If you’re looking to create beautiful acrylic signs for your craft fair booth or small business, sublimation is an excellent technique to explore. Acrylic signs are not only visually appealing, but they’re also highly customizable, making them perfect for displaying your branding, social media handles, or even providing payment information. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to sublimate acrylic signs to add a unique touch to your product line.
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How to Sublimate Acrylic Signs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Craft Fairs and Small Businesses
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Acrylic Sublimation Blanks – I’m using 6×6 inch round blanks from PYD Life, but there are various shapes and sizes available.
- Sublimation Printer and Ink – I’m using an Epson F170 sublimation printer.
- Sublimation Paper – A-SUB 125g sublimation paper is ideal for vibrant transfers.
- Heat-Resistant Tape – Essential for keeping your print in place during pressing.
- Butcher Paper – To protect your heat press and prevent ink bleed.
- Heat Press – I’m using the HTVRONT Manual Heat Press, but any heat press suitable for sublimation will work.
- Design Software – Canva or another design tool that can create and export sublimation prints.
I created a step by step video for you from start to finish, check it out below:
Step 1: Designing Your Acrylic Sign
To start your project, you’ll need to create or source a design that suits your branding or purpose. For this tutorial, I used a template from Creative Fabrica and customized it in Canva. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get started, simply search for templates that are suitable for boutique or craft show signs.
Once you’ve found a template you like, download it and follow any instructions included. For my design, the file was a PDF that included a link to open it directly in Canva. After opening the template, you can easily resize it to match your acrylic blank dimensions. For this tutorial, I’m using a 6×6 inch round acrylic, so I adjusted my Canva workspace to 6×6 inches as well.
Pro Tip: Include a QR code in your design for quick access to your social media or website. In Canva, simply search for “QR code” in the elements menu, add the URL for your site, and the code will be generated automatically. It’s a great way to help potential customers connect with you!
Step 2: Customizing the Design
After setting up your canvas, you can move the text and graphics around to fit your sign. I added my logo and changed the colors of the social media icons to match my branding. Canva makes it easy to customize elements, such as replacing outdated logos or cropping out unwanted parts of an image.
For this project, I replaced the default Twitter logo with a TikTok logo, ensuring my design is current and represents my active social media platforms. I also generated a custom QR code that links to my website, making it easy for customers to find me online.
Step 3: Preparing Your Design for Printing
Once your design is finalized, rename your file and download it in a high-quality format. I recommend selecting PDF Print in Canva and changing the color profile to CMYK (Best for Printing). This will ensure the colors print as accurately as possible.
Next, open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat or another PDF reader, and send it to your sublimation printer. Be sure to check your printer settings! For sublimation, turn off bidirectional printing and make sure the Mirror Image option is unchecked. Since we are placing the white side of the acrylic blank onto the design, we do not want the image mirrored.
Step 4: Prepping the Acrylic for Sublimation
Before pressing, remove the protective film from both sides of the acrylic. The acrylic sublimation blanks I’m using from PYD Life have a white coated side that’s specifically for sublimation. This white side is what you’ll place onto your printed design.
Position your acrylic blank with the white side facing down onto the print, making sure the design is centered. Secure it in place with heat-resistant tape to prevent any movement during the pressing process.
Step 5: Pressing Your Design
Set your heat press temperature to 355°F (the manufacturer’s recommended temperature is 356°F, but my heat press adjusts in 5-degree increments, so I used 355°F). Set the timer to 120 seconds. Place a sheet of butcher paper on your heat press platen to protect it from any ink bleed.
Position the acrylic blank face down on the butcher paper, with the printed side facing up. Add another sheet of butcher paper on top to protect the top plate of your heat press. Apply medium pressure, and press for 120 seconds.
Step 6: Cooling and Assembly
Once the press cycle is complete, carefully remove the acrylic blank using heat-resistant gloves (they’ll be hot!). Remove the print and heat-resistant tape. Immediately place the blank on a cool surface, such as in another heat press without pads, to prevent any warping. Cooling the acrylic quickly will help keep it flat.
If you used the correct pressure and temperature, your design should be vibrant and crisp!
Step 7: Sublimating the Acrylic Base
The acrylic base that holds the sign is also fully sublimatable, so don’t miss this opportunity to add a pop of color or pattern. For this project, I printed a solid color that matched my logo and repeated the same pressing steps: 355°F for 120 seconds.
Step 8: Final Assembly
Now that your sign and base are sublimated, simply fit the sign into the base. Your finished acrylic sign should look professional and be ready for display at craft fairs or in your shop. These signs are perfect for showcasing your social media handles, providing payment options like Venmo or PayPal via QR codes, or adding a personalized touch to your product displays.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Sublimation Paper: This will help ensure your colors transfer vibrantly.
- Avoid Over-Pressing: Too much pressure or time can cause the acrylic to warp. Use medium pressure and the recommended time.
- Personalize for Different Occasions: These signs are not only great for craft fairs but also make fantastic gifts, home décor, or shop signage.
If you have any questions or would like to see more tutorials, feel free to leave a comment below.
Need more sublimation ideas? Check these out…
DIY Stanley Name Tags with Sublimation
Happy crafting!