How to Sublimate a Sublimation Photo Slate

What You Need

Sublimation printer + sublimation ink

Sublimation paper (printed mirrored)

Heat-resistant tape

Heat press (must be flat press, not a tumbler press)

Heat-resistant gloves

Lint-free cloth

Butcher paper or Teflon sheet

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Artwork

Measure the slate’s printable area, including slight bleed if the edges are rough/uneven.

Print your design on sublimation paper, mirrored.

Let the print dry fully.

2. Prepare the Slate

Remove the slate from its box.

Take off the plastic protective film — almost all photo slates come with a thin removable sheet on the glossy surface.

Clean the surface with a dry, lint-free cloth.

Preheat the slate for 30–60 seconds at ~385°F (195°C) face up to:

Remove moisture

Prevent steam spots

Improve color clarity

(Note: Some makers skip preheating, but it reduces moisture issues.)

3. Position Your Print

Lay your sublimation print face up on your table.

Place the slate printable side down onto the print so the image touches the coating.

Tape around the edges on the back, not the front.

This keeps the design from shifting during pressing.

4. Heat Press Settings
Standard Settings (most photo slates):

Temperature: 385°F (195°C)

Time: 180–240 seconds (3–4 minutes)

Pressure: Light to medium

Too much pressure can crack the slate.

The slate is thick — the press should just make contact, not clamp hard.

5. Pressing the Slate

Place a piece of butcher paper on the bottom platen.

Put the slate (paper on top, slate underneath) facing up or down, depending on preference:

Best method:

Paper on top, slate underneath (slate face up).

Cover with another sheet of butcher paper.

Press for the full time.

Use heat gloves to remove it — the slate becomes extremely hot and holds heat for a long time.

6. Remove Paper

Peel the sublimation paper off immediately while hot.

Allow the slate to cool on a flat, heat-safe surface.

🌟 Tips for Perfect Results
✔️ Prevent white spots

Moisture causes splotching. Always pre-press to remove moisture.

✔️ Protect your press

Slates shed tiny debris; butcher paper on top and bottom is essential.

✔️ Don’t overpress

Too much pressure = slate breakage or tile warping.

✔️ Use extra bleed in your design

Edges are irregular—add at least ½ inch (1–2 cm) bleed around your artwork.

✔️ Press face-up for most even heating

Stone absorbs heat unevenly; pressing face-up ensures better image transfer.