Hello, my dear sublimation enthusiasts!
Before that, we discussed the sublimation on various substrates like mugs, bottles, etc. And today we are going to discuss how to sublimate on Metal? What is required? What materials and equipment are we in need of? Anything and everything I will discuss here. So that you don’t have to face any problems while doing sublimation, so without delay just hold my hand tight and let’s go!
How to select the right material for the sublimation?
One most important things while sublimating on the metal is to select a proper material. And the features included in the metal which we have to use for the sublimation are:
- Lightweight
- Resistivity against corrosion
- Strength
- Versatility
- Durable
- Textured & the matte finish: it enhances the adhesion of the sublimation ink on the metal
Metals like aluminium and stainless steel are preferred for metal sublimation.
What makes an Aluminum Material best for sublimation?
It eliminates the need for plate making, plate printing and repeated heat pressing. Also aluminium material provides a textured & matte finish, required for the great adhesion of the sublimation ink on the metal.
Aluminium material for the sublimation:
Aluminium consists of all the properties required for the precision and detail required for complex and fine designs. Also, it has all the properties which are mentioned above, making it a great choice for sublimation. It is the best for products that are continuously exposed to direct sunlight, displayed outdoors and suffering from moisture regularly.
Steel material for the sublimation:
I especially recommend you to not go with the stainless steel while selecting the metal for the sublimation. This is my own experience. I tried it many times but nearly every time, its results dismood me.
You can’t do the sublimation on the stainless steel directly. For that first, you have to apply the polyester coating on the metal. This coating provides you with the ink adhesion and precise temperature control to prevent the metal from damage while doing the heat pressing. But applying this coating on the metal you have to use spray or the brush-on method. And it is a very critical method. But the desired result is not guaranteed after all that effort.
You may also check – Sublimation on Canvas
The materials & equipment you are in need of:
The following materials & equipment are necessary to do the sublimation on the metal.
Sublimation Paper: To print the design. Allows ink to sit on the upper surface of the paper and burst & stick to the metal after application of the heat.
Sublimation Printer:
The features you must have to check while purchasing a printer for your metal sublimation are:
It’s high print quality & the resolution
It’s settings if it is compatible to fine-tune the output based on the project requirements
Compatibility: as it is compatible with a variety of the media or not.
The best sublimation printers for the sublimation on metal are:
- Epson SureColor F170
- Epson SureColor F570
- Epson SureColor P600
- Sawgrass Virtuoso SG800 (I used this for my projects)
Sublimation Ink: always go with high-quality sublimation ink, which is compatible with your printer settings and gives you the best result.
Heat Press
Butcher Paper: It protects the heat press plate from the colour fumes sticking on it and the ghosting effect in future designs.
Heat Tape/Adhesive Spray: To keep the sublimation transfer on the correct position on the metal blank
Heat Resistant Gloves: Safety first. It helps to protect your hands from the heat during and after sublimation.
You may also check – Essential Sublimation Printing Equipment
Step-by-step guide on the sublimation of metal:
To do the sublimation on the metal, just follow my step-by-step guide.
Step #1) Prepare your design first:
As always, like other sublimations, prepare your design. For that, you can use any application that you feel comfortable with adjusting and designing. I use Canva. As I feel comfortable with it. It is free and provides customization features too.
Step #2) Print the design:
Now it’s time to print your design. But Wait! Does your design contain the letters? Yes? Then before printing just the mirror flipped horizontally. So that the final design will appear correctly.
Step #3) Preparing your metal surface:
Now your design is ready. So it’s time to prepare your metal for sublimation.
Take a metal on which you want to do the sublimation.
Peel off the protective cover from the metal sheet of its printing side and make it ready for the sublimation.
Clean it by using the gentle cleaning solution and the lint-free cloth. Apply the solution on the metal surface and wipe it with the lint-free cloth so that it will free from any dust, dirt & residue. But before proceeding with the sublimation you have to double ensure that your metal is completely dry. Otherwise, moisture interference occurs during the sublimation.
Decide the specific area on the metal sheet where you want to sublimate your design.
Step #4) Do the sublimation:
Now it’s time for the final step. For that,
Take your metal sheet
Place your design onto it in such a way that the ink on the transfer paper facing & touches the metal sheet
Secure it with the heat resistant tape, so that the setting will not move during the sublimation
Cover it with butcher paper
Set the heat press at 3500F to 4000F for 60 seconds.(Temperature and the time vary based on the ink and the metal you are using for the sublimation)
Place the metal sheet in the heat press.
After time collapse, open the heat press
Allow some time to cool down completely
Peel off the sublimation transfer paper very gently and check the result.
Solutions to the common issues arriving during sublimation on the metal:
I found my inbox full of the mail with the problems people faced during the sublimation.
The common problems and their solutions:
- Colour Inconsistency:
It commonly happens due to uneven heat transfer during the sublimation.
Solution: Assure even heat distribution while applying butcher paper
the shifting of the sublimation paper during sublimation.
Use the heat-resistant tape to secure the transfer paper and the design together during sublimation
- Poor Adhesion of the Ink:
The ink does not adhere to the metal properly and looks faded.
Solution: Apply the polyester coating on the stainless steel material before going for the sublimation.
- Lighter Patches on the Metal:
It happens due to the use of a heat press with insufficient pressure.
Solution: do the trial and ensure the proper heat and pressure count for your metal.
Applications of the sublimation on the metal:
You can flaunt with the unique, creative and stylish application of the metal sublimation. Which grows your artistic image and the reputation to the sky and helps you to grow. And the creative applications are;
- Wedding signs on white stainless steel
- Metal bottle openers
- Fridge Magnets.
- Business cards
- Rifle Slings
- Metal Panels
- Fridge Décor
- Sublimation on beer mugs and frosted mugs
- Metal keychains sublimated with special dates, names, or images
- Cufflinks personalised for grooms or businessmen,
- Custom licence plates
You may also check – Sublimation on T-Shirts for Beginners
Conclusion:
So with all the things I have discussed, I hope you have got the answers about how to sublimate on metal. And you can do it very easily. Just follow these simple step-by-step guides very precisely and accurately. And do your art blows on the metal and let it shine. Till then Happy sublimation!