Today, LeadSub will take you to explore the process of sublimation blank slate and sublimation blank photo slate and mug sublimation. For this printing process, we will use the portrait of a recent popular character – Luigi Mangione. We made a video about it, you can see it in the article below, and there’s also a quick link to our youtube page, welcome to follow us on youtube @leadsub.
What You Need:
Before you begin, make sure you have the following items:
- Sublimation Printer
- Sublimation Ink
- Heat Press Machine
- Sublimation Stone Slates
- Sublimation Mugs
- Transfer Paper
- Design File (Luigi Mangione’s Portrait)
- Heat-resistant Tape
Final Touches and Tips:
- Test first: Always test with a sample before printing large batches to ensure the design appears as you want it.
- Check the press: Make sure your heat press machine is set to the correct pressure and temperature for each product. Uneven pressure or heat can lead to poor transfer results.
- Allow to cool: After the transfer process, always allow the stone slate and mug to cool down before handling them to prevent any smudging or damage to the print.
- Crisp Colors: Use high-quality sublimation paper and ink to get the best print results, especially for vibrant and detailed designs like Luigi Mangione’s portrait.
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Preparing the Image:
Start by selecting a high-resolution portrait of Luigi Mangione. The size of the picture should fit the slate and mug. Use photo editing software to crop, adjust, and if needed, mirror the image, as sublimation printing requires turning the design upside down before printing. This way the printed photo will be in the right direction.
2. Printing the Design:
Next, the sublimation printer is loaded with sublimation paper and the reverse design is printed using sublimation ink. Make sure your print Settings are optimized for high-quality output. Remember that the image will be transferred to the slate and cup by hot pressing, so check carefully that the colors are bright and clear.
3. Preparing the Surface:
Before sublimation, it is important to prepare the surface of the slate and mug. Clean both items thoroughly to ensure they are free of dust, oil, or other residue that could affect the quality of the print. Gently wipe the slate and mug with a lint-free cloth to ensure that the design surface is smooth and clean.
4. Transferring the Image to the Mug:
For mugs, wrap the printed sublimation paper around the surface of the mug, making sure the pattern is aligned correctly. Secure the paper with heat-resistant tape, again making sure there are no wrinkles.
Place the cup into a cup press and adjust the time and temperature for the cup to sublimate – usually 180°C(356°F) for 250 seconds. Make sure the cup is pressed down evenly for an even transfer. Once the transfer time is complete, carefully remove the mug from the press, allow it to cool, and then remove the transfer paper.
5. Transferring the Image to the Stone Slate:
For slate, carefully place the printed sublimed paper face down on the surface of the slate. Hold the paper in place with heat-resistant tape, making sure there are no wrinkles or bubbles, which can cause an imperfect print.
Set the heat press to the recommended temperature of the slate – usually 180°C(356°F) for 480 seconds or 200°C(392°F) for 340 seconds. Place the slate in a heat press to ensure that the temperature and pressure are applied evenly. Once the transfer time is complete, remove the slate from the heat press, allow it to cool, and then carefully peel off the transfer paper.
For flat products, leadsub has a double sides heat press machine with up and down heating, which can shorten the printing time by 30%-50%. For example, it only takes 200 degrees Celsius and 180 seconds to print sublimation slate. Click on the link to view the machine details: double sides heat press machine, please contact us for more information.
Conclusion:
Sublimating stone slates and mugs with designs like Luigi Mangione’s portrait is a great way to create stunning, custom products. Whether you’re looking to create personalized gifts, souvenirs, or promotional items, sublimation printing ensures long-lasting, vibrant results that your customers or loved ones will love. With the right equipment and a little practice, you can achieve professional-quality results that will make your products stand out.
