Dye Sublimation Printing onto Glass, What’s the Right Way?

It is good to try out new things. Experiments let us understand new and exciting ways of doing different things perfectly. We know how to use Sublimation on mugs, wood, and other objects. But today, we will try a new thing: “Dye sublimation printing onto glass, what’s the right way.” 

Most people are concerned about whether sublimation printing can be used on a glass & Wine cup surface. If it does, then what is the procedure? So, we are here to answer these queries and hope that after reading the post, you can do Dye Sublimation Printing onto Glass. 

You will need different objects to perform this task. We will discuss them later. But what is important is that you can dye sublimation printing onto glass. And we will show you how to do it the right way.

Before starting the project, you should ensure that everything on the list is present on your work surface.

  • Sublimation printer
  • Heat press or AutoPress
  • Sublimation ink
  • Sublimation paper
  • Lint Roller
  • Heat Resistant Tape
  • Tape Dispenser
  • Artesprix Protective Paper 
  • Heat Resistant Mat
  • Heat resistant gloves
  • Nomex Pad

One important thing to remember. The blanks or objects which we want to sublimate have poly coats on one side or either side. If you want to apply the Sublimation on the back of the object, there is no need to mirror the sublimation print. But if you plan to use it on the front side, you must mirror your sublimation print.

This is a step-by-step procedure, so you must follow it as described. 

Prepare Workspace for Sublimation 

To get the desired results, you must ensure that the workspace is free from dust particles, hair, or any other objects that could change the results.

Sublimation on glass in oven is a fine way of painting different objects; you need almost 100% cleaning to get the desired results. Due to finances, a slight dust particle may ruin the whole procedure. 

You can use different cleaning objects to clean the workspace; for instance, a lint roller is the best ploy for this purpose. 

Applying Sublimation at the Back of the Blank is a Good Practice

You can apply Sublimation on either side of the blank; there are no restrictions. But applying a poly coat on the back is a good practice, and then using a sublimation print on the side.

This is good for food objects like mugs, water-glass, etc. The sublimation surface in this scenario does not directly contact the food you have on that object.

How to Apply the Sublimation Print?

It’s time to apply the sublimation print on the blank. The procedure is simple, but carelessness might ruin the whole process. You have cleaned the surface; good enough.

Have a look once more to see if there is any dust or anything else. Make sure that it is dry too. Otherwise, the results might be up to the mark.

First, take sublimated printed image paper and place it on a clean surface. Make sure that the image side should be facing upward, and then take the glass frames you want Sublimation on and put the coated side on the printed paper.

Thus you will be able to see whether you have centered the image well or not. It allows you to adjust your blank accordingly.

Taping the sublimation paper

Once you adjust everything perfectly, tape the image with heat-resistant tape. There are ordinary tapes that can’t bear excessive heat. That is why it is good to apply proper tape. Add tape to all sides of your print.

Heat Press Protection is Important

It is important to protect your heat source in the sublimation process. Because heat is the only force behind the image-printed paper being sublimated to the poly-coated surface of the blank.

The heat converts the image into gaseous form and makes bonds with the poly-coated surface of the blank. So, it is very important to protect your heat source otherwise you will not be able to get any results.

But how to protect the heat source? This is the big question. Well, you can protect the heat source by using some sort of protective paper. One of the best protective papers that you can use for this purpose is called Artesprix. But you try some protective papers too.

Keep the protective slightly large. It will protect not only the heat press but also the surroundings. It is a safe way to proceed.

Time to Go for sublimation Press

The above procedures will set the plot to take our final steps. Before pressing the Sublimation, we have to heat our heat source in the first place. Every object has its own heat recommendations, so turn to that before taking any further steps.

If you do not consider those instructions, you might end up overheating or underheating the source, which can ruin the process. But where to check the instructions?

The available sources are the packing of the product, the manufacturer’s website, or amazon. You can contact any of them to get instructions.

After the recommendations and instructions, it is time to do it practically. What is the preferable way to press Sublimation is to keep the heat minimum initially and then gradually increase the heat if it is needed.

This is a smooth process and a good one too. Sometimes there are objects that need low temperature; if you start with a high temperature, it may break the whole process of Sublimation. So, be careful with the temperature.

Removing the Sublimation Print

At this point, you are done with everything regarding glass tile sublimation. Now it’s time to remove it. All you need to have is heat-resistant gloves.

It could be dangerous as they are hot enough. Once you remove that, a place somewhere that provides heat resistance otherwise, it could damage that place too. 

That’s all for now. We hope that you would have learned much about the term “Dye Sublimation Printing onto Glass, What’s the Right Way.” It is a step-by-step process.

You have to follow all the instructions and recommendations for better results. You should have all the resources, equipment, and a neat and clean place to do it.

How Dye Sublimation Printing onto Glass, What’s the Right Way?

If you want to dye sublimation printing onto glass cutting boards the right way, follow the procedure in the post.

Can you sublimate directly onto glass?

Yes, you can, but you must have all the equipment and sources. One thing else to remember is that the surface of the blank should be poly-coated. Otherwise, results will become sluggish.

What is called a glass tumbler?

A drinking glass jar without a handle or stem. It was originally impossible for a tumbler to stand upright due to its round or pointed base. But now it comes with a laminated flatted bottom that helps it to stand upright.

Mark Bryant