Introduction to Hard Surface
Sublimation
Matt Woodhouse
Peggy Waters
Universal Woods, Inc.
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 2
What Exactly is
Sublimation?
• Sublimation involves a substance that changes from a
solid to a gas without ever becoming a liquid.
• In the hard-surface sublimation industry, the substance is
the ink on transfer paper, which becomes a gas with heat
and pressure from a heat press, then becomes a solid
when it is fused into the surface of the coated product.
• Combines 3 variables
– Heat
– Time
– Pressure
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 3
What Can You Make with
Sublimation?
•
•
•
•
•
Jewelry
License Plates
License Plate Frames
Magnets
Cutting Boards
1/13/2017
Image courtesy of Johnson Plastics
Image courtesy of Etsy: Chic Monogram
www.issshows.com/ 4
What Can You Make with
Sublimation?
•
•
•
•
•
Signs
Name Badges
Mouse Pads
Coat Hangers
Key Hangers
Image courtesy of Etsy:
MBW Custom Embroidery
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 5
What Can You Make with
Sublimation?
•
•
•
•
•
Serving Trays
Coasters
Clothing
Bookmarks
Ornaments
Image courtesy of Conde
1/13/2017
Image courtesy of Vapor Apparel
www.issshows.com/ 6
What Can You Make with
Sublimation?
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mugs
Picture Frames
Bag Tags
Metal Prints
Key Chains
& much more!
Image courtesy of Café Press
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 7
Advantages
of Sublimation
• Full color designs
• Extremely durable
• Easy to clean
• Complementary to current business
• Can use some existing equipment
• Low investment/high margins
• Quick and easy to produce
• Thousands of products
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 8
3 Steps to Sublimate
Select your image or
text. Format it to fit
your product
template.
1/13/2017
Insert sublimation
ink cartridges into
your printer. Print
the image on to
your sublimation
transfer paper (for
hard surface
products). Tape the
transfer paper to
your product with
heat tape.
Position the product
on the press face up
and press for the
recommended time.
Remove the transfer
paper from the
surface and enjoy!
www.issshows.com/ 9
What Do You Need
to Sublimate?
• Printer with sublimation inks and sublimation paper
(optimized for hard substrates)
• Graphic design software
• Flat heat press that will reach up to 400⁰ F
• Blow out paper
• Heat tape
• Heat resistant gloves
• Bare (blank) sublimation product
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 10
Equipment & Materials
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 11
Desktop Printers
Sawgrass™ Virtuoso® SG400 (made by Ricoh)
• Retails for $550
• Prints up to 8.5” x 14”
Sawgrass™ Virtuoso® SG800 (made by Ricoh)
• Retails for $1,650
• Prints up to 11” x 17”
or up to 13” x 19” w/optional bypass tray
Printers include Sublijet HD inks, ICC color profile
& Creative Studio software
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 12
Wide Format Printers
Sawgrass™ Virtuoso® VJ628 (made by Mutoh)
• Retails for $6,500
• Prints up to 24” wide with full bleed
• Includes Sublijet HD inks, color profile
• For fabrics, fluorescent yellow and green ink
available
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 13
Wide Format Printers
Epson SureColor® F6200
• Retails for $8,495
• Prints up to 44” wide
• Includes Epson SureColor F
Series UltraChrome DS inks,
RIP software (Wasatch)
• Includes paper cutter
1/13/2017
Epson SureColor® F7200
• Retails for $15,995
• Prints up to 64” wide
• Includes Epson SureColor F Series
UltraChrome DS inks, RIP software
(Wasatch)
• Roll to roll cutting
www.issshows.com/ 14
Sublimation Paper
Key attributes to look for in paper that best suits hard
surface sublimation:
• Slower release of ink
• Holds a precise dot, ink does not spread
• Low moisture content
• Paper made for hard surface sublimation (not textiles)
• Examples: TexPrint, Tru Pix, DyeTrans, Epson,
JP
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 15
Heat Presses
Other heat
press
manufacturers:
• Hix
• Insta
Digital Knight DK20S 16” x
20” by Geo Knight
• swing-away heat transfer
press
• MSRP $1,450
1/13/2017
Digital Knight DK25SP by
Geo Knight
• air-operated, automatic
20” x 25” oversized
swing-away heat press
• MSRP $3,875
Clamshell not
recommended
Press must go to
400⁰ F
www.issshows.com/ 16
Wide Format Heat Presses
