1.Only use sublimation paper for Sublimer, for the brightest colour and best transfer.
2.When you print your artwork, DO NOT print in mirror image.
3.Remove the clear plastic protective layer at the front and back of the sublimer before you press.
4.The 2-tone Sublimer has a clear front and a white back. When placing your print, ensure it faces the white side of the Sublimer at the back, as it will show through to the front. Use heat tape to secure the print to the 2-tone Sublimer.
5.To explain how to press the 2-tone Sublimer, I will categorize it into three different sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. The small pieces will be keyring sizes or similar to keyring size, the mediums will be items like coasters, and the large pieces will be around 20cm, such as the clocks.
6.Make sure you set the pressure of the press BEFORE you switch it on. (See notes on what type of pressure to use for each size sublimer in the steps that follow.)
7.Always use two sheets of normal copy paper to cover the 2-tone Sublimer when you press it in the heat press. Set the pressure of the press with the print already attached to the Sublimer, and the two sheets of copy paper on top.
For SMALL Sublimer Pieces
8.Follow steps 1-7 first
9.For small Sublimer pieces like the keyring, apply very low to almost no pressure at all. Simply close the press on top of the Sublimer. If you notice cracks in the printed side/coating side of the Sublimer, or if you observe flattened-out edges on your Sublimer after pressing, the pressure is too heavy. If you observe white unprinted spots or areas, the pressure is too low.
10.When pressure is correct, set your press to 200°C and 70 Seconds.
11.Make sure you have the following:
-Keep one sheet of copy paper on the table where you can place the Sublimer piece when it comes hot out of the press.
-Additionally, keep a second sheet of copy paper aside to cover the hot piece of Sublimer.
-Finally, have ONE ream of copy paper ready that you can use to keep the Sublimer flat while it cools down. Otherwise, it might bend as it cools.
12.When the press is ready, follow these steps:
-Press the Sublimer for 70 seconds.
-After 70 seconds, immediately remove the print.
-Place the Sublimer on one sheet of copy paper, followed by the second sheet of copy
paper, and then the ream pack of paper.
-Allow it to cool down completely.
DONE!
For MEDIUM Sublimer Pieces
13.Follow steps 1-7 first
14.For medium Sublimer pieces like the coaster, apply medium to heavy pressure, but not too much. If you notice cracks in the printed side/coating side of the Sublimer, or if you observe flattened-out edges on your Sublimer after pressing, the pressure is too heavy. If you observe white unprinted spots or areas, the pressure is too low.
15.When pressure is correct, set your press to 200°C and 70 Seconds.
16.Make sure you have the following:
-Keep one sheet of copy paper on the table where you can place the Sublimer piece when it comes hot out of the press.
-Additionally, keep a second sheet of copy paper aside to cover the hot piece of Sublimer.
-Finally, have THREE reams of copy paper ready that you can use to keep the Sublimer flat while it cools down. Otherwise, it might bend as it cools.
17.When the press is ready, follow these steps:
-Press the Sublimer for 70 seconds.
-After 70 seconds, immediately remove the print.
-Place the Sublimer on one sheet of copy paper, followed by the second sheet of copy paper, and then the 3 reams/packs of copy paper.
-Allow it to cool down completely.
DONE!
For LARGE Sublimer Pieces
18.Follow steps 1-7 first
19.For Large Sublimer pieces like the clocks, apply heavy pressure. If you notice cracks in the printed side/coating side of the Sublimer, or if you observe flattened-out edges on your Sublimer after pressing, the pressure is too heavy. If you observe white unprinted spots or areas, the pressure is too low.
20.When the pressure is correct, set your press to 200°C and 100 Seconds.
21.Make sure you have the following:
-Keep one sheet of copy paper on the table where you can place the Sublimer piece when it comes hot out of the press.
-Additionally, keep a second sheet of copy paper aside to cover the hot piece of Sublimer.
-Finally, have four or more reams of copy paper and a wooden plank ready, that you can use to keep the Sublimer flat while it cools down. Otherwise, it might bend as it cools.
-When you are done pressing the large 2Tone Sublimer, open the press but do not move the Sublimer Product, wait 25 seconds and then remove the print and place the sublimer product on the sheet of copy paper next to your press (or on your floor), followed by the wooden plank and then the 4-5 reams of copy paper. You need to work very fast with this step.
-Leave it to cool down completely before you remove the heavy objects. Your Sublimer clock will have a little bit of a curve to it to give it that 3D look.
-If you don’t use heavy objects, your Sublimer will curve a lot and the mechanism might not fit in the hole anymore