Sublimate on acrylic is simple to decorate and economical for printing photo industries. Acrylic is a type of plastic that is clear, rigid and durable. It can be made.
Making products custom is a thrilling job and can be a lucrative business with the least amount of hassle.
Therefore, businesses using sublimation are increasing exponentially as there are new ways to design T-shirts, caps, mugs keys, beanies and more.
If you’re also thinking to open a keychain shop or want to submit your own DIY project to the fashion institute you attend, keep with us and learn how simple it is to sublimate acrylic and create stylish keychains, fabrics frames, Frames or DIY tiles.
Can you sublimate on Acrylic?
People often asked this question Can you sublimate on acrylic? Yes, you can sublimate on acrylic. You can use cast acrylic instead of extruded acrylic to print sublimation.
Cast acrylic has a very high melting point, it also has a higher temperature resistance than the extruded Acrylic.
Cast acrylic can be cut into various dimensions and thicknesses. In the process of heat pressing the block of acrylic has to withstand temperatures of 374°F or temperatures of 190 degrees Celsius.
The extruded acrylic melts at high temperatures and then welds the transfer paper onto the surface
We can make use of cast acrylic cut in a variety of dimensions and thicknesses. In the process of heat pressing the block of acrylic has to be able to stand 374 degrees Fahrenheit and 190 degrees Celsius.
In contrast, the acrylic extruded would be melted at temperatures high before welding onto the substrate.
What is Acrylic?
Acrylic is transparent plastic, which is among the top substrates for sublimation due to its transparency and apparent clarity. Acrylic sheets are weatherproof.
Additionally, acrylic is abundant in polymers, which means it is among the most appropriate materials for the sublimation process of dye.
The higher content of polymers in the acrylic removes the requirement to apply separate coats of polymer and lowers the total cost of sublimation.
Which Acrylic Products Do We Sublimate?
To dye sublimate, acrylic blanks made of acrylic or sheets are employed. Acrylic comes in two types: extruded and casting acrylic.
Cast acrylic is utilized in sublimation as it is more efficient in temperature performance than acrylic extruded. It has a very high melting point and is robust to temperature, which makes it ideal for the process of heat transfer for the sublimation of dye.
Sublimation temperatures for acrylic are around 180 degrees Celsius The casting acrylic is capable of enduring these temperatures during Sublimation.
Acrylic is then cut into blanks or sheets in various sizes and thicknesses followed by sublimation printing as well as heat transfer processes are carried out
Reason Behind Using Acrylic for Sublimation
Acrylic is the most popular base for sublimation. Because of its reflective surface and transparency, it provides breathtaking clarity to the stunning image or design.
It also enhances its color. Furthermore, the durable plastic polymer is able to be resharpened. So a keychain made of sublimated acrylic appears costly and is the result that requires a lot of work. In fact, it’s an easy method of sublimation in acrylic.
Acrylic is used in sheets or blanks for sublimation These are a simple polymer mix composed of monomers as well as a polymer of polyester that is sold on the market in two various types. Cast acrylic or extruded Acrylic.
Cast acrylic is the best choice for customization because sublimation of Acrylic fiber requires a temperature that can reach 180 ° Celsius.
In the process, heat transfer can cause the plastic to melt. It has a greater temperature threshold before melting so it produces a clearer print than extruded acrylic sheets, which could melt during the process.
9 Important Things You Need Before Sublimate on Acrylic
Also, Read
1: Acrylic Blank or Acrylic Sheets
Based on your requirements and the type of products you’d like to create, you are able to purchase acrylic blanks as well as sheets in a variety of dimensions and thicknesses.
Acrylic blanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are the best option to create keychains, jewelry, and other ornaments.
2: Sublimation Inks and Papers
Sublimation inks are a specific kind of dye utilized in the process of heat transfer. Sublimation paper is one of the special types of paper that are utilized for sublimation printing machines.
These papers are also referred to as heat transfer papers. there is special heat transfer paper that is designed for sublimation dye on acrylic on Amazon or eBay.
3: Sublimation Printer
Dye Sublimation photo printers are the primary item you require for sublimation on acrylic. Sublimation printers are widely accessible in the marketplace, and you can purchase ready-to-sublimation or convertible sublimation printers.
