Do you use Car Coasters? I started using them when I got a new car a couple of years ago. Look around your house and I bet you have a least a couple of coasters laying around. But have you thought about having coasters in your car? I know that I have coasters in our living room and Family Room. Coasters in your car are great to keep your cup holders clean.
Today I want to share with you how to customize car coasters with sublimation. Car Coasters make a perfect gift idea. For that matter, Christmas is just around the corner, and car coasters make a great stocking stuffer.
Car Coasters ~ What to Consider
Before we get started, I want to tell you a few things to think about when it comes to Car Coasters.
Material: When shopping for car coasters, you will probably see coasters made of a few different types of material, including silicone, neoprene, MDF, or ceramic. The silicone coasters can be flexible, but they are usually found in plain colors. The other materials are excellent for sublimation. You will see some great designs on these types of substrates.
So, let’s talk about the best substates that we can sublimate on and where to get blanks. I would tell you that for quick access to substrates, you can’t beat Amazon, but I would also tell you that I have found some great Etsy shops that carry sublimation blanks and have excellent turnaround times for delivery. There are also a few sublimation vendors that I have used over the past year, and they have great options. I have used four different substrates to sublimate on, and I like the results for each type. The four that I have used are:
Neoprene
- 100% Polyester Cover and Rubber Backing
- Sublimate at 390 degrees for 60 seconds
Sandstone
- Made of Ceramic with a sand type of finish
- Sublimate at 400 degrees for 90 seconds
Ceramic
- Absorbent Ceramic material. The backside of the coaster has better water absorption.
- Sublimate at 400 degrees for 200 seconds
Hardboard or MDF
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) material with natural backing cork.
- Sublimate at 375 degrees for 70 seconds.
Let’s get started with designing and sublimating some car coasters.
Supplies for Car Coasters
- Sublimation Ink
- A-Sub Paper
- Printer
- Lint Roller
- Heat Press
- Butcher Paper
- Heat Resistant Tape
- Car Coaster Substrates
*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.
Check out the video tutorial below or follow the step-by-step instructions below! You choose how you want to learn to make car coasters!
Step #1 Pick a Design
I like to create my designs on Canva.com. When you think about a design, remember the size of the coaster. They are usually 2 ½ inches in diameter. When making a bunch of car coasters, I like to print one page of the same design and use the sheet for multiply coasters.
Make sure to print your design mirror image and on sublimation paper with a sublimation printer.
Step #2 Layering for Sublimation
I have learned over time that when I am doing sublimation, each substrate can require different layering on the heat press. I start with burnout paper as my first layer. Burnout paper is just a fancy word for butcher paper! Today I will sublimate a pair of neoprene car coasters and a pair of sandstone car coasters. The laying for both of these types of substrates is the same. Substate up and design facing down. I like to add a piece of heat-resistant tape to secure the substate to the paper. Then I top off the layering with another bit of burnout paper, aka butcher paper.
Step #3 Sublimation
Each substrate requires a different heat and time. I will share what I use for heat and time but check any directions that come with your car coasters.
• Neoprene ~ Sublimate at 390 degrees for 60 seconds
• Sandstone ~ Sublimate at 400 degrees for 90 seconds
Step #4 All Done
Remember to put on your heat-resistant gloves with the time is up. Pull off the car coasters and check them out. They will be hot, so make sure you have something on your table that you can lie them down on to cool.
If this project inspired you, then check out some of my other projects for more inspiration!
A few other sources for sublimation blanks are:
Don’t forget to check out my Fun Stuff Crafts Amazon Storefront!
*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.
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