Hi there! I’m excited to share with you another sublimation hack. Today, I’m sharing how you can sublimate on wood, so let’s get started!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you. #dollartreecrafts #cricutmade #sublimation
How to Sublimate on Wood
Have you wanted to add your own designs to wood with sublimation, but are you unsure which method is easiest? I’ve been experimenting with a few different techniques and I’m excited to share a hack that I find gives me the best results. Don’t worry, if you don’t have a sublimation printer just yet, I’m also sharing how you can sublimate wood without a sublimation printer!
Let me start by saying that there are more ways than one to sublimate on wood, for today’s demonstration, I’m sharing my favorite way. I encourage you to try it out and see which technique works best for you! Also, since not all wood craft pieces are the same, your mileage may vary, but I will be sharing my tips and tricks and the materials that worked best for me.
What you will need:
- Sublimation Printer
- Sublimation Paper
- Thin Wood Craft Blanks (similar to those available at Dollar Tree, Michaels, etc.)
- Heat Transfer Vinyl (I like to use white)
- Laminate Pouch
- Cutting Mat
- Craft Knife
- Heat Resistant Tape
- Brayer
- Butcher Paper
- Sandpaper
I created a step-by-step video to show you my process. Be sure to follow me on social media @michellespartyplanit, I often share my projects there first!
Step 1:
Place the HTV on top of the wood with the shiny side up, secure with Heat Resistant Tape. Press at 300 degrees for 20 seconds. Be sure to place a piece of butcher paper under the wood and on top to protect your heat press. When done, roll a brayer over it a few times. Using a cutting mat and craft knife, cut the excess vinyl. Remove the carrier sheet and sand the edges if needed.
Step 2:
Remove any lint and sawdust from the vinyl with a lint roller. Then place a piece of the laminate pouch on top of the vinyl with the matt side down. Secure with heat-resistant tape. Press at 300 degrees for 20 seconds. Roll with a brayer and trim the excess laminate with the craft knife.
Step 3:
Place the sublimation design with the print side down and secure it with heat-resistant tape. Don’t forget the butcher paper! Press at 400 degrees for 60 seconds. Remove the sublimation paper to reveal the design!
@michellespartyplanit I’ve been experimenting with sublimation on wood pieces and I think I may have stumbled upon a new way with HTV! Check out the pumpkin! #OLAFLEX #sublimation #cricutmade #crafttok ♬ Up Beat (Married Life) – Kenyi
Tips and Tricks
I tried this technique on several different thicknesses and different types of wood and this is what I’ve learned:
- Small thin pieces of wood work best. The larger pieces tend to warp under the heat.
- This method doesn’t work so great on thin MDF (like the signs at Dollar Tree), the HTV vinyl doesn’t stick well to the cheap material. You can, however, try to paint over the MDF instead of using HTV then proceed with the steps.
- This method also works on white MDF, you can skip the HTV then proceed with the steps.
- You need to apply a decent amount of pressure if using an EasyPress. I used my Autopress and it applied the right amount of pressure evenly.
How to Sublimate Wood without a Sublimation Printer
I also tried this method with Infusible Ink, and I was impressed with the vibrant colors! Check it out below…
What you will need:
- Infusible Ink
- Thin Wood Craft Blanks (similar to those available at Dollar Tree, Michaels, etc.)
- Heat Transfer Vinyl (I like to use white)
- Laminate Pouch
- Cutting Mat
- Craft Knife
- Heat Resistant Tape
- Brayer
- Butcher Paper
- Sandpaper
@michellespartyplanit Replying to @theyellowbutterflyshop Good question! Let’s see if it works with infusible ink! #MessFreeHero #crafttok #sublimation #cricutmade #howto #infusibleink #tutorial #asmr @Michelle | Cricut & Crafts ♬ original sound – Michelle | Cricut & Crafts
Step 1:
Place the HTV on top of the wood with the shiny side up, secure with Heat Resistant Tape. Press at 300 degrees for 20 seconds. Be sure to place a piece of butcher paper under the wood and on top to protect your heat press. When done, roll a brayer over it a few times. Using a cutting mat and craft knife, cut the excess vinyl. Remove the carrier sheet and sand the edges if needed.
Step 2:
Remove any lint and sawdust from the vinyl with a lint roller. Then place a piece of the laminate pouch on top of the vinyl with the matt side down. Secure with heat-resistant tape. Press at 300 degrees for 20 seconds. Roll with a brayer and trim the excess laminate with the craft knife.
Step 3:
Place the Infusible Ink with the print side down and secure it with heat-resistant tape. Don’t forget the butcher paper! Press at 400 degrees for 60 seconds. Remove the sublimation paper to reveal the design!
What do you think? I hope you give this project a try, and I’d love to hear how this hack worked for you!
Are you looking for more sublimation tutorials? I’m building my sublimation library, so be sure to check out all my projects!
Happy Crafting!
3 comments
I don’t know what I did wrong but I tried to sublimate on wood three times, and it didn’t work. I followed your instructions, exactly and I couldn’t get a clear picture. It looked faded and blurry. Confused
What heat press are you using? Try more pressure.
Can same application be used on acrylic ornament blanks?