As sublimation printers have become more accessible to the general public, crafters are adding a new skill to their repertoire. Some crafters use sublimation to create custom pieces for friends and family members while others view it as a lucrative business opportunity.

Sublimation is a printing process using special inks and paper to transfer designs onto some fabrics and surfaces. For the ink to transfer to the object, the fabric or surface must be sublimation ready. Sublimation ready items include fabrics with a high polyester count and surfaces that have been treated with a substrate that allows the chemical process to take effect. Images are transferred to the surface of the object using heat from an oven or press.

Sublimation is quickly gaining popularity over the more familiar adhesive and heat transfer customization due to the preference for more vibrant colorful imagery, speed and less room for error and imperfections.

Supplies

· Sublimation ready blanks (I like www.singlejs.com for my blanks. They have affordable, high-quality items that ship quickly)

· Sublimation printer (I use an Epson ET-2720 that has been converted to a sublimation printer – you can find information on printer options and ease of conversion here).

· Sublimation Paper. (I like Koala Paper and Ink.)

· Sublimation Ink

· Design Software such as Silhouette® Studio, Cricut® Design Space, or Canva®.

· Blank copy paper or butcher paper

· Heat Press

· Heat Resistant Tape

· Heat Resistant Gloves or mitts

Step 1: Create Design

Launch design software and open selected design.

Step 2: Format Design

Measure sublimation blank and size design to fit on the surface of the blank. Since my puzzle is oddly shaped, I find it easier to make the image larger than to try and make it the exact same size and shape as the blank.

Step 3: Ready to Print

Select print from your design software menu

Step 4: Enter Print Preferences

Open preferences. Select the paper type that prints best on sublimation paper and remember to click “Mirror Image” on the “More Options” tab. I usually use premium presentation matte for my paper type but could vary depending on the brand and thickness of the paper you have.

Step 5: Check Printed Image for Accuracy

Check printed image for any errors, ink blotches, and to make sure that it is mirrored. The ink colors may look duller than your computer screen. Sublimation ink activates with heat so they will brighten after pressing. Sublimation is irreversible once transferred so it is important to make sure that the image prints correctly. A poor-quality paper image will be a poor-quality transferred image.

Step 6: Attach Image

Tape the image face down on to sublimation blank tightly

Step 7: Set Heat Press

Heat press to desired temperature. This will vary based on the blank. Most suppliers will provide information on the temperature needed. It will be between 350^o-400^ofor 50-60 seconds.

Step 8: Place Image in Press

Place blank with taped image under press

Step 9: Add Ink Blow Out Paper

On top of the image, place a sheet of butcher paper or copy paper. This paper helps with any excess ink that may bleed off the image

Step 10: Press Image

Close the heat press and start the timer

Step 11: Remove Items From Press

Using heat-resistant gloves or mitts, remove the blank from the press with the butcher/copy paper and sublimation paper.

CAUTION: Your Sublimation blank will be very hot. Do not attempt to handle it without protection.

Step 12: Untape Paper

Remove the tape used to attach the sublimation paper to the sublimation blank

Step 13: Enjoy Your Custom Item

The image will now be transferred from the sublimation paper to the blank. Your creation is ready to gift, sell, or display.

Introduction: Sublimation on Flat Surfaces