3 SIMPLE STEPS TO SUBLIMATE

WE MAKE IT BARE, YOU MAKE IT BRILLIANT

WHAT IS SUBLIMATION?

Sublimation is the term for when a substance changes from a solid form into a gas, without ever becoming a liquid. Dye subli-

mation is an easy way to transfer full color images using dye-based inks into polyester-based substrates like metal prints, wood

products, fabrics and more.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED TO GET STARTED?

Getting started in sublimation is easy. Here are the basic items you’ll need:

• Imaging software (such as Photoshop, CorelDraw)

• Inkjet printer for sublimation

• Sublimation dyes (inks)

• Sublimation printer paper (also called transfer paper)

• Heat tape to hold the paper/transfer to the product

• Flat heat press that will go up to 400° F

• Bare product, or substrate

Universal Woods, Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of hard surface sublimatable goods manufactured in the USA

in Louisville, Kentucky. Universal Woods is the parent company of Unisub and ChromaLuxe, the leading brands of hard

surface bare products manufactured with the highest quality specialized coating for sublimation. Our bare products offer

you the ability to customize a variety of personalized products ranging from plaques to key chains and HD metal prints

using vibrant, full color graphics.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The process of sublimation is simple. For hard surface sublimation,

an image is printed with an inkjet sublimation printer on to transfer

paper using dye-based sublimation inks. The image will appear

reversed on the transfer paper so that it will be correctly displayed

when pressed. The transfer paper is then attached to a blank hard

substrate with a specially coated surface, and placed on to a flat

heat press. Heat and pressure from the heat press force the inks

to release from the paper into a gas form, while the coated surface

accepts the dyes. The result is an image that is permanently dye

infused into the surface of the hard substrate. Since the image is

now part of the coated surface of the product, it cannot be rubbed

or scratched off.

WHY SUBLIMATE NOW?

More options are being added every day in sublimation – from new printers, inks and presses to new substrates and

products. Adding sublimation to your business is more affordable than ever, and there are literally thousands of products

you can sublimate and sell, to hundreds of different markets.

WHAT CAN YOU MAKE?

You can use any image, photo, graphic or artwork and customize things like t-shirts, coasters, metal prints, key chains,

magnets, plaques, wall signage, jewelry inserts, and more.

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1 Choose any picture, illustration or other

graphic image. Sublimation is great for any

color combination from black and white to

full color. 2Insert the special sublimation ink cartridg-

es into your printer. Print the image onto

sublimation transfer paper designed for

hard surface products. Tape the transfer

paper to your product with heat tape.

Contact any of our distributors to get everything you need to start or grow your sublimation business. Visit unisub.com

for a worldwide listing of approved Unisub and ChromaLuxe brand distributors.

3 Position your product on the heat press face

up and apply pressure for the appropriate

amount of time. Remove the transfer paper

from the surface. Enjoy the wow!

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Expand your business into new markets with the highest quality sublimated products. Sublimated products make great

custom gifts and can be sold into the following markets:

Visit the markets page on our website for details on how you can grow your business – www.unisub.com/markets.

MARKETS

• Boutique & personalized gifts• Home décor• Business & promotional items• Awards & recognition• Sports• Schools• Holiday celebrations• Photographers & fine artists

• Free graphics

• Free templates

• Product shots

• Tips and tricks

• Support videos

• Target market programs

Visit unisub.com for valuable resources and inspiration to help you get started and grow your business with

sublimation. On our website, you’ll find:

WEB SUPPORT/RESOURCES

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ALUMINUM

Used in: Ornaments, name tags, key chains, and moreFinishes: Gloss White, Gloss Clear, Gloss Gold, Semi-Gloss White Thicknesses: 0.045” / 1,14 mm and 0.03” / 0,76 mm

FIBERGLASS REINFORCED PLASTIC (FRP)

Used in: Name badges, magnets, bag tags, and moreFinish: Gloss White, Matte WhiteThickness: 0.09” / 2,29 mm

MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD (MDF)

Used in: Plaques, picture frames, and moreFinishes: Gloss White, Semi-Gloss WhiteThicknesses: 0.625” / 15,8 mm and 0.5” / 12,7 mm

WHAT SUBSTRATES DOES UNISUB OFFER?

STEEL

Used in: Message boardsFinish: Gloss White Thickness: 0.023” / 0,58 mm

TEMPERED HARDBOARD, BLACK BACK (THB)

Used in: Picture frames, signs of life, and moreFinish: Gloss White Thickness: 0.25” / 6,35 mm

TEMPERED HARDBOARD, RAW BACK (THB)

Used in: Puzzles, coasters, serving trays, and moreFinish: Gloss White Thickness: 0.125” / 3,18 mm

7Many more new products can be found at unisub.com/products/new

NEW PRODUCTS

SHAPED KEY CHAINS & MAGNETS

CREATIVE BORDER CLIPBOARDS NATURAL WOOD PICTURE FRAMES

BEZEL PENDANTS CUFF BRACELETS

COAT HANGERS

NAUTICAL SHAPED KEY CHAINS & BAG TAGNATURAL WOOD BAG TAG & ORNAMENTS

COMING SOON

CHROMALUXE KICKSTAND PANELS

NATURAL WOOD, MDF WITH MAPLE VENEER FINISH

Used in: Picture framesFinish: Matte ClearThickness: 0.625” / 15,88 mm

Unisub and ChromaLuxe are registered trademarks of Universal Woods, Inc. © 2016

To get started in sublimation, contact any of our authorized distributors

worldwide. Visit www.unisub.com for locations near you.