evokes a sense of peace within us, offering a safe haven where the soul can rest. It enhances concentration and brings laser-like clarity, as it is precisely calm concentration that enables focus. When we tune in to this color, we look forward, and our manifestations become easier and more aligned with what we truly desire.

While technology races ahead and tries to make our lives easier, we need a stronger connection with ourselves to maintain the authenticity of human relationships, which are the foundation of positive progress. Therefore, we seek colors that are authentic and promise us safety.PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blueis a calm, gentle color that easily grows on us. Looking at it relaxes us, and we associate it with an easy entry into a new day. It’s no wonder, then, that this color is the world color of the year in a year of change.

Source:https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2020

Color of the Year 2019 PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral

A revitalizing and lively coral shade with a golden undertone that energizes and invigorates with a softer edge.

Vibrant, yet mellowPANTONE 16-1546 Living Coralembraces us with warmth and nourishment, providing comfort and buoyancy in our ever-changing environment.

In response to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we seek authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Social and spirited, the engaging nature of PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral welcomes and encourages easygoing activities.PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coralsymbolizes our innate need for optimism and cheerful pursuits, embodying our desire for playful expression.

Representing the fusion of modern life,PANTONE Living Coralis a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, exhibits a lively presence within social media.

PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coralemits desired, familiar, and energizing aspects of color found in nature. In its magnificent yet unfortunately more elusive display beneath the sea, this vibrant and effervescent hue mesmerizes the eyes and mind.PANTONE Living Coral lies at the heart of our natural vibrant and chromatic ecosystem, highlighting how coral reefs provide sanctuary to a diverse color kaleidoscope.

Source: https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2019

Color of the Year 2018 Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet

A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.

Our time requires inventiveness and imagination.

This same creative inspiration is carried withinPantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet color, a blue-based purple hue that elevates our awareness and potential. Whether exploring new technologies or the vast reaches of the galaxy, or artistic expression and spiritual reflection,Ultra Violet shade P18-3838brings a sharper insight into all that is and what is yet to be.

Complex and contemplative Ultra Violet color hints at the mysticism of the cosmos, the excitement of everything that lies ahead, and discoveries that may seem entirely impossible at this moment. It is the color of the vast, unlimited night sky, which symbolizes everything that is possible and inspires us to follow our desire to explore a world infinitely greater than the one we currently know.

Source: https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2018

Color of the Year 2017 – Refreshing and invigorating color – green – is a symbol of new beginnings. The Pantone shade 15-0343 is named Greenery and became the color of the year 2017.

Greeneryis a fresh and juicy yellow-green color that we notice in nature on the first day of spring when nature comes alive again, renews, and greens. A vivid color that describes tender and simultaneously invigorated nature, calling the observer to take a deep breath, fill all cells with oxygen, and invigorate them.

Greeneryis a natural color. The more people are caught up in modern lifestyles, the more we wish to immerse ourselves in the physical beauty and simplicity of the natural world. This shift is noticeable in the increasingly frequent use of the color Greenery in everyday life – we observe it in urban planning, architecture, lifestyle, and design all around the world. If we have so far pushed Greenery into the background, it is now becoming important and increasingly present in all aspects.

A color that embodies life – Greenery – is the color for those who strive for passion and vitality.

What is the PANTONE Color of the Year?
A symbolically chosen color that reflects the current events in the world and serves as an expression of mood and attitude.

Source: https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2017

We founded the company Gajcom in 1993 during a time of rapid technological advancement. As founders, Robert and Darja, we were then full of student enthusiasm and innovative ideas.

Beginnings: Challenges and Progress (1993–1999)

Soon after graduating from high school, we actively engaged in the business world, seizing every opportunity for creation (and earnings). Despite occasional financial challenges, we strove for as much independence as possible.

