If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to sublimate on card stock, the answer is a resounding yes! By following a few instructions and patterns, you can effectively use the heat pressing method to sublimate materials like card stocks and print on various items such as mugs and phone cases.
One crucial element that plays a key role in the process of sublimating card stock, particularly glitter card stock, is the presence of a special coating. Therefore, choosing the right cover is essential to achieve accurate sublimation results.
In this article, we will delve into the best ways and tricks that can be employed to sublimate card stock. So, keep reading until the end to discover the steps for successful card stock sublimation.
Card stock is a special product that is made from thick paper materials or thin but strong cardboard. Due to their thickness, it is difficult for the heat from the heat press to pass through them in order to make a print.
As a result, they require certain coatings or coverings for the accurate transfer of heat. For this purpose, usually, polyester or cotton-coated materials are used as they can easily absorb and transfer the heat particles.
The density of this coating generally depends on the thickness and nature of the main printing materials. In the case of card stocks, thin cardboard coaster is enough to break the thundering effect of the incoming heat.
Steps to Sublimate on Card Stock:
How to sublimate any surface? Here are the best steps that you can follow to sublimate any surface and even card stock time and temperature items to print on multiple materials. Make sure to follow all of them one by one to create highly attractive designs through them on your favorite materials.
The steps that we have explained in this article are somehow related to the steps used in our article on the topic, How to sublimate Model Fabrics? So, be sure to also check it out as it would increase your knowledge greatly.
1. Create your Designs
The first step in this process is the production of a highly attractive and aesthetic design that is durable and elegant. Such designs can be created in a variety of ways.
However, the best and most easy way of creating designs is the use of certain software programs like Illustrator, Photoshop, and Canvas. All of them can be used to make flexible images with multiple designs and styles.
2. Cut the Designs
Once your designs are created, it is important to get them in some versatile shape for accurate printing tasks. Therefore, we consider using special duct tape and scissors for such a process.
Firstly, cut the extended ends of your designs to make them look regularly shaped. Make sure to protect the ends of your designs from the scissors using duct tape and attach them to the heat press machines.
3. Attach the Designs to Transfer Papers
After cutting the overhanging edges of your designs, you must place them right above the transfer papers. You can transfer your designs onto such transfer papers for accurate printing on card stock.
It is essential to place the transfer papers in contact with the designs at the most accurate and efficient angle. As a result, your total design is transferred on these transfer papers, and a big printing step is completed.
4. Quality of the Transfer Paper
In the above list, we have informed you about the key role that a transfer paper plays in sublimating card stock materials. Nevertheless, knowing what transfer papers are available is also very important.
This why people ask us, Can you sublimate on paper, paper bags, glitter card stock, poster board, greeting cards, Melamine and cardboard or any other surface? The answer is yes, but if you choose transfer papers made of polyester weighing 45-55 pounds.
5. Use a branded Heat Press
Next on the list is the use of a branded heat press machine that transfers your designs through the transfer papers onto the main materials. As a result, choosing a branded heat-pressing machine is quite important.
For this purpose, we always advise our users to go for Epson-related heat press machines as they are best for this task. Their quick heat production allows you to print with pace and efficiency on numerous materials.
6. Select a suitable Temperature
Talking about the functionality of the heat pressing machines, their heat productive temperature has the main role to play in this printing step. As it has to produce a limited and suitable temperature to avoid damaging the designs.
The best and most highly versatile temperature for such a task is about 400 F. It allows you to easily transfer numerous designs through your card stock papers onto the surface of materials like phone cases and mugs.
7. Using the right Inks
Many ink colors can be used to create designs to print on different materials. However, the quality of such inks plays a vital role in the right transfer of these printed images.
Therefore, it is advised to go for the branded inks in the market, especially for the Epson and Sawgrass-related brands. It allows you to create designs that last long with flexible styles and patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the temperature to sublimate on card stock?
The paper will stick to the coaster if heated for too long at 400°F Medium. It takes 60-80 seconds for the plastic coating to be removed at 400°F medium. A sheet of transfer paper is placed on top of the product.
What kind of paper can you sublimate on?
Is card stock a good surface for sublimating? The best choice is 110-120 gsm. High humidity will cause the paper to become softer and less stiff since it is easily dampened. Due to the lower stiffness and hardness of the low-weight paper, printing smoothly will be difficult. The best choice at this time is 110-120 gsm.
What materials can you not sublimate on?
You can sublimate ceramics, metals, plastics, and more. To make it permanent, make sure it has a special coating. Home Depot doesn’t sell tiles or Dollar Tree doesn’t have mugs.
Can you sublimate on card stock?
Yes, it is possible to sublimate on card stock using the heat pressing method.
What is the best way to sublimate on card stock?
The heat pressing method is considered the best way to sublimate materials like card stock and achieve high-quality prints.
Is there a special coating required for sublimating on card stock?
Yes, for successful sublimation on card stock, it is important to choose a card stock with a special coating designed for sublimation purposes.
Can I use card stock to print on items like mugs and phone cases?
Absolutely! By sublimating on card stock, you can easily transfer designs onto various items, including mugs and phone cases.
Are there any specific instructions or patterns to follow for card stock sublimation?
Yes, following specific instructions and patterns is crucial for achieving accurate sublimation results on card stock. Detailed guidelines can help you navigate the process effectively.
Is sublimating on card stock safe and error-free?
Yes, sublimating on card stock is safe as long as you follow the recommended steps and instructions carefully. By avoiding errors, you can successfully print on your favorite items using card stock.
Final Verdict
One of the most frequently asked questions in the realm of sublimation is whether card stock can be effectively used for this purpose. In this article, we have provided you with valuable insights and step-by-step instructions to easily sublimate cardboard materials.
Rest assured, all the steps outlined here are safe to follow. By meticulously following each step without making any errors, you’ll find it a breeze to print on your favorite items using card stocks.
Our ultimate goal is to ensure that you benefit from the information we have shared in this article. For more related articles and blogs, be sure to visit our website again. Unlock the potential of sublimating on card stock and explore the endless possibilities it presents.
Mark Bryant is a highly experienced and knowledgeable printer review expert, with an impressive track record of accurately evaluating the performance of printing products. He is passionate about understanding the nuances between models and brands, so that his readers can make informed purchasing decisions.
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