Other heat press manufacturers:
• Hix
• Insta
• Monti Antonio
Geo Knight Maxi Press Air
• From 32” x 42” to 44” x 64”
• MSRP $12,000 - $30,000
1/13/2017
Press must go to 400⁰ F
www.issshows.com/ 17
Mug Presses / Wraps
• Dedicated press for sublimating mugs
– Great for mall kiosks or mobile
production to make one offs
– $500 - $750
• Mug Wraps / Convection Oven
– Faster for making multiple mugs
– Less expensive than press
• Wraps ~ $40 each
• Oven $99
•
Mug tunnels
– Mass production with
Mug wraps
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 18
Graphic Design Software
CorelDRAW
• $499 or $16.50/mo (for cloud,
which includes PhotoPaint)
• Windows-based software
• for vector graphics
1/13/2017
Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud
• $9.99/mo - $49.99/mo
(includes Adobe Photoshop,
InDesign, Illustrator)
• Mac or Windows-based cloud
software
www.issshows.com/ 19
Investment Example
Equipment
Desktop Printer
Swing Away Press
Mug wrap
1/13/2017
Approximate
Cost
$500.00
$1,450.00
$40.00
Convection oven
$100.00
CorelDRAW graphic software*
$499.00
TOTAL (before tax & shipping)
$2,589.00
www.issshows.com/ 20
Color Management
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 21
Color Management / Matching
•
•
•
•
What is an ICC Profile
RGB vs CMYK
Color Charts
Color Matching / Pantone
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 22
Color Management / Matching
• ICC Profile
– In color management, an ICC profile is a set of
data that characterizes a color input or output
device, or a color space, according to standards
promulgated by the International Color
Consortium (ICC).
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 23
Color Management / Matching
• RGB vs CMYK
– RGB = red, green and blue
• Your monitor uses RGB
– CMYK = cyan, magenta, yellow
and black pigments or dyes
• Your printer uses CMYK inks
– Artwork for sublimation should be created using RGB
colors unless using RIP software
– Use only RGB color palettes for colors in text and
vector graphics
– Convert all bitmap images to RGB
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 24
Slide 25
Using Your RGB Palettes
Use printed Color Reference Charts you make as a visual reference
to recolor vector images and text with specific RGB values within
your graphic files.
Color Reference Chart
Pantone Chart
HUGE COLOR MANAGEMENT TIP
It doesn’t matter what the colors look like on your screen! They will not match after they sublimate. Instead, use
printed Color Reference Charts as your visual points of reference for specific RGB values and to match Pantone colors.
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 25
Hard Surface Substrates
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 26
Aluminum
• Thicknesses vary by product – example,
photo panels are 0.045” and magnets are
0.030” thick.
• Six finishes available depending on the
product– gloss white, gloss clear, semi-gloss
white, semi-gloss clear, matte white and
matte clear. Also offering gold base with
gloss clear coat in 0.030” thickness.
• Aluminum has superior characteristics in
depth of image, as well as scratch, abrasion,
stain and fade resistance.
Product examples
1/13/2017
Magnets
Key Chains
Bag Tags
Photo Panels
Name Badges
Pet Tags
Signs
Jewelry
License Plates
www.issshows.com/ 27
Aluminum Products
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ Slide
Number
Hardboard
• Thickness and composition varies by use –
for example, clipboards are 1/8” thick and
photo panels are ¼” thick.
• 2 finishes available - gloss white or matte
white (depending upon the product).
Product examples
1/13/2017
Serving Tray Inserts
Message Boards
Magnets
Photo Panels
Clipboards
Coasters
Clocks
Awards
Puzzles
www.issshows.com/ 29
Hardboard Products
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 30
MDF (Fiberboard)
• Thickness and composition varies by use –
for example, plaques are ½” or 5/8” thick
while table tops are more dense, moisture
resistant and ¾” thick.
• 2 finishes available - gloss white or semigloss white (depending upon the product).
Product examples
1/13/2017
Plaques
Coat Hangers
Table tops
Photo Panels
Picture Frames
Production Jigs
www.issshows.com/ 31
MDF Products
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 32
Natural Wood (MDF)
• Thickness and composition varies by use –
for example, picture frames are 5/8” while
thin ornaments are 5/32” thick.