It’s a fact that Robert and I (Darja) threw ourselves into business immediately after finishing high school. We took up any job that brought in some money (and of course, we also did many that cost us extra out of our own pockets—let’s call it more or less expensive education). Although we were infinitely grateful to our parents for food and general support (understanding and occasional financial loans), we tried to live as independently as possible. It was mostly about selling at fairs or stalls. It was sometimes fun, but also honestly stressful from time to time. But at the end of the day, our earnings went into a joint fund, from which we financed further ventures (and of course, occasional failures). When the idea grew beyond constantly searching for sales locations, we started thinking about opening a company. We envisioned Gaj. A cozy little bar in greenery, preferably by the sea—or somewhere in the hills, where we would sell drinks and maybe some chips :). We added ‘Com’ because it was trendy at the time, and in our interpretation, it meant computers and communications. That way, we gave the ideals of the philosopher a masculine technical soul.

Development of the Name and First Projects (1999–2005)

Philosophy of Gajcom: Combination of Nature and Technology (1999–2005)

When we exceeded sales at the stands, we began to think about starting a company. We chose the name Gaj because of its pleasant association with a relaxing environment, maybe by the sea or in the hills. We added ‘Com,’ which at the time meant computing and communications, reflecting our interpretation and philosophy of combining technology and creativity.

First Projects: Printed Bags and Learning from Our Own Mistakes (2005–2008)

Although the idea of Gaj never came to fruition, we turned to our first project – printed bags with company logos. Despite the failure of the first attempt, we gained customers and decided to take over the design. It turned out that we would have to start printing ourselves if we wanted to keep control of the prices.

We acquired enough customers and struck a deal with a supplier, while we handled the design ourselves on our first 286. The first miracles were born 🙂 It turned out that the first time clearly doesn’t work – the business failed because the supplier raised the price of bags by 200% just before implementation. Of course, the margin wasn’t high enough to take such a hit, but we still managed. The customers got the bags and were very happy with them. We realized that we would have to start printing ourselves if we wanted to keep anything for ourselves. We could really only rely on ourselves.

Business Expansion and Technological Leaps (2008–present)

Growth and Development: From a Mini Print Shop to Modern Spaces in Vevče (2008–present)

The initial equipment, colors, and knowledge came from Gorenjska. With borrowed money, we equipped the first print shop in the basement at our parents’ house. The first jobs were printing business cards and other promotional materials. Over time, we expanded the activity to include pad printing, imported from China. The first steps in t-shirt printing were with water-based ink, which later developed into more advanced technologies.

Yes, business cards were still printed using screen printing back then, and we printed a lot of them— even today, these business cards look very professional. Why business cards, if we wanted to print bags? Because you can’t print bags using screen printing – we discovered this just a bit too late, by which time we already had screen printing equipment 🙂 By the way: The eco bags we print now are made differently…

Commitment to Innovation: From the First T-Shirts to Modern Printing (present)

Then things started happening – we purchased pad printing equipment, which was our first major import from China. We printed pens, keychains, and other small items. Screen printing remained and strengthened – we printed the first T-shirts. Water-based ink was the only option back then since we didn’t have the equipment for anything more. Water-based ink, when printed on cotton, air-dries naturally. One of our first jobs – white T-shirts with a single-color logo on the chest side, will always be remembered. The client was so excited that he wore the T-shirt right in the printing shop, grabbed the box with the rest, and happily rushed off into the hot summer day. Half an hour later, the sweaty and disappointed man returned – the print had practically melted off the spot where we placed it and started creating streaks on the shirt – unbelievable! The ink dries quickly, but it takes at least a week or more to become washable! We dried the rest of the T-shirts additionally, and a few years ago, we saw one of these T-shirts in person – the print is still holding up. At that time, we upgraded the equipment, first purchasing one machine, then another, then replacing the first one with a newer and more powerful version, buying two more, and eventually moving. Despite expanding through the home basement like wildfire, there was soon no room for more. We’ve now been in Vevče for 17 years and plan to stay for a while longer. There is a pleasant energy here, it’s peaceful, and it’s easy to reach us. Above all, we have plenty of space to constantly fill with fresh ideas since we’re never bored and continuously coming up with solutions for the challenges you bring us.