How To Sublimate: Dog Bone Pet Tag

Close up of customized bone shaped pet tag connected to a collar

This helpful tutorial is provided by

Close up on bone shaped pet name tag connected to collarClose up on bone shaped pet name tag connected to collar
Item #5771
One-sided aluminum dog bone pet tag.

Checklist

Before you get started, prep your work station with the following:
- Bare substrate & printed transfer
- Heat tape, cleaning cloth & all-purpose cleaner
- Heat gloves, scissors & blowout paper
Download & print our checklist and instructions below!
Tools needed for the project, substrate, printed transfer, heat tape, cleaning cloth, cleaner, heat glove, scissors, and blowout paperTools needed for the project, substrate, printed transfer, heat tape, cleaning cloth, cleaner, heat glove, scissors, and blowout paper

Step 1

First, turn on your heat press and set the temperature to 385°F / 195°C (temperatures based on prints made with small desktop sublimation printers). Strong pressure is recommended (settings may vary based on equipment).
Add a sheet of protection paper (blowout paper) on the bottom plate of the heat press.
Illustration of temperature setting on the heat press for step 1Illustration of temperature setting on the heat press for step 1

Step 2

Clean the surface with all-purpose cleaner, a cloth, and compressed air.
Illustration of the items used for cleaning in step 2: cloth, compressed air, and all-purpose cleanerIllustration of the items used for cleaning in step 2: cloth, compressed air, and all-purpose cleaner

Step 3

Next, line up and center the dog tag to the transfer.
Tape the transfer to the back of the dog tag. (Panel shown here, but will be the same process for the dog tag)
Illustration of how to attach the substrate to the transferIllustration of how to attach the substrate to the transfer

Step 4

Flip your dog tag and add everything in the center of the bottom plate of the heat press. Make sure the item receiving the transfer is facing up and the printed transfer is facing down on top of the receiving item.
Add a layer of blowout paper or Endura on top of your printed transfer.
Set the correct temperature & set the time for 0:45-0:55 seconds (side one) and close the heat press so the sublimation process starts. Repeat for other side. (Panel shown here, but will be the same process for the dog tag)
Illustration of placing the item into the heat press for step 4Illustration of placing the item into the heat press for step 4

Step 5

When the sublimation process stops, remove the transfer paper immediately and allow the product to cool down.
Attention: the item will be hot, so wear protective heat gloves. (Panel shown here, but will be the same process for the dog tag)
Illustration for removing the item using a heat safe glove or mitten for step 5Illustration for removing the item using a heat safe glove or mitten for step 5
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