• Available in matte clear finish, so the wood
grain shows through.
Product examples
Ornaments
1/13/2017
Picture Frames
Photo Panels
www.issshows.com/ 33
Natural Wood
Products
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 34
FRP (Plastic)
• Thickness is .090” thick, and can be 1 sided
or 2 sided. Fiberglass reinforcement helps it
to withstand high heat (400 degrees).
• 2 finishes available - gloss white or matte
white (depending upon the product).
Product examples
1/13/2017
Key Chains
Name Badges
Magnets
Bag Tags
Door Hanger
Button
www.issshows.com/ 35
FRP Products
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 36
Steel
•
•
•
•
•
0.023” thick
Offered in gloss white finish
Magnetic
Has a coating optimized for dry erase
Sold in a variety of sizes including a full sheet
Product examples
Signage
1/13/2017
Dry Erase Boards
www.issshows.com/ 37
Steel Products
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 38
Glass
•
•
•
•
3/16” thick –other thicknesses available
Offered in gloss/matte/satin finishes
Textured, pebbled or smooth
Sold in a variety of sizes
Product examples
1/13/2017
Wall Tiles
Cutting Boards
Photo Tiles
Coasters
www.issshows.com/ 39
Glass Products
Image courtesy of JDS
Image courtesy of Conde
1/13/2017
Image courtesy of Dye Sublimation Supplies
Wine Bottle Cheese
Board
www.issshows.com/ 40
Ceramic
•
•
•
•
1/8” thick – other thicknesses vary
Offered in gloss/matte/satin finishes
Textured or smooth
Sold in a variety of sizes
Product examples
1/13/2017
Wall Tiles
Ornaments
Mugs
Photo Tiles
www.issshows.com/ 41
Ceramic Products
Image courtesy of Conde
Image courtesy of Coastal Business
Image courtesy of Best Blanks
1/13/2017
Image courtesy of JDS
www.issshows.com/ 42
Other Hard Surfaces
• Sandstone / compressed stone (for coasters,
photos, wall tiles)
• Slate (for photo panels, coasters,
wall tiles)
• Metal (curved tins, mugs)
Image courtesy of Johnson Plastics
Image courtesy of Conde
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 43
Sublimation Tips & Resources
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 44
Sublimation Tips
General Tips:
• Clean the surface/peel film
• Press face up
• Create a sufficient bleed
• Put blowout paper or newsprint over the transfer and substrate (so
it touches the heat platen)
• For plaques and larger items, tape the transfer to the back of the
item with heat tape
• Check the expiration date on your inks
• Use your printer more than once per week
• Run nozzle checks weekly
• Store sublimation materials (blanks, paper, ink) in a cool, dry place
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 45
Tip Sheets & Support
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 46
Markets
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 47
Popular Markets
http://www.unisub.com/markets
• School fundraiser
• Pets
• Wedding
• Business
• Christmas
• Boutique gifts
• Football
• Basketball
• Craft brewery
• Mother’s Day
• Halloween
• Father’s Day
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 48
School Fundraiser
Market
http://www.unisub.com/market/school
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 49
Market downloads
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 50
Product Templates
(for use w/graphic design software)
http://www.unisub.com/support/product-support
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 51
Market Artwork
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 52
Graphics Library
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 53
Pricing & Profits
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 54
Pricing
• 2 ways to price
– Price to Market
• Comparison shop – what are similar or the same products
selling for online or in retail shops?
• Price above, at, or below the average
• Understand true material cost and what people would be
willing to pay for a personalized product to determine a sales
price
– Price to Margin
•
•
•
•
1/13/2017
Pricing to a percentage margin of profit
Uses true material cost
Assumes you are the only seller in town with no competition
Does not take into account market prices
www.issshows.com/ 55
Understanding Costs
Cost of Sales
Enter information into green cells
Unisub 5503 Bag Tag
Example
Material Cost
Blank price
Shipping @ 7%
Ink/Paper cost @ 2.5 cents per in2
Subtotal
Scrap @ 5%
Total Material Cost
Production Cost
Enter production time in minutes/piece
Enter estimated labor cost/ hour
Total Production Cost
Total Cost
$1.79
$0.13
$0.55
$2.47
$0.12
$2.59
4
$15.00
$1.00
$3.59
Find an editable excel spreadsheet online: http://www.unisub.com/tip-sheets-and-guides
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 56
Pricing
• Price to Market
– What are similar items selling for in your market?
