Sublimation On Ceramic Tiles

I have brought to you everything that you need to know when it comes to sublimation on ceramic tiles to make effortlessly beautiful artwork.

The diverse range of materials and different uses of sublimation can be astonishing for people who are new to sublimation. If you have entered the sublimation business just to sublimate on t-shirts or mugs then you must know that there is much more to it. Sublimation gives you the chance to explore your creativity in different domains. There are quite a few or no limitations when it comes to sublimation. One of the manageable, accessible, and easy-going materials that you can sublime on is ceramic tiles. Never used one of them as a substrate before?

Lucky for you, here I have brought to you everything that you need to know about it and what are the things that need to be taken care of while sublimating ceramic tiles. At first, you might find it hard but as you begin to learn how to work around it you will really enjoy the whole process. It will fuel your creativity as sublimation on ceramic tiles allows you to use these tiles for different things. You can make souvenirs, frames, decoration pieces, personalized walls, and flooring. So, without further ado, let’s sink into the details of how to sublimate these tiles. People also ask Why is My Sublimation Paper Sticking to My Tumbler? How to Fix It? Everything Revealed .

Sublimation On Ceramic Tiles

Why Do You Sublimate On Ceramic Tiles?

Adding some personalized touch to things can help you channel your creativity. What else can be more enjoyable than adding a customized touch to your home? If you have your core memories preserved in the form of pictures that you can see each time when you enter your home, it makes you relax and happy. You can print your memorable memories in the form of family pictures on the ceramic tiles. You can either dedicate one of your house walls to these frames. All you have to do is to utilize the ceramic tiles as your canvas.

You can make decorative pieces like stands with quotes, pictures, or scenery. Sublimation printers will have to cut these tiles into different shapes. You can hang them on walls or use a stand. Walls are not the only place that can be decorated with ceramic tiles. You can also sublimate on floor tiles. 3-D art is common nowadays to spice up your boring floors. You can add more fun and color to a children’s room by using sublimated floor tiles. You can even use sublimated tiles in kitchens and washrooms. Just begin with sublimating tiles and you will find numerous uses for it. you might be wondering to know how to make your sublimation prints brighter with these 13 easy tips.

What Type Of Ceramic Tiles You Can Sublimate On?

There are different types of ceramic tiles that you can use as your sublimation blank. It is really easy when it comes to selecting ceramic tiles for sublimation because you can use all types of ceramic tiles. Whether it is porcelain, glossy, or unglazed ceramic tiles, all can be sublimated. One thing that needs to be taken care of is that the ceramic tiles must have a polyester or polyurethane coating. The coating will provide a base for penetration without it the whole process that makes the printing possible will not occur. You may want to ask How long does Sublimation Ink last? Expert’s Answer

The polyester or polyurethane coating must not be just any coating. The thickness of these coatings on the ceramic tiles really affects the quality of the image. If the coating is not thick enough then because of the high heat you can burn the layer which will add a yellowish tone to the tiles. I personally favor the use of thick coated glazed ceramic tiles as the glazed tiles have a glossy finish which gives you a really promising finish upon sublimation. The unglazed or non-glossy ceramic tiles fail to give you the finish that you can get with the glossy ones.

How To Sublimate On Ceramic Tiles?

The basic mechanism of sublimation remains the same no matter what type of sublimation blank you are using. Each sublimation blank has a few things that need to be taken care of before sublimating it. The characteristics of the blank, heat bearing quality, the temperature required for sublimation, and time duration for the application of heat in order to get perfect results can be different.

When it comes to sublimating ceramic tiles. you need to take care of the pressure and temperature that are applied to them. The main process is the same. The design on the transfer paper will penetrate into the ceramic substrate by applying high heat. You will get a nice vibrant finish. You don’t have to worry if you don’t know anything about how to do it because here is the step-by-step guide that will help you in sublimating ceramic tiles effortlessly. wait a second your are missing something to know about What is ghosting in sublimation? How to avoid ghosting?

Things That Are Needed

• Ceramic Tiles With Polyester Coating
• Sublimation Ink
• Sublimation Printer
• Heat Press
• Green Conductive Pads
• Parchment Paper
• Nomex Pads
• Transfer Paper
• Heat Protection Gloves
• Tools For Cutting Tiles

Steps To Sublimate Ceramic Tiles

1. First you will have to measure the size of the poly-coated ceramic tiles and cut it if you need a particular shape.

2. Now, you will have to make the design that needs to be printed on the tile. You can edit the image with the help of the editing software that comes with the sublimation printer.

3. Now depending upon the dimensions of the ceramic tiles, print the reversed image on a piece of transfer paper equal to the size of the ceramic tile.

4. Depending upon the thickness of the ceramic tile, set the temperature of the heat press and let it preheat for some time.

5. Now place the Nomex pad at the surface of the heat press.

6. It is time to place the transfer paper that has the image above the Nomex pads such that the side with sublimation ink on it is facing upwards.

7. Place the ceramic tile with the front side facing downward above the transfer paper.

8. If you are using tiles with patterns in the back then fill the gaps with green conductive pads.

9. Place parchment paper above the green conductive pads.

10. Now it is time to set the pressure on the heat press.

11. Press the ceramic tile in the heat press for about six to ten minutes.

12. Remove the parchment paper, conductive pads, and transfer paper from the tile.

13. With the help of the heat protection gloves remove the ceramic tile from the press and place it on your working table until it cools down completely.

14. You will have that nice glossy, vibrant, and high-quality finish.

The Things That Need To Be Taken Care Of While Sublimating On Ceramic Tiles

1. The thickness of the tile determines the temperature, pressure applied, and time duration for the application of heat and pressure. You will have to check if the ceramic tile is thick and size is large then the temperature must be around 200 degrees celsius and the time must be around ten minutes.

2. If you apply high heat for a longer duration to a thinner ceramic tile then the sublimation ink will dissipate.

3. The ceramic tiles must have polyester or polyurethane coating.

4. The thickness of the poly coating also matters if the coating is not thick the application of heat will make the tiles have a yellowish burnt tone.

5. The pressure that is applied must be set according to the thickness and size of the tile. If it exceeds 4 to 6 psi then there is a chance that the tiles will break.

6. Make sure to place parchment paper on both sides of the heat press in order to protect it from damage.

7. The image printed on the transfer paper must be reversed.

8. Size of the image and ceramic tile must be compatible.

9. Use the Nomex Pads to provide a medium to place the tile accurately.

10. The green conductive pads will help you in allowing stable transfer of temperature even though the patterned back of the tiles.

FAQs

Conclusion

Ceramic tiles can be sublimated to make your walls or floors beautiful. You can preserve your memories in the form of pictures on these tiles. Printers can cut the tiles into different shapes and sizes to make decoration pieces. You can have a personalized addition to the kitchen, lounge, bedroom, and bathroom with the help of these sublimated tiles. I hope that now you know everything about sublimation on ceramic tiles. Go and get started with sublimation as soon as possible.