Vanity License Plates are a fun and unique gift to give. Add in the art media of Sublimation on aluminum, and your image will last for years to come. I like to use a sublimated license plate blank to make all types of signs. They make great gifts too!
I like to use Canva.com to design my plates.
Then the process starts with a sublimation printer and sublimation ink. The steps to produce a quality license plate are very easy once you have all the right supplies.
Supplies:
- Supplies Sublimation Printer
- Sublimation Ink
- Sublimation Paper
- Heat Resistant Tape
- Heat Press
- Sublimation License Plate Blank
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So let’s get started on learning how to makes these Customizable Vanity License Plates! Check out the video tutorial below or follow the step by step instructions below! You choose how you want to learn to make these Customizable Vanity License Plates!
Step #1 Print Image
Print image in mirror image and correct size. I use legal-sized sublimation paper for my license plates. I also print them on a scale of 85%. This scale allows the picture to be larger than my license plate. Make sure to use sublimation ink to print your image.
Step #2 Secure Image to Blank
Double-check for the protective film before securing your blank to the image. Some blanks come with a protective covering. The license plates that I used did not have a protective coat. My blanks have a white side and a silver metal side.
The white side is the sublimated side. Place the image side down on the blank’s sublimation side and secure the image to the blank using heat resistant tape.
This step will ensure that the image does not shift when you put it on the press.
Step #3 Sublimate with Heat
Follow the heat press settings recommended with your sublimation blanks. My blanks stated that the recommended temperature is 400F. The recommended timing is 150 seconds. The laying that I use for my Vanity License Plates is:
- Pressing pad that came with my Heat Press
- Parchment paper to protect the pressing pad
- Sublimation license plate sublimation side facing up
- Mirror printed image facing down
- Teflon protective sheet
Just think of all the great ideas to make fully customizable vanity license plates.
Who wouldn’t love their very own custom license plate or custom sign ready for hanging? The aluminum license plate looks excellent, personalized with images and words. Enjoy putting your personal touch on these and make them exactly the way you want for a unique gift!
