DIY Sublimation for Ceramics
Sublimation is the process of printing an image on ceramic so that it becomes a part of the polymer coating of the ceramic. This means that you can run your hand across the ceramic and you won't be able to feel seams or lines where the picture is printed. There is only a smooth, seamless finish. You can pay someone to do this for you, or invest in a lot of pricey equipment. There is also a process using inkjet printers that allows you to sublimate ceramic at home.
Things You'll Need
- Epson or Ricoh printer with sublimation capabilities
- Sublimation ink
- Polymer-coated ceramic
- Image editing software
- Sublimation paper
- Heat press
- Scissors
- Tape
- Heat resistant tape
Instructions
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1
Open your image editing software and load the picture or image you wish to sublimate onto the ceramic. Make any improvements you deem necessary such as color correction or cropping.
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2
Load special sublimation paper into your Ricoh or Epson printer. Make sure you have special sublimation ink cartridges loaded as well.
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3
Print a copy of your edited image. Allow the ink to dry on the paper thoroughly. Cut the image out of the paper.
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4
Tape the image onto the ceramic item using the special heat resistant tape. Make sure that the image is facing down on the ceramic. Otherwise, the image won't transfer.
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5
Turn on the heat press and allow it to heat up. Consult the manual for the proper setting for the particular type of ceramic you are using.
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Insert the ceramic into the heat press and press "Start" to begin the sublimation process. Allow the machine to go through the entire cycle.
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7
Remove the ceramic from the heat press once the transfer is finished. You may need to wear gloves if it is still hot, or allow it to cool down before removal. Tear away the paper to reveal the newly sublimated image.
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