If you've ever seen photos, illustrations, or designs printed directly on acrylic and wondered: how is that done? 👀

The answer is probably: specific acrylic for sublimation.

🌟 What is sublimation acrylic?

Sublimation acrylic is a transparent acrylic that incorporates a special white film on one of its sides.

👉 This film is what allows images to be transferred using heat.

In other words: the material is actually transparent but one of its sides is prepared to receive sublimation. And thanks to that you can create: ✨ signs ✨ keychains ✨ decoration ✨ personalized plaques ✨ photographs ✨ handmade products ✨ event favors and much more 😌

🧰 What do you need to sublimate it?

Material	What is it for?
Sublimation acrylic	The support where the design will go
Sublimation printer	To print the design
Sublimation paper	Transfers the ink to the material
Sublimation ink	Specific heat-resistant ink
Heat press	Applies heat and pressure

🖨️ What if I don't have a sublimation printer?

No problem 😌 Many copy shops or photo stores can print designs on sublimation paper for you. This way you can start without having to invest in a printer from the beginning ✨

🔥 What if I don't have a heat press?

You can also do it with a steam-free clothes iron. However, 👀 you must take into account:
- Manual pressure
- Time
- Preventing the paper from moving

Because if the paper shifts even slightly, the sublimation can come out blurry or doubled 😭

💡 Tip: always use thermal tape to secure the design.

👉🏼 Step by step:

1️⃣ Print the design on paper and specific sublimation ink

2️⃣ Cut the material if you want to give it a specific shape

3️⃣ Place the acrylic (with its white side facing the heat-transmitting part of the press) and the paper (with the ink facing the white side), and press at 200º for 60 seconds.

4️⃣ Without touching the material directly with your hands, place it on a flat surface with weight on top until it cools to prevent deformation.

✂️ When should I cut the acrylic?

👉 It is ideal to cut it BEFORE sublimating it. Also, try to keep the protective plastics on for as long as possible. Why? 👀

Because once removed:
✨ The material is much more exposed
✨ And it can scratch during handling

🖼️ How is the design placed?

Here's a VERY common question 👇

📌 The paper should be placed on the white side of the acrylic.
📌 And the white side of the acrylic should face the heat-giving part of the press.

⚙️ Sublimation parameters

We work with:

Temperature	Time	Pressure
200ºC	60 seconds	Enough for the paper to be in good contact with the acrylic, without exerting excessive force

⚠️ Important: these parameters may vary slightly depending on: the machine, the paper, the ink, or the press used.

🥵 Be VERY careful when finished

When sublimation finishes, the material gets VERY hot. So: ❌ do not pick it up directly with your hands.

💡And also: we recommend placing weight on top for a few minutes while it cools. Why? Because the heat can cause the acrylic to curve slightly.

Putting weight on top helps to:
✅ Keep it flat
✅ Prevent deformations
✅ Improve the final finish

🎨 What happens if I don't sublimate the entire surface?

The parts you DO NOT sublimate will remain white. Because you are actually working on that special white film.

💡 Quick tips before starting

✅ Use thermal tape
✅ Work on clean surfaces
✅ Don't remove the plastics prematurely
✅ Do small tests before large productions
✅ Don't be afraid to experiment 😌

🚀 Is it difficult to get started?

Honestly, it often seems more complicated than it actually is. And once you understand:
- How to place it.
- What temperature to use
- And how to handle it

Everything starts to flow much more ✨

🤍 Would you like to try it?

Sublimation acrylic opens up a huge world of creative possibilities.

And probably the best thing about this material is seeing an idea turn into something physical 😌✨

If you're just starting in this world: save this guide because it can help you a lot 💫