Sublimation Ornaments Guide

Sublimation Ornaments Guide: Ceramic, Wood, and Metal Time and Temperature

The holiday season is here, making it the perfect time to dive into some festive crafts. One of the most enjoyable and creative projects you can tackle is making your sublimation ornaments. These ornaments bring a unique and personalized charm to your holiday decorations and make thoughtful gifts that your friends and family will love. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or trying sublimation for the first time, this guide will walk you through creating beautiful ceramic, wood, and metal ornaments.

Materials and Supplies Needed

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Here's what you'll need:

General Supplies:

• Sublimation Printer: A good sublimation printer like the Sawgrass SG500 will yield great results.
• Sublimation Transfer Paper: Print your designs on sublimation transfer paper.
• Heat Press: You'll need a heat press to transfer your designs onto the ornament blanks.
• Protective Paper or Cover Sheet: Protect your heat press and ensure a clean transfer with butcher paper.
• Heat-Resistant Tape: Use these to keep your transfer securely in place on the ornament.
• Alcohol and Cotton Balls: Clean your ornament blanks to remove fingerprints or oils.

Material-Specific Supplies:

• Ceramic/Porcelain Ornament Blanks: Perfect for a classic, timeless look.
• Wood Ornament Blanks: Wood gives your ornaments a warm, rustic feel.
• Metal Ornament Blanks: For a sleek, modern finish.
• Wool Pressing Mat or Nomex Pad: Provides a sturdy base for pressing, ensuring your design transfers evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Designing Your Ornament Sublimation Transfer

First, you'll need to design your ornament. If you're using software like Sawgrass Creative Studio, start by setting up a canvas that matches the size of your sublimation paper, usually 8.5" x 11". Upload your chosen image or design, resize it to fit your ornament, and mirror your design before printing to ensure it appears correctly when transferred. If you want the design to cover the entire ornament, make it slightly larger than the blank to avoid any white edges.

2. Preparing the Ornaments for Sublimation

Preparation is key for a clean, vibrant transfer. Clean your ornament blanks with alcohol and cotton balls. Then, cut out your sublimation transfers to fit the ornaments. Attach the transfer to the ornament using heat-resistant tape, ensuring the ornament's hole is positioned correctly for hanging.

3. Sublimating Metal Ornaments

Metal ornaments offer a sleek, modern look. Here's how to press them:

Press Setup:

• Parchment Paper
• Transfer face down on the ornament
• Ornament face up
• Parchment Paper
• Heat press base mat, wool mat, or Nomex pad

Time, Temperature, and Pressure Recommendations:

• Time: 45 – 60 seconds
• Temperature: 350°F
• Pressure: Light – Medium

4. Sublimating Wood Ornaments

Wood ornaments give a warm, rustic feel. Here's what you need to know:

Press Setup:

• Protective paper or cover sheet
• Transfer face down on your ornament
• Ornament face up
• Protective paper or cover sheet
• Heat press base mat, wool mat, or Nomex pad

Time, Temperature, and Pressure Recommendations:

• Time: 60 seconds
• Temperature: 400°F
• Pressure: Medium

5. Sublimating Ceramic/Porcelain Ornaments

Ceramic ornaments are fragile but beautiful. Here's how to press them:

Press Setup:

• Protective paper or cover sheet
• Green rubber pad (to cushion the ornament)
• Butcher paper
• Transfer face down on your ornament
• Ornament face up
• Protective paper or cover sheet
• Heat press base mat, wool mat, or Nomex pad

Time, Temperature, and Pressure Recommendations:

• Time: 240 – 360 seconds
• Temperature: 400°F
• Pressure: Medium

Finishing Touches

Once your ornaments are sublimated, check each one for imperfections. Most ornaments come with a pre-attached hanger, but you can personalize them with your own ribbon or string.