Sublimation on stainless steel is famous for creating custom products such as water bottles, phone cases, and kitchen appliances.
The method permits the production of one-of-a-kind, eye-catching items with nearly limitless creative potential. Sublimation on stainless steel is an attractive option for businesses seeking to add a more personalized touch to their products and for people seeking to create one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones.
Let’s explore a few common queries like How to sublimate on stainless steel? Or Can you sublimate on stainless steel tumblers?
Can you sublimate on stainless steel?
Stainless steel is often used for Sublimation because it is strong and doesn’t wear down quickly. This material is also easy to clean and keeps in good shape, which makes it a good choice for things that will be used a lot.
But can you sublimate on stainless steel? Of course, it is possible. But we have discussed some considerations below, so read them before you start working on a project.
Do I need sublimation coating for Sublimation on stainless steel?
Sublimation on stainless steel doesn’t need a sublimation coating, but it can be helpful in some situations. Before the sublimation process, a clear liquid coating called a “sublimation coating” is put on the surface of the stainless steel. It works with sublimation inks and helps ensure that the inks soak into the stainless steel surface properly.
Without sublimation coating, the sublimation inks might not stick well to the stainless steel surface. This could make the image less clear or last long.
Use a sublimation coating if you want the best results regarding how bright the colours are, how long the shot lasts, and how durable it is.
But not all stainless steel surfaces are the same. Some may have a polymer or polymer-coated surface that can be directly sublimated, so a coating is unnecessary. To find out if the coating is needed, you should talk to the maker of the stainless steel surface you are using.
1) Epoxy-based coatings: Â People often use coatings made of epoxy for Sublimation on stainless steel. They are strong, can handle the heat, and have a high-quality finish. Epoxy-based coatings are usually made of a mixture of epoxy resin and a hardener, which are mixed before being applied.
2) Polyester-based coatings:Â When sublimating on stainless steel, polyester-based coatings are also popular. They can also withstand heat and have a good finish. Coatings made with polyester are usually made of a mix of polyester resin, a UV stabilizer, and a hardener.
So keeping the circumstances in mind, you should decide whether to use the coating.
Related: Sublimation onto Metal: Step-by-Step Guide
Can you sublimate on Stainless Steel tumblers?
Sublimating on stainless steel tumblers is a great way to make gifts or products for your customers that are unique and personalised. Here are the steps to sublimating on stainless steel tumblers:
Step 1.
Start by choosing the style you want for your tumbler. This can be a design that already exists or one you make yourself using a programme for graphic design.
Keep in mind that the design will need to be turned around before printing because the image on the tumbler will also be turned around. Ensure the design is high resolution, and the colours are in RGB format.
Step 2.
Then, use a sublimation printer to print your design on sublimation paper. Use sublimation ink since regular ink won’t work for this process. It’s important to remember that your printer and the ink you use should work with the sublimation paper. If they don’t, the colours or the transfer may be affected.
Step 3.
Make sure there is no dust, oil, or anything else on the stainless steel tumbler by thoroughly cleaning it. You can use isopropyl alcohol, or a degreaser made just for stainless steel.
Step 4.
Use a foam brush or a roller to spread a thin, even layer of sublimation coating on the surface of the stainless steel tumbler. Make sure to follow the instructions from the above tutorial to understand how to use it and how long it needs to dry. The coating should be on with no dust because dust can change the final result.
Related: How to Sublimate a Tumbler? Best Guide (2023)
Step 5.
Once the coating is dry, put the printed design on the coated tumbler with the printed side facing the coating. It’s essential to line up the design correctly on the tumbler surface and wrap the paper with masking tape to keep it in place.
Step 6.
Put a Teflon sheet over the tumbler and the printed design, and then put the whole thing into a heat press. Ensure the design is in the right place and the tumbler is in the middle of the press. You can keep the tumbler from moving by securing it to the heat press platen with heat-resistant tape.
Step 7.
Set the heat press to the right temperature and time for Sublimation on stainless steel, usually between 400 and 410 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 to 90 seconds.
It’s important to remember that the temperature and time may change depending on the sublimation coating used, so you should check your coatings instructions for how much temperature coating can handle and for how much time.
Final Step.
Take the tumbler out of the heat press when the time is up, and carefully peel off the sublimation paper. Your stainless steel tumbler should now have a beautiful, high-quality image.
Also Read: Are Sublimation Tumblers Dishwasher safe ?
Check out this tutorial to see How to apply coatings on your tumbler :
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you sublimate on stainless steel?
Yes, it is possible to sublimate on stainless steel. The stainless steel must be coated with a special sublimation coating for the ink to adhere to the surface.
Q: What is the process for sublimation on stainless steel?
Sublimating on stainless steel involves cleaning the steel’s surface and then applying a sublimation coating. The image is then printed onto sublimation paper and placed on the coated steel surface. The steel is then heated to a high temperature using a heat press, causing the ink to sublimate and transfer onto the steel surface.
Q: Can you sublimate on stainless steel tumblers?
Yes, you can sublimate on a stainless steel tumblers as long as the tumbler has a special coating for Sublimation. It’s the same process as sublimating on flat stainless steel.
Q: How do I clean a stainless steel tumbler before sublimating?
You can use warm water and a bar of mild soap to clean a stainless steel tumbler before you sublimate it. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the tumbler, then rinse it well. Make sure the tumbler is dry before you put the sublimation coating on it.
Q: What ink should I use for sublimation on stainless steel?
Sublimation ink is the best kind of ink to use when sublimating on stainless steel because it is made to work with the process. Sublimation ink is a dye-sublimation ink that turns into a gas when heated and penetrates the coating on stainless steel to create a high-quality image.
Q: How long do I need to heat the stainless steel for Sublimation?
The type of heat press and the thickness of the steel will affect how long it takes to heat the stainless steel for Sublimation. Most of the time, the steel should be heated to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 4 minutes.
Q: What is the best temperature for sublimation on stainless steel?
Around 400 degrees Fahrenheit is the best temperature for Sublimation on stainless steel. At this temperature, the sublimation ink will evaporate and penetrate the coating on the stainless steel, making a high-quality image.
Q: Can I use a regular heat press for sublimation on stainless steel?
Around 400 degrees Fahrenheit is the best temperature for Sublimation on stainless steel. At this temperature, the sublimation ink will evaporate and penetrate the coating on the stainless steel, making a high-quality image.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sublimation on stainless steel is a great way to make personalised items of high quality. With the right tools, a special sublimation coating, and the proper method, you can quickly transfer bright, long-lasting images onto stainless steel items like tumblers, keychains, and more.
Always use the right ink and heat press to clean and prepare the stainless steel surface correctly. Using these strategies, you can produce attractive designs on stainless steel products.
