From family photos to pet portraits – put them all on slate!
By Staff Writer
Sublimating on slate is a creative and visually appealing method for personalizing various items, such as coasters and photo frames. This process involves transferring your designs into the slate’s surface using heat, resulting in long-lasting and vibrant prints. To sublimate on slate:
Start by gathering the necessary materials, including a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, sublimation paper, a heat press, and slate blanks. Ensure that the slate is clean and free from any debris.
Design your artwork using graphic design software, ensuring it matches the slate’s dimensions and is reversed since it will transfer mirrored onto the slate.
Load sublimation paper into your printer and print your design using sublimation ink. Make sure the colours are vivid and sharp.
Prepare the heat press by placing a silicone or rubber pad onto the platen for even pressure. Position the slate face down on the pad and secure the sublimation paper with heat-resistant tape.
Set the heat press to the recommended temperature and time for slate sublimation, typically around 380-400°F for 60-90 seconds. Close the press, applying even pressure.
After the allotted time, open the heat press and carefully remove the sublimated slate. Be cautious as it will be hot. Allow it to cool naturally to prevent smudging.
Once cooled, wipe away any residue with a clean, damp cloth. Your sublimated slate is now ready for use or display. Sublimating on slate offers limitless possibilities for creating personalized gifts, home decor, and promotional items, turning your creativity into beautiful, tangible pieces of art.
