The cost of getting a single photograph developed is rising day by day, and don’t even get me started on photo frames. In totality, you can expect the cost of a roundabout ten dollars per photograph. However, the price wouldn’t have bothered me so much if it wasn’t for the fading of the developed pictures. Moreover, these pictures can get damaged even if a tiny drop of water falls on them.
So modern technology took the matter into consideration and devised an alternative for all looking for longer-lasting and cost-effective pictures. The new solution is to get photographs sublimated on glass frames directly from the computer machine. These sublimation prints are so vibrant and long-lasting that they instantly became my new favorite alternative. Besides, it is not necessary that you only get your photographs printed; you can also sublimate other images of art or famous quotes.
However, to get a perfect sublimation print on glass, you need to carry out a step-by-step procedure in an orderly manner. So if you are curious to know more about sublimation and how to get the results of your imagination, then my article is going to satisfy your curiosity very well. So keep on reading and soaking up information to the last word here!
Table of Contents:
Sublimation On Glass
What is Sublimation?
This head of my article is dedicated to those who don’t know what sublimation is and just have a slight gist. But if you know what it is, you can simply skip this part and move on to the next one. So, sublimation is a computerized process of getting an image of your choice transferred to surfaces other than just paper such as wood, glass, fabric, plastic, etc. It is a process of using heat to melt the dyes into the surface of the material.
Material Required For Sublimation
Like any other process, sublimation also requires the use of certain types of equipment and materials that you must have in order to perform it adequately. Following are the things you will need to get a sublimation print on the glass surface.
1. Sublimation Printer
A sublimation printer is a piece of leading equipment in this process; You have to be very careful in selecting a good sublimation printer if you are looking for a long-term investment. However, if you already have a sublimation printer, you can also use it to sublimate a glass surface if it is in proper working condition.
2. Sublimation Ink
The second most important thing is the sublimation ink. You will have to purchase a sublimation ink compatible with the glass surface because all other types of inks will not settle on the glass surface. However, it should cost you a fortune, and the best part is that you can keep on using the ink for future projects as well.
3. Heat Press Machine
The heat press machine is the third most important piece of equipment in this process. It will basically help melt the ink dyes from the paper and onto the glass surface, and the pressure exerted by the machine will ensure that the inks stick to the surface well. In short, you can not even think about sublimating a glass in the absence of a heat press machine. Read more.
4. Others
This head includes all the other small items you may require while performing the sublimation process, such as heat-resistant tape to secure the printed paper on the glass surface. Other than that, you will need a mitten or a glove for your own safety when you take the hot glass plate out of the heat press machine.
How To Sublimate On Glass
Step #1: Before you do anything, you need to select an image you want to sublimate on a glass. It can be anything ranging from an old photograph, a piece of art, or maybe a heart-touching quote that you want to hang on the wall of your room.
Step #2: Next, download the image and get a print-out from a sublimation machine using the glass compatible ink. The image may look bland, but don’t worry because it happens due to the incompatibility of the ink with the paper. The image will look bright and vibrant on the glass.
Step #3: After that, you need to stick the printed page facing down to the glass surface and adjust the positioning of the page. You can also secure the page in place using heat-resistant tape so that the paper won’t move around and spoil the print.
Step #4: Now, place the glass plate into a heat press machine, set the timer to 180 to 200 seconds, and temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, wait for the timer to set off. Remember, it is imperative that you adhere to the timing; otherwise, the end results will suffer at the hands of any carelessness on your part.
Step # 5: Once the timer sets off, take the glass out of the heat press machine. However, be careful to wear a mitten or a glove on your hand before you touch the glass because it is bound to be very hot and may burn off your skin.
Step #6: Now, peel the paper off the glass while it is still hot.
Step #7: Enjoy your new sublimated glass frame!
FAQs
Can I sublimate on any glass?
The modern advancements in technology have made possible many seemingly impossible things, such as sublimating glass surfaces. So, to answer this question more simply, you can sublimate on any glass surface. However, you must ensure that it has a sub coating; otherwise, the print won’t come out as perfect as you had predicted in your head.
Can you use sublimation on glass?
Sublimation is the process of getting a dyed print on any material other than paper, such as fabric, wood, plastic, etc. And now, modern technology has made it possible for you to get your most favorite print sublimated on a glass surface as well. However, there is just a small requirement, i.e., you need to coat the glass surface with sub; otherwise, the results wouldn’t be as per your expectations.
How do you sublimate on glass?
Geeting a glass surface sublimated is quite a simple task. First, take a regular paper and print your photograph or any image you want to be printed on the glass on it. Next, place the paper on the glass surface facing down and adjust the positioning. Once satisfied, secure the page with heat-resistant tape. After that, place the glass plate inside a heat presser and set the timer and temperature. When the timer sets off, take the glass plate out of the presser very carefully and peel the page from the glass. And you are done!
At what temperature does glass sublimate?
If you want to sublimate on glass, you need to be very careful with the temperature. You will have to set the temperature very precisely to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and the timer to 180 to 200 seconds. In case you are not careful with the numbers, you will notice a visible difference in the output. The sublimation print may blot out due to overheating.
Can I sublimate on clear glass?
Yes, you can get any type of glass surface sublimated as per your wishes. But you will have to take care of tiny detail to get the glass surface you want to sublimate coated with sub. The final results depend drastically on the presence or absence of sub coating. It makes the glass surface more compatible with the sublimation ink; thus, the ink perfectly settles on the glass surface.
How to sublimate on the wine glass?
Sublimating a wine glass is a straightforward process. All you have to do is find an intricate design you love and download it. Then get a print-out of that design through the sublimation printer on regular paper. After that, wrap the printed paper face front around the glass and secure it with heat-resistant tape. After that, put the wrapped-up wine glass into the heat presser and set the temperature and timer. When the timer is up, take the glass out and peel off the paper.
Final Thoughts
So, this was all on my side. I hope you found all the information related to this topic beneficial and understandable. Sticking to the facts, sublimation is a simple process, but you need to follow the step-by-step process as mentioned above very carefully and in an orderly manner. Plus, make sure to consider all the safety measures while performing the process because you definitely don’t want to get hurt while trying to fulfill your curiosity and interests.
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