Tips for Sublimating on Acrylic

Mastering the Art of Sublimating on Acrylic: Tips & Tricks

Sublimating on acrylic opens up a world of creative possibilities, from personalized signs to stunning photo panels. While it might seem intimidating at first, with the right settings and techniques, you can achieve professional, vibrant results every time. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

1. The Ideal Temperature and Time

To get the best results when sublimating on acrylic, temperature and timing are key:

• Temperature: Set your heat press to 400°F.

• Press Time: Press for 60 seconds—this duration has proven to be optimal for good color transfer without damaging the acrylic.

These settings strike the balance between vivid color transfer and preventing warping or burning.

2. Choosing the Right Acrylic

When it comes to acrylic finishes, matte acrylic tends to perform better than gloss, though both are usable. Matte reduces glare and tends to absorb sublimation ink more evenly, creating crisper prints.

3. Selecting Sublimation Paper

If you’re finding that your sublimation paper sticks excessively to the acrylic, it’s not the acrylic’s fault—it’s likely the paper. Different brands vary in how well they release ink and peel off. A recommended brand is Koala sublimation paper, known for working well on acrylic surfaces.

4. Preparing and Using Acrylic Blanks

You have two main options when working with acrylic:

• Pre-cut blanks: Design your sublimation to match pre-cut blanks.

• Sheet sublimation: Sublimate an entire acrylic sheet and cut it out afterward.

Some prefer to cut first for ease of alignment, while others sublimate before cutting to avoid edge discoloration. Experiment to see what works best for your workflow.

5. Don’t Forget to Mirror Your Design

A simple but crucial tip: always mirror your design before printing. Sublimation prints in reverse and transfers the mirrored image onto the acrylic, ensuring your final product reads correctly.

6. Cooling Acrylic Flat

Acrylic will be very flexible and soft when it comes out of the heat press. To prevent warping:

1. Lay it on a flat, heat-safe surface immediately.

2. Cover it with a flat board (like a 1/4” MDF board).

3. Add weight to keep it flat as it cools.

This ensures your acrylic hardens flat for a professional finish.

7. Sublimating on Textured Acrylic

If you're using textured acrylic, make sure you sublimate on the flat side of the material. Sublimating on the textured side can distort the design or prevent full ink transfer.

8. Cleaning Post-Press

Sometimes sublimation paper may stick to the acrylic after pressing. Don’t panic! Simply soak the acrylic in water and gently wipe off the residue with a cloth or a magic eraser. A bit of liquid dish soap can make the process even easier.

9. Tips for Clear Acrylic

Since sublimation ink doesn't print white, sublimating directly onto clear acrylic can result in transparent or washed-out images. To overcome this:

• Spray paint the back of the acrylic (after sublimating) with a light-colored paint, such as white or beige.

This background helps the colors pop and creates a polished, finished look.

Final Thoughts

Sublimating on acrylic might take some trial and error, but with these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating gorgeous, durable pieces. From understanding the right settings to cooling your projects flat, every step plays a role in the final product. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or new to sublimation, these insights will help you achieve stunning results every time.