How to make a sublimation metal sheet?

Learning how to make a sublimation metal sheet gives you complete control over quality, coating, and size.
By following these simple steps — cleaning, coating, curing, and cutting — you can create professional-grade sublimation blanks ready for heat transfer printing.

Whether you’re a DIY crafter, photographer, or printing business, making your own sublimation aluminum sheets ensures high quality and flexibility for any project.

What Is a Sublimation Metal Sheet?

A sublimation metal sheet is a coated aluminum panel designed to hold high-quality images through a heat transfer process.
Unlike normal metal plates, sublimation sheets have a special polymer coating that absorbs sublimation ink when heated.

They are widely used for:

Photo printing
Wall decor
Nameplates and signs
Custom gifts and awards

Materials Needed to Make a Sublimation Metal Sheet

Before starting the process, prepare the right materials and tools.

Material / Equipment	Purpose
Aluminum Sheet (1050 / 1060 / 5052)	Base metal
Sublimation Coating Liquid	Allows ink absorption
Spray Gun or Roller	To apply the coating
Oven or Heat Press	For curing the coating
Protective Gloves & Mask	Safety during coating
Cleaning Solution	Removes oil and dust

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Sublimation Metal Sheet

1. Choose the Right Aluminum Base

Select a flat, smooth aluminum sheet.
Common choices include:

1050 aluminum (pure, easy to coat)
5052 aluminum (stronger and more durable)
Thickness: 0.3mm to 1.2mm

Alloy Type	Strength	Surface Quality	Common Use
1050	Soft	Excellent	Photo panels
1060	Medium	Smooth	Signboards
5052	Hard	Good	Outdoor displays

2. Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Use alcohol or acetone to remove any:

Oil
Dust
Fingerprints

A clean surface ensures better adhesion of the coating and avoids print defects.

3. Apply the Sublimation Coating

The coating forms the absorbent layer that captures sublimation ink.

Steps:

Shake the sublimation coating liquid well.
Spray evenly over the aluminum surface using a spray gun.
Avoid dripping or thick spots.
Let it air-dry for 10–15 minutes.

Coating Type	Finish	Use
White Glossy	Shiny surface	Photo printing
Matte White	Soft reflection	Art panels
Clear Gloss	Metal look	Decorative pieces

4. Cure the Coating

After applying the coating, the sheet must be cured to bond the layer to the aluminum.

You can use:

Oven: Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 20–25 minutes
Heat Press: Press at 190°C (374°F) for 8–10 minutes with light pressure

After curing, let the sheets cool naturally.

5. Test the Surface

Once cooled, check for:

Smooth finish
No dust or bubbles
Even coating

A well-coated surface will feel glossy and uniform. You can perform a quick heat test by printing a small image.

Optional: Pre-cutting and Corner Shaping

After coating, the sheets can be cut into standard sizes for easy use.

Size (inch)	Size (mm)	Typical Use
A4	210×297	Desktop photos, DIY prints
A3	297×420	Wall decor
5×7 / 8×10	–	Photo gifts
12×24 / 24×36	–	Large displays
Round (Ø2–8″)	–	Coasters, ornaments

You can also add rounded corners or protective film for safety and shine.

6. Print on the Finished Metal Sheet

Now the sublimation metal sheet is ready to use.

Steps:

Print your design on sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
Place the printed paper face-down on the coated metal sheet.
Press at 190–200°C (374–392°F) for 60–90 seconds.
Peel off the paper carefully — the image will appear bright and permanent.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem	Cause	Solution
Blurry print	Low temperature	Increase heat to 190–200°C
Uneven color	Uneven coating	Spray evenly
Yellow spots	Overheating	Reduce press time
Ink not absorbed	Wrong surface	Ensure polymer coating applied

Advantages of Making Your Own Sublimation Metal Sheets

Cost-Effective: Save money on bulk production.
Customizable: Control size, shape, and coating type.
Business Opportunity: Ideal for small print shops or craft sellers.
High Profit Margin: Sell personalized panels or blanks.

Applications of Sublimation Metal Sheets

Sublimation metal sheets can be used in many creative and industrial ways:

Personal Use

Family portraits
Custom artwork
Wedding and baby photos

Commercial Use

Name badges and tags
Business signage
Promotional displays

Industrial Use

Machine labels
Control panels
Equipment plates

Technical Data Summary

Property	Specification
Material	Aluminum alloy (1050 / 1060 / 5052)
Thickness	0.3–1.2 mm
Coating	Sublimation polymer layer
Heat Transfer Temp.	190–200°C
Time Range	60–90 seconds
Finish Options	Glossy, Matte, Brushed
Available Sizes	A4, A3, Custom