Have you ever wanted to create a piece of art, but didn’t know where to start? With sublimation on canvas, anyone can create beautiful pieces of art. This process is simple, and the results are stunning. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own work of art using the process to sublimate on canvas. Are you ready to get started? Get inspired and let’s go!
Before we get started let’s answer a few questions:
What is Sublimation?
The sublimation process allows you to print any image onto different materials, such as polyester or polyurethane. It’s a dyeing method that uses heat and pressure instead of ink. This technique is also known as “dye-sub” because it involves dyes and the sublimation process. I’m going to show you how to print a high-quality image onto canvas and then sublimate it with heat, pressure, and time.
How to Sublimate onto Canvas?
You can use an inkjet printer with sublimation ink and a product called “sublimation paper” for this project. This special paper has heat-resistant coatings that will help you transfer the image from your computer screen onto any fabric or canvas material. I use an Epson Printer with Cosmo Ink and A-Sub Paper. In fact, I have a coupon code for 15% off my favorite A-Sub Paper. Use the link below and use the coupon code FUN15 to save some money on your next purchase.
You’ll need the following supplies to Sublimate on Canvas:
*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors, however, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
Once you have all of your supplies, it’s time to get started. Check out the video tutorial below or follow the step by step instructions below! You choose how you want to learn to make this project!
Step One Find a Print to Sublimate on Canvas
First, you’ll need to find a print that you love. There are tons of great prints available online, and Etsy is a great place to start. Here is a link to where we found our project from DazzlePrintsStudio.
Once you’ve found the perfect print, download it and open it in your design software.
Step Two Print Your Design
Print your design onto the coated side of printable sublimation paper using an Epson printer. We recommend using a design that has been created at 300 dpi or higher and will fit within the image area of your canvas (the image area is the blank space on your canvas where you can place an image). I am using 8 1/2 x 11 a sub paper and a 8 1/2 x 11 canvas.
Step Three Secure Your Print
If desired, use transfer tape to secure your printed design onto the front side of your canvas. This step helps with alignment when pressing.
Step Four Sublimate on Canvas
Preheat your heat press to 400F. Place the canvas on a piece of butcher paper to protect against color transfer and/or melting of fibers onto the platen of your heat press. Then press for 50 seconds at medium pressure.
Step Five Add the Finishing Touch to Your Design
Add your print to a frame and hang it up!
Conclusion
Sublimation on canvas is a great way to create unique pieces of art that are personal and special. With just a few simple steps, you can create your own work of art that will be treasured for years to come. Thanks for reading! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you! Also, don’t forget to share this post with your friends and followers on social media. Happy crafting!
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11 comments
I love this blog about Sublimation prints. Looks like I need a heat press!
I have a blog post on buying a heat press that might be helpful.
https://funstuffcrafts.com/2021/04/15/heat-press-which-one-is-right-for-you/
I thought that the substrate had to have polyester in it in order to sublimate on it.
The canvas blanks that I purchased from Amazon are made for sublimation. Incidentally I just checked and the details on the Amazon site and it states that they are made of polyester material.
[…] Prints on Canvas with Sublimation […]
Can you sublimate over a painting? Example if I painted something on the canvas and wanted to sublimate song lyrics on top, would that be possible without messing up the actual painting?
I have not tried that method yet. I would suggest that you try a small canvas for a test before you try the actually one you want to do.
This post is misleading. It should have said – how to sublimate on Polyester Canvas or Sublimation Ready canvas.
I apologize if you think it is misleading. I have a link to the materials I used. I have also successfully sublimated in 100% Polyester fabric canvas also. Here is the link to that post. https://funstuffcrafts.com/2021/08/26/sublimation-canvas-wall-art-lets-create-together/
Can I use a Cricut Easy Heat Press on the canvas or does it need to be a clam shell heat press?
You need the Easy Press 2, you want to be able to heat to 400 degrees.