– With $3.59 cost, and $10 average sales price you
make a 64% profit margin
Price to Market
Enter desired selling price
Margin %
1/13/2017
$10.00
64%
www.issshows.com/ 57
Pricing
• Price to Margin
– You want a higher margin – say 75% - on your
product.
– At $3.59 cost, if you want 75% profit margin, you’ll
need to price your product at $14.35.
Price to Margin
Enter desired margin %
Selling price
1/13/2017
75%
$14.35
www.issshows.com/ 58
Ways to Sell
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 59
Selling Tips
• Know your target
• Research what similar items sell for around you and
online
• Show samples with relevant art
• Promote on website, social media, email
• Include an easy to use order form
• Set up a booth at craft fairs, games, bazaars, gift shows
• Get testimonials (word of mouth)
• Be aware of your costs and desired profit margins
• Follow up!
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 60
Website Presence
• E-commerce website
– Easy to order
– Easy to add products
• Product photography makes the difference!
• Keep it simple
• Update your site regularly
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 61
Examples / Case Studies
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 62
MotoPhoto / The Print Refinery /
Fulltone Photo
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 63
MotoPhoto / The Print Refinery /
Fulltone Photo
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 64
MotoPhoto / The Print Refinery /
Fulltone Photo
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2 physical locations in Louisville, KY, also sells online
In business 13 years
16 – 26 employees depending on the season
Has two 16x20”, 1 20x24” heat presses – looking to add
44” x 66” heat press
Ricoh and Epson F6070 printers
2014, 2015, 2016 annual revenue growth at 2%, 19%
and 66% respectively
Retail targets females over 50+, online females 18-40
B2B targets Etsy store & small boutique shop owners
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 65
Success stories
Realtors (Board of Realtors)
• Coaster sets with local landmarks and a photo of
the new home
DIY, crafters, decorators
• Classes and events (how to’s)
Businesses
• Office décor, signage and corporate gifts
Photographers
• Acrylic, metal prints, canvas, wood, collages and
layered pieces
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 66
Advice
• Get the larger Heat Press. No matter what size
you think you need, you will want the next
larger at some point.
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 67
On The Cutting Edge Awards
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 68
On the Cutting Edge Awards
• Located in Midlothian, TX
• 9 employees
• Started business 22 years ago in garage doing
engraving but moved into a warehouse full time 7
years ago and recently opened additional retail store
• Started with SG3110 printer and later added a SG800
• Currently using a 14 x 16 GeoKnight Combo Press
• Primary focus is youth athletic teams
• Sells Awards, Custom Gift, and Apparel Products
• Business grew 67% YOY in 2016 in large part due to
sublimation
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 69
On the Cutting Edge Awards
• Success Story
– K5L Memorial Fund
• Provided awards, and gift
products for fundraising
opportunities
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 70
Advice
• It’s ok to start small and see if this works for
you
• Start with sublimation over other decoration /
personalization technologies as it is much
more versatile
• Be sure to brand all your products with
contact information as to gain repeat / referral
business
• When it’s time to upgrade, don’t be afraid!
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 71
Resources
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 72
Helpful Resources
•
•
•
•
Lynda.com
Distributor websites
Manufacturer websites
Web resources – Wordpress, Wix, Weebly,
Squarespace
• Fonts – fontsquirrel.com, dafont.com,
typecast.com*
• Images – Shutterstock.com, Bigstock.com,
istock.com*
*check for licensing and use requirements
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 73
Summary
The benefits of sublimation are numerous:
• Full color designs
• Scalable – go from desktop to wide format
• Healthy profits
• Unique selling opportunities
• Easy
• Fun!!!
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 74
Booths to Visit
Distributors
• Coastal Business Supplies
#1750/1751
• Conde Systems #2124/3706
• Heat Transfer Warehouse
#2111
• Imprints USA/Penn Emblem
#561
• IT Supplies #2318
• JDS #1858
• JP #1137
• Professional Marketing
Services #2253
1/13/2017
Partners
• Epson printers #2147
• Geo Knight heat presses
#2012
• Roland printers #759
• Sawgrass printers #841
• Impressions Magazine #3511
www.issshows.com/ 75
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 76
Thank you!!!
1/13/2017
www.issshows.com/ 77