Acrylic Keyring Blanks -Sublimation Ready

Acrylic Specifications

• Product Type: Sublimation Acrylic Substrate / Clear Signage Blank
• Material Thickness: 3mm (Rigid cast layout)
• Base Color: 100% Optically Clear / Transparent or Solid Opaque White
• Surface Finish: High-Gloss Smooth Polymer Layer

Frequently asked questions – Sublimation Printing on Acrylic

Must I remove the protective plastic?
Yes. Remove the protective plastic from both sides before pressing. Pressing with the plastic attached can damage the item and spoil the image.

Must I mirror my design?
For white acrylic, mirror the design before printing. For clear acrylic printed from the back and viewed through the front, do not mirror it. Always test text or a directional image before producing multiple items.

Why print on the back of clear acrylic?
The design is protected behind the acrylic and has an attractive glossy appearance when viewed through the front.

Can I press both sides?
Yes, but complete and cool one side fully before preparing the second side. Test first to confirm that reheating does not affect the first image.

Sublimation Printing

Settings:

Temperature: 170 °C
Time: 160 seconds
Pressure: Light

Both sides can be sublimated.

Important: Remove the protective plastic from both sides before pressing.

1. Remove all protective plastic from both sides of the acrylic.
2. Make sure the acrylic is clean, dry and free from dust.
3. Mirror the design before printing, especially words, numbers and directional images.
4. Print the mirrored design onto sublimation paper.
5. Place the printed side of the paper against the side of the acrylic you want to decorate.
6. Secure the paper with heat-resistant tape so it cannot move.
7. Place clean protective paper above and below the acrylic.
8. Press at 170 °C for 160 seconds using light pressure.
9. Open the press carefully and remove the transfer paper without sliding it.
10. Immediately place the acrylic on a clean, flat surface.
11. Keep it flat under light, even pressure until completely cool. This helps prevent warping.

CAUTION

The acrylic will be hot and may be slightly flexible when it leaves the press. Handle it carefully and do not bend it.

CLEAR ACRYLIC

TIP FOR BRIGHTER COLOURS

Printing on the back will give the image dept. Remember not to mirror the image when printing.

After the acrylic has cooled completely, apply white sticker vinyl to the back, behind the sublimated image. The white backing makes the colours appear brighter and clearer when viewed through the front.

SUCCESS CHECK

The image reads correctly from the front, the colours are clear, and the acrylic remains flat.

Vinyl Application on Acrylics

1. Remove the protective film from both sides of the acrylic.
2. Clean the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth and make sure it is completely dry.
3. Place transfer tape over the vinyl design and rub firmly across the entire design.
4. Turn the design over and slowly remove the paper backing. The vinyl should remain attached to the transfer tape.
5. Position the design carefully without touching the exposed adhesive.
6. Lower it onto the acrylic from one side to the other, smoothing as you go.
7. Rub firmly over the complete design.
8. Slowly remove the transfer tape at a low angle.
9. Press down any lifted edges and allow the vinyl adhesive to settle.

APPLYING TO THE BACK OF CLEAR ACRYLIC

Applying vinyl to the back helps protect the design while allowing it to show through the clear acrylic.

Important: The design must have been mirrored before cutting—especially words, numbers and directional images.

Apply the vinyl to the back surface using the same steps above. Turn the acrylic over and check that the design reads correctly from the front.

Important: Apply the design to the front of white acrylic. Do not mirror the design.

SUCCESS CHECK

The design is straight, smooth and firmly attached, with no lifted edges or trapped dust.