Sublimation aluminum sheets A3 are specially coated metal panels designed for heat transfer printing. They are widely used for photo panels, metal signs, wall art, and customized decoration.
Compared with paper or plastic, sublimation aluminum offers brighter colors, long service life, and excellent image clarity.
- what sublimation aluminum sheets are
- how to sublimate on aluminum
- sublimation paper A3 size
- popular specifications and types
- common applications
Sublimation Paper A3 Size
| Paper Type | Size |
| A3 sublimation paper | 297 × 420 mm |
| Thickness | 100–120 gsm |
| Ink type | Sublimation ink only |
Always match A3 paper with A3 sublimation aluminum sheets for best results.
Popular Sublimation Aluminum Sheet Thickness
| Thickness (mm) | Inch | Application |
| 0.5 mm | 0.020″ | Indoor photos |
| 0.8 mm | 0.032″ | Most popular |
| 1.0 mm | 0.040″ | Metal signs |
| 1.2 mm | 0.050″ | Wall panels |
| 2.0 mm | 0.080″ | Outdoor boards |
Surface Types of Sublimation Aluminum
| Surface | Features |
| Glossy white | Brightest colors |
| Matte white | No reflection |
| Satin white | Balanced finish |
| Brushed aluminum | Metallic effect |
| Mirror gold | Decorative look |
| Mirror silver | Luxury style |
Types of Sublimation Aluminum Sheets
1. Glossy Sublimation Aluminum Sheets
- high color saturation
- photo-quality finish
- most popular choice
2. Matte Sublimation Aluminum Sheets
- soft image effect
- no glare under light
- ideal for exhibitions
3. Brushed Sublimation Aluminum
- visible metal texture
- modern industrial style
4. Outdoor Sublimation Aluminum Panels
- UV-resistant coating
- waterproof surface
- long service life
Sublimation Aluminum Blanks
Sublimation aluminum blanks are pre-cut metal sheets ready for printing.
Common forms include:
- A3 aluminum blanks
- A4 aluminum blanks
- round aluminum blanks
- sign blanks with holes
Standard Blank Sizes
| Type | Size |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm |
| 12″ × 18″ | US market |
| 24″ × 36″ | Large signs |
| Custom | OEM support |
Sublimation Aluminum Sign Blanks
Sublimation aluminum sign blanks are widely used for:
- road signs
- warning signs
- house numbers
- shop signage
They provide:
- waterproof printing
- fade resistance
- smooth surface
- long outdoor durability
Sublimation Aluminum Panels vs Other Materials
| Material | Image Quality | Waterproof | Durability |
| Sublimation aluminum | Excellent | Yes | High |
| MDF board | Medium | No | Low |
| Ceramic tile | Good | Yes | Medium |
| PVC sheet | Low | No | Low |
What Are Sublimation Aluminum Sheets?
Sublimation aluminum sheets are aluminum panels coated with a polyester sublimation layer.
When heated, sublimation ink turns into gas and permanently bonds with the coating surface.
Basic Structure
| Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| Aluminum base | 3003 / 5005 alloy |
| Surface treatment | Degreasing & cleaning |
| Sublimation coating | Polyester coating |
| Protective film | Optional |
This structure allows high-definition metal sublimation printing.
Why Choose Sublimation Aluminum Sheets A3?
The A3 sublimation aluminum sheet size (297 × 420 mm) is one of the most popular formats.
Advantages of A3 size:
- larger than A4 for stronger visual impact
- fits most flat heat presses
- ideal for wall photos and signage
- easy shipping and handling
| Size | Dimension |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm |
| Inches | 11.7″ × 16.5″ |
Can You Sublimate on Aluminum?
Yes.
You can sublimate on aluminum, but only if the sheet has a special sublimation coating.
Plain aluminum without coating cannot absorb sublimation ink.
✔ Coated aluminum → works
✘ Raw aluminum → does not work
How to Sublimate on Aluminum
Step-by-step process:
- Print image on sublimation paper
- Place paper ink-side down on aluminum
- Fix with heat tape
- Use flat heat press
- Remove paper after pressing
Recommended Heat Press Settings
| Parameter | Value |
| Temperature | 190–205°C |
| Time | 50–70 seconds |
| Pressure | Medium |
| Cooling | Natural air cooling |
Correct settings ensure sharp images and vivid colors.
Advantages of Sublimation Printing Aluminum
- permanent image bonding
- scratch resistance
- moisture resistance
- vibrant colors
- easy cleaning
- lightweight metal
Images do not peel, crack, or fade easily.
Common Applications
Sublimation aluminum sheets are used for:
- metal photo panels
- wall art decoration
- aluminum sign boards
- advertising displays
- interior decoration
- exhibition panels
- hotel and office artwork
- personalized gifts
Sublimation Sheets Near Me – Wholesale Supply
If you search for “sublimation sheets near me”, most suppliers source from aluminum factories.
Buying directly from manufacturers provides:
- stable coating quality
- competitive price
- custom sizes
- bulk packaging
- fast production
Quality Control Standards
| Test Item | Standard |
| Coating thickness | 15–25 microns |
| Adhesion | ≥ Grade 1 |
| Color transfer | ≥ 95% |
| Surface hardness | ≥ 2H |
| Heat resistance | 220°C |
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
| Dull colors | Low temperature | Increase heat |
| Ghost image | Paper movement | Fix with tape |
| Yellow surface | Overheating | Reduce time |
| Uneven print | Pressure issue | Adjust press |
Why Choose FASTARRIVER ALUMINUM
FASTARRIVER ALUMINUM supplies:
- sublimation aluminum sheets A3
- sublimation aluminum blanks
- metal sign blanks
- glossy, matte, satin surfaces
- custom thickness and size
- export-grade packaging
OEM and wholesale orders supported.
Sublimation Aluminum Sheets A3 Printing
Sublimation aluminum sheets A3 are one of the best materials for professional metal printing.
With proper coating, correct temperature, and quality aluminum base, sublimation printing aluminum delivers:
- vivid colors
- permanent images
- strong durability
- premium appearance
Whether for photo panels, signage, or decoration, sublimation aluminum sheets remain a reliable and high-value solution for modern sublimation printing.