Sublimation Test (note this is what works for us and we are sharing the knowledge for you to give it a try and see what works for you). Note only suitable for 3mm thickness.
NB! Our acrylic comes with protect film on both sides (mirror one), remove before personalising.
We are using cast 3mm acrylic for black and white (you can only sublimate on white) which does not like the heat that much.
- Test done 180 deg for 30sec for CAST use 180deg for 180 sec. Extruded is 180 deg for 30sec.
- Mirror image your design and press from the front
- Lightest to medium pressure.
- Immediately remove from heat press, becarefull it is hot.
- Then remove the sublimation paper of what you can remove.
- Then place under heavy weights for at least 20min so it can go back to shape.
- Once cooled and returned to shape then scrub the back with a kitchen sponge, rough side with water to remove what is left of the sub paper.
When sublimating on white it will be rough and look matte, you UV Resin to give it a domed look and feel with shine or RustOleum Painters Touch, Clear Gloss
Any more time spent in the heat press will melt the acrylic and go out of shape and warp.
Note cast acrylic can withstand much more heat and 180 deg for 180 secs works well on this type of plastic and with stands it shape. For sublimation best to use a thickness of no less than 3mm. Anything less use adhesive vinyl and or UV Stickers.