Epson Ecotank printers are the most suitable choice for those seeking a printer that can be converted to sublimation. Additionally, Sawgrass SG400 and SG500 are fully compatible with ready-to-use sublimation printers.
4: Best Heat Transfer Machine
Heat transfer machines are the most important device that is required to perform the dye sublimation process.
After printing the designs on your transfer papers with the printer, it’s laid on the substrate then the temperature is transferred through a heat transfer device. The heat allows the ink that is sublimated to stick to the substrate and absorb.
5: Compatible Teflon Sheet
Teflon sheets or paper are employed in the process of heat transfer. They are durable and heat-resistant sheets.
They are employed for heat transfer to stop the sublimation ink from spreading and moving to other sides of the substrate.
Teflon sheets can be utilized more than once. In addition, you’ll need heat transfer tapes to secure sublimation papers onto the substrate.
7: White Spray
Acrylic is a translucent material which means that the sublimation image appears less pronounced because of its translucent background.
To make the image more visible and vivid the substrate of acrylic is coated with a transparent or clear white spray.
The white transparent spray is sprayed on the substrate of the acrylic prior to the sublimation process.
Alternatively, it is treated with opaque white following the sublimation process has been completed.
8: Butcher Heat Tape or paper
The use of heat tape is to adhere and seal the surface of acrylic and printed paper in the right place. It is designed to ensure that it stays in place when you press it.
The butcher’s paper serves as an accessory to keep the acrylic surface protected from direct harm by the heating press.
9: Designing Software
If you are looking for a custom design or would like to alter the size of a printed image.
If you are in the business of growing customization customers are looking for the creation of a unique logo to promote their business, and you will require good sublimation Design software.
How to Print on Acrylic Sheets or Materials?
Sublimation on Acrylic Time and Temp
Temperature and Time affects the sublimation process.
If you're using a heat press, you're going to want to use the temperatures and times specified in the instructions that come with the heat press, as well as being sure to follow the instructions on the sublimation paper.
The heat press temprature chart below gives you an idea of good temperatures and times to use when sublimating on acrylic.
Method 1: Uses translucent coating – Sublimation on Acrylic:
In this technique, you apply the translucent coating to the acrylic substrate prior to printing.
The transparent white spray that is used in this process is costlier as opposed to opaque white spray and is generally used in commercial-grade products.
This is a coating that is placed on the printing side of acrylic blanks, which allows sublimation inks to pass through and stick to the substrate’s surface.
This method is utilized for commercial grade sublimation items If you plan to market products using sublimation it is suggested to employ this method.
– STEP 1
Find the size of the design, and then get sheets of acrylic or acrylic blanks according.
– STEP 2
Remove the edges of the blank acrylic with heat-resistant tape prior to applying the white coating.
– STEP 3
Then apply an even coat of white spray. Wait until it has dried. It can take as much as two hours to be completely dried, based what the quality of the spray as well as the thickness of the coat, and the temperature at which it is placed.
After the spray has dried remove the tape that transfers heat.
– STEP 4
Centralize the design now and print it on a top-quality heating transfer sheet. Make sure you don’t duplicate the image when taking prints.
– STEP 5
The paper should be placed on the print side of the block, with the printed side facing downwards. Secure it by means of heat-resistant tape.
– STEP 6
Place the Teflon sheet over the paper for heat transfer.
– STEP 8
Increase the temperature of the machine for heat transfer between 190 and 200 degrees Celsius.
– STEP 9
Then, you can apply the heat transfer using a moderate to firm pressurized for about 100 seconds.
Take off from the sublimation tape, heat tape, and the sublimation leftovers. The sublimation product is in good condition.
Method 2: Sublimate Blocks or Acrylic Sheets
Follow these steps to sublimate blocks or acrylic sheets:
– STEP 1
Choose a design you’d like to sublimate on acrylic sheets. If you’re doing this in the beginning, it’s recommended to choose a shape with a symmetrical pattern to allow you to take measurements easily.
– STEP 2
Take a measurement of the design, and then locate the acrylic block or sheet which is slightly larger in dimension than the design you’d like to print.
