Learn How To Effortlessly Add Your Image to Your Wood Sign
Sublimating is taking the crafting world by storm. Since sublimating became something that any crafter (and non-crafter) can create with at a somewhat affordable price, crafters have been toying with what they can sublimate on and how to go about doing it. Adding images to wood, especially wood signs, is no exception. And there are different ways you can accomplish this craft. One of the more common ways to add your image to your wood signs (or decor) is by using laminate pouches.
I joined the world of sublimation a little more than a year ago thanks to one of my fellow teachers, who has become a close friend of mine. While I still love my vinyl and iron on, I am over the moon about sublimation. Matter of fact, the majority of what I make for my family is sublimated. And like everyone else, I am going to see exactly what I can sublimate on. Wood is no exception!
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Materials Needed to begin Sublimating on Wood
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- Sublimation Printer – I use the Epson ET-2720
- Sublimation Paper – I use A-Sub 125 G
- Cricut Easy Press
- Heat Mat
- Heat Resistant Tape
- Cricut X-ACTO Knife
- Scissors
- Thermal Laminate Pouches
- Butcher Paper
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If You would like to watch the tutorial, you can view it on my YouTube Channel!
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How To Add Images to Wood Using Thermal Laminating Sheets
Step 1: Create or Obtain Your Image
There are two ways you can get your image: create it or buy it. The image I used in this project was purchased through Design Bundles. They have hundreds of different designs to choose from and for different holidays and seasons. You can also purchase designs from crafters on Etsy.
If you want to add a more personal touch to your project or you can’t find exactly what you are looking for, you can always create your own design. I use Canva to create my designs. While I do have the Pro account, you can still create your design using their free account.
Once you have your design created or purchased, download and save it to your device. Once saved, you will open it up.
Step 2: Print Your Image
You have your design opened up on your device and you’ve hit the print button. Now, before you send your design to the printer, make sure you mirror your image. If you don’t mirror your image, your design will come out backwards.
Load your sublimation paper into your sublimation printer. I use A-Sub sublimation paper and the colors come out beautifully! While your image is printing, you can move on to the next step. This will also give the ink time to dry before you apply it to the wood.
Step 3: Add Thermal Laminate Sheet to Wood Sign
Before adding the thermal laminate sheet to your sign, you will open it and tear the two sides apart at the seams. Lay one sheet of butcher paper on your heating mat, then your sign, and your laminate sheet. Put the laminate sheet down shiny side up.
If you need to, trim your laminate sheet to better fit over your sign. Be careful not to trim too close to the wood, as your laminate sheet will shrink some once the heat is applied. Now, place another sheet of butcher paper over your laminate so the laminate doesn’t get on your heat press.
You will want to set your heat press at 400℉ for 60 seconds. Be careful when handling, because it will be hot. If the laminate peels up any, reapply the butcher paper and heat for another 60 seconds.
Step 4: Trim Away Excess Laminate
Now it’s time to trim the laminate sheet off of your wood sign. You can either wait for your sign to cool, or you can use your heat resistant gloves to hold your sign. Use your Cricut X-ACTO Knife to go around the edge of your sign to cut away the laminate sheet.
Once you have your sign free of the laminate sheet and bottom piece of butcher paper (the laminate sheet will be adhered to the butcher paper), you can smooth out the edges using a piece of sandpaper or nail file. You may or may not need this step. It just depends on how exact you are with cutting the laminate sheet away from the sign.
Step 5: Add Your Image to Your Wood Sign
Now it’s time to add your image to your wood sign. Place a sheet of butcher paper on your heat mat. Use your heat resistant tape to adhere the design to your sign, design face down. This is why you mirror your image. Lay your sign, image face up, on your butcher paper and place another sheet of butcher paper on top.
In a well ventilated room, apply your heat press at 400℉ for 60 seconds. Remove your heat press after 60 seconds and carefully lift one corner. If you can see the image well, you can remove your sublimation paper to reveal your new sign. If you cannot see your image or the ink doesn’t look well covered, apply heat for another 30 seconds.
Share Your Project!
I would love to see your wooden sign and any other fun little projects you were inspired to do! If you make one, please share a photo on our Facebook page or tag me on social media with #victoriscreations.