Learn How to Sublimate on Acrylic to Produce Beautiful Keychains

Acrylic is a type of paint that looks like glass when it dries. It’s used in many different forms of art, from painting to photography to sculpture. The best method for working with acrylics is by using a technique called sublimation, which involves heating the paint until it vaporizes and then pouring the liquid onto a surface. So, you will get to know how to sublimate on acrylic.

Sublimation is a lucrative and exciting activity where the materials are, primarily, acrylic and many people are now getting into the business. A common question that is asked these days is whether or not you can sublimate on acrylic. The answer is yes it can be done and help in craft sublimation printing.

What Do You Need To Sublimate On Acrylic?

Acrylic is a clear plastic that is used for a variety of purposes. It can be used to make picture frames, kitchen utensils, and many other things. Acrylic is also very versatile, so you can use it in many different ways. If you are interested in acrylic, you should know what you need to sublimate to acrylic.

1. Sublimation Printer

This is the first thing you will need to do when you are going to sublimate on acrylic. You need to have a printer that can print on the acrylic. You can get one at any local office supply store.

2. Sublimation Inks and Papers

Sublimation inks are particular types of dyes that can be used to print on acrylic.  The ink will sublimate into the acrylic, giving it a nice shiny finish. There are many different kinds of inks, but the ones that are best for sublimating are the UV-curable inks. You can find these at most art stores or online. You will want to make sure that the ink you buy is UV-curable ink because this is what will sublimate to acrylic.

When you are printing on acrylic, you will need special papers that are made for sublimation. These papers are usually sold in rolls and can be found at most art stores or online. 

3. Acrylic Blank or Acrylic Sheets

Once you have all of your supplies, you will need to make sure that you have enough acrylic blank or sheets. The size of the blank or sheet will depend on how big you want your finished product to be. You will also need to make sure that the acrylic you choose is not too thick or too thin.

4. Heat Transfer Machine

A heat transfer machine is another tool that you will need. This machine will allow you to transfer designs and images onto your acrylic blank or sheets.

5. White Spray

White spray paint is the final step that you will need to complete your project. You will need to spray the white paint onto the backside of the design or image that you want to transfer. Once the white paint has dried, you will be able to see the image or design on the front side of the acrylic.

6. Teflon Papers

Teflon paper or sheets are used in the heat transfer process. These papers are used to protect the design or image that you are transferring onto the acrylic. They are also used to protect the backside of the acrylic from the heat transfer machine.

How to Sublimate on Acrylic?

1. Choose your substrate.

Acrylic paintings and prints can be transferred to almost any hard, smooth surface-from wood to glass to metal!-but be sure the surface is non-porous so the resist won’t get stuck in the pores. Some common substrates for acrylic painting are Masonite and Canvas, both of which are very hard but also have some give. For prints, we recommend using Photo Paper because it’s very smooth and has a low absorbency rate. 

2. Decide on your image size.

Most substrates can hold images up to about 8 ” square, and most paintings will be somewhere around 4″ square. Smaller sizes can be accomplished with the engraving method described below, but don’t expect a great image to look very sharp on a tiny sheet of paper. 

3. Prepare your image.

It’s important that you take the time to clean up your image before transferring it to your substrate. Make sure all watermarks and other identifying marks are removed from the print or painting, if necessary (many printers offer this service-ask!).

Tips for Using Acrylic on Your Pieces

One of the great things about acrylic painting is that it can be used for a wide variety of subjects and styles. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there are many ways to use acrylic in your work. In this blog section, we’ll discuss some tips for using acrylic on your pieces.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right material. Acrylic is a versatile medium, but it doesn’t work well with certain surfaces. If you plan to paint on wood, metal, or other hard materials, you should choose a different medium. On the other hand, if you want to use acrylic on something like canvas or paper, it’s a great option.

To start painting with acrylic, you will need basic supplies: paints, brushes, paper, and canvas. You can find these items at most art stores or online.

Once you have your supplies, it’s time to get started! One of the best ways to learn how to use acrylic is by practicing on small pieces of paper first. This will help you develop your skills and get used to the medium before you start painting on larger surfaces.

FAQs

What is Extruded acrylic?

Extruded acrylic is a cheap but solid type of plastic typically used to create skylights or trade shows, making it a poor choice for acrylic sublimation.

Is acrylic yarn flammable?

Yes, Acrylic yarn is a highly flammable material that is made up of Acrylonitrile. Acrylic is an invisible yet highly flammable substance meaning that it quickly catches fire and can cause a wildfire.

How to print on clear acrylic?

You can apply a white spray coating over the surface of clear acrylic without reducing visibility or quality. The process includes applying a translucent layer, followed by an opaque layer that adds more clarity to the finished product.

Can you sublimate on acrylic keychains?

Sure, you can make keychains out of acrylic. Acrylic is a plastic that is rich in polymers and is highly suitable for dye sublimation. You can find many different types of acrylic at various levels to create your own keychain after printing it.

Can you sublimate on PVC?

In short, you can sublimate on PVC, but it requires very precise control of the temperature to avoid damaging the plastic. It’s also advisable to add a heat sink to prevent any damage to the device.

Conclusion

I hope that this article on using sublimate on acrylic has been of some help. In it, I have shared a few tips and techniques that will help you to create beautiful and lasting works of art using this medium. Whether you are a beginner artist or have been painting for years, I believe that learning how to use sublimate is an important skill to possess. So go ahead and give it a try – you might be surprised at the results!