– STEP 3
Choose a high-quality sublimation printer that is larger in dimension to print sublimation paper.
The design should be centralized on the sheets prior to printing to allow you to effortlessly centralize the substrate onto it later on.
– STEP 4
Don’t mirror the image because there is no image from the side printed, but through the other side. Thus, it will appear as an image that is mirror-like.
– STEP 5
After the print has been taken After the print is taken, warm the sheet of acrylic or the blank that you have chosen to use. Apply the heat to the reverse of the back.
This helps to enhance the resistance to the heat generated by the blocks and prevents bending or shaping when the heat transfer process is in progress.
– STEP 6
Place the design centrally on the substrate. Then attach the heat transfer sheet on the acrylic block, with the size of the printed paper in the direction downwards.
Use heat-resistant tape for fixing your heat transfer sheet.
– STEP 7
Then, place the Teflon sheet onto the paper for heat transfer. Increase the tempo of the heat transfer device by 200 degrees Celsius.
Then, apply the heat transfer onto an acrylic surface for about 100 seconds. A firm to medium pressure is required for the application of an acrylic sublimation layer.
– STEP 8
Then, you can mask away from the edge of sublimated blanks using heat-resistant tape.
To ensure that the image is more prominent and noticeable, apply a coating of white, opaque spray to the printed block’s side.
Sublimate Fabric made of Acrylic
Sublimation on canvas, sheets of polyester, and acrylic blanks are widely known to all.
Sublimation on synthetic or cotton materials such as rayon, nylon, or acrylic fabrics is also used for t-shirts that print beanies or hoodies, using the process of dye sublimation.
Acrylic fabric is extensively utilized in dye sublimation thanks to its stiffness and its ability to retain colors for longer time periods, even after multiple washing cycles.
FAQ’s
Can You Sublimate on Acrylic Keychain?
Yes, you can dye sublimate on keychains made of acrylic. Acrylic is a solid, solid plastic high in polymers, making it ideal for sublimation dyes. There are numerous acrylic blanks in a variety of designs that can be used to make keychains following printing.
Is Acrylic Yarn Flammable?
It is true that acrylic yarn is highly flammable as it’s made of Acrylonitrile. It is an invisibly extremely flammable liquid that rapidly ignites, making acrylic yarn extremely fire-proof.
What is Extruded Acrylic?
Extruded acrylic is a low-cost solid plastic that is used for skylights and trade show exhibits.
Extruded plastic is less transparent in terms of thermal stability and clarity as well as optical clarity over cast acrylic. It is therefore not a suitable material for the sublimation of acrylic.
How to Print on clear Acrylic?
You can apply a transparent white coating of spray to create sublimation blanks made of clear acrylic. Additionally, you can put an opaque white coat over the acrylic clear to help make sublimation prints appear more clear and more noticeable.
How Long to Sublimate on Acrylic?
Sublimation typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour per screen. It’s definitely a time-consuming process, but it’s worth it when you get the results you want.
Can you sublimate on Acrylic paint?
Yes, Acrylic paint is a popular choice for many painters because it can be cleaned up with water and paint thinner, but you can use both these materials.
Acrylic paint takes a little longer to dry on a canvas, but since you are able to paint in layers, you can go back and add details.
Make sure that your acrylics are water-soluble, otherwise, you will have difficulty washing them off.
Can You Sublimate on PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride)?
Absolutely, PVC can be described as a plastic made of synthetic materials, which is made up of a large number of polymers.
The higher content of polymers makes PVC ideal for sublimation and the process of heat transfer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to begin a business that offers customization, Sublimation in acrylic is an essential skill you need to master.
After having read the article we believe that you have a clear idea of what you’ll need as well as the method to sublimate acrylics in simple steps. You are now looking forward to off your custom acrylic shop.
If you’re thinking about how to sublimate on acrylic or create prints on sheets of acrylic this guide is the perfect solution for those you.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve discussed the two most efficient methods you can apply to sublimate onto acrylic.
You can make a significant revenue through the sale of the products you make using acrylic.
Acrylic sublimation sheets can be found in a variety of thicknesses and sizes, making it easy to locate the right substrate to use in your projects.
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