Photo Wood Boards and Plank Signs
Transferring Instructions
Read these instructions completely before you begin.
Supplies Needed
• Sublimatable Photo Wood Board or Plank Signs
• Wood press supports for ¼” signs
• Thermal Rubber Mat (optional)
• Sublimation Transfers
• Heat Tape
• Heat Gloves
Instructions for ¼” Wood Photo Signs and 5/8” Wood Boards
Overview: The pressing time and temperatures are the same for either wood thickness.
The main difference in pressing is you should use press supports when pressing ¼” wood boards with support bars attached. You can order them from us. You want to support the wood boards in three places- the center and the two edges. This insures uniform pressure and contact with the heat platen.
5/8” wood boards do not need to be supported. Tape the sublimation transfer in the center of the board so you can take a look at the pressed wood without disturbing registration, in case you need to press again for complete image transfer.
Step 1: Adjust Heat Press
Heat Press Temperature: 400o F
Dwell Time: 1 min 45 seconds when using a thermal mat.
Or 45 seconds without using a thermal mat.
Pressure: Very Firm
Note: These instructions, including transfer times and temperatures, are based on the inks, paper, presses, and products we use. Your inks, papers, etc. may require adjustments in your settings.
Step 2: Design & Print Your Transfer
Note: Design your transfer based on the Photo Wood Board size. If you are designing a full-bleed image, we recommend that you design the transfer so that it is at least 1/8” larger than the tile, around each side. Tape the transfer in two places along the middle of the board on the back side.
Step 3: Transfer the Image
1. Place Photo Wood board face up on onto the heat press.
2. Check orientation of your transfer so that keyhole aligns with the top of your transfer.
3. Place thermal rubber mat on top of Wood Photo Board. (This is optional.)
4. Using Very Firm pressure, press your image.
Instructions for Wood Plank Signs
Step 1: Adjust Heat Press
Heat Press Temperature: 400° F
Dwell Time: 1 min 45 seconds if using a thermal rubber mat.
Pressure: Medium
Note: These instructions, including transfer times and temperatures, are based on the inks, paper, presses, and products we use. Your inks, papers, etc. may require adjustments in your settings.
Step 2: Design & Print Your Transfer
Note: Design your transfer based on the Wood Photo Board size. If you are designing a full-bleed image, we recommend that you design the transfer so that it is at least 1/8” larger than the tile, around each side.
Step 3: Transfer the Image
1. Place Wood Plank Sign face up on onto the heat press.
2. Place three press support wood bars at each edge and the middle of the board.
3. Place your transfer face-down on top of the Wood Plank Sign. Check placement of your transfer so that keyhole aligns with the top of your transfer. Tape the transfer into position on the back of the board.
4. Place thermal rubber mat on top of Wood Photo Board.
5. Using Medium pressure, press for 1min 45 seconds at 400o F.
Transfer Tips & Tricks
You may want to place the hot presses wood sign on a flat table facing down and put a 20 lb. weight on the sign to keep it from warping while it’s cooling.
Check for uniformity of color/pressure before you take the transfer off. Hold the center with a gloved hand, and gently pull back each corner of the transfer. If you notice any loss of color or sharpness after pressing, carefully rotate the sign 90° (or 180° if your board is too big to fit in the press rotated 90°). Press again for an additional 30 seconds.
DO NOT use a clamshell style heat press!
For improved UV resistance and a satin finish, try our water based clear top-coat!
Technical Support
For support on these or any of our products, please call our toll-free number for assistance: 877.795.1500. You may also write to us at support@laserreproductions.com
