Learn how to sublimate Unisub award plaques.
Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, awards make great items for school, work, and other occasions.
Plaques are made from our MDF (medium density fiberboard) material and come in a few shapes and sizes. Sublimation instructions will remain the same for each product, but pressing times will vary. If you are searching for templates, graphics, or other assets click here.
What You Need
- Blank Unisub award plaque
- Transfer from your sublimation printer with extra space on two sides
- Heat tape
- Scissors
- Clean, lint free cloth
- Heat resistant gloves
- Protective paper (Blow Out Paper)
- Heat press set to 385°F / 195°C
instructions
Step 1. Get Your Heat Press Ready
Turn on your heat press. We recommend pressing all of our products at 385°F / 195°C. Be sure to lay a piece of protective paper on the bottom of the press.
Step 2. Prep Your Award Plaque
Remove any film that may be on the surface of the plaque. There may be black particles around the edge of the product due to the nature of the substrate. You can clean this with your all-purpose cleaner or run your fingernail along the edge to scrape it away. Wipe the surface of the product with a cleaning cloth, all-purpose cleaner, or a can of compressed air after you remove the particles.
Step 3. Pair the Transfer with the Plaque
Lay the transfer down on a flat surface with the printed image facing up. Place the plaque on top of the transfer. Fold the edge of the transfer over the edge of the plaque and tape the transfer to the back of the product. Avoid placing tape directly against the edge of the MDF, the tape may take the foil off the edge.
Step 4: Let’s Sublimate!
Place the transfer and plaque into the heat press with the transfer on top, the product facing up. Lay another piece of protective paper on top of the coat hanger. Confirm that the heat press is at the correct temperature. Pressing times are below.
Plaque Clock: 1:25-1:35
Plaques, MDF 0.625in/15.9mm thick: 1:25-1:35
Plaques, MDF 0.5in/12.7mm thick: 1:20-1:30
Streamline Awards, Hardboard – Cross: 1:15-1:25
Streamline Awards, Hardboard – Large Round: 1:20-1:30
Step 5: Remove Plaque from the Heat Press
Once the timer is done use heat-protective gloves to remove the coat hanger from the press. Let cool.