The idea of sublimation is nothing new. There have been jewellery and other accessories made this way for years. What’s interesting is that you can now do it yourself at home. The technology has become easier to use, and you can even get the printer to do most of your work. You can sublimate different materials of your choice with your favourite designs even keychains.
Here is a step by step guide to help you figure out most questions about how to sublimate to keychain blanks. So let’s get started right away.
What Are Sublimation Key Chains?
Sublimation is the process of transferring your art onto different materials. Keychain blanks are one of the popular and favourite materials. But unfortunately, you cannot sublimate any keychain blank right away. For sublimation, you need a poly-coated keychain blank or you can coat it beforehand.
How To Sublimate Onto Keychain Blanks?
The first step in making practically any personalized keychain is to get a blank keychain ( wood, metal or the one you like). Blank keychains, in any format, provide you with the opportunity to create your personal message. If you want to buy them, you will need to find a place with an extensive collection of poly-coated custom key blanks. Like Amazon.
Once you have the keychain blanks, you only need a sublimation printer (Best Printers in 2023). with sublimation inks. You can also convert a regular printer into a sublimation printer but read out the things that must be considered before converting the one at home. Your printing can include both the image and the text. You can sublimate quotes, images and text on keychains made of different materials such as ceramic, acrylic, metals and wooden.
Select desired material and prepare design accordingly. Place coated side down onto the paper while covering the other side with a protective sheet. Fold the transfer paper on the keychain and fix it with the help of heat tape. It is crucial to fix the transfer paper to get a clear image.
Now place the blank in the heat press and wait for the result. After a specific time, you will get your desired print on the keychain.
Keychain Sublimation Printing Process
Depending on the press used, the sublimation process can differ.
- Print your design on transfer paper using sublimation printer. If you are a beginner, you should check the sublimation printer for beginners.
- It’s a good idea to let the paper dry for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the press to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Insert the keychain blank into the press and cover it with the paper.
- After about 50 seconds, close the press and apply pressure on the product.
- After this time has gone, remove the press’s keychain and the paper.
- Allow the sublimate keychain to cool for a few seconds.
Conclusion
Printing customized keychains allow you to create the perfect gift for someone special. Whether you would like to display a message to someone special or display your prized possession, you can have an option with sublimation key chains. We hope that this article has helped you understand a little more about what sublimation keychains are and how you can make them for yourself. Moreover, there are a lot of different styles of keychains that you can choose from, and the technology is improving all the time, So you can expect to see a lot more coming out in the near future.