Learn How to Sublimate a Frosted Glass Mason Jar with Beautiful Vibrant Colors

Sublimation is a process that allows you to transfer images or designs onto surfaces like tumblers, mugs, and other gift items using heat. In this article, I will walk through how to sublimate a frosted glass mason jar to achieve bright, colorful results.

What is Sublimation?

Sublimation is a type of heat transfer method that uses inkjet printable heat transfer paper and a source of high heat, like a tumbler press, to fuse images permanently onto surfaces. The inks are able to change from a solid to a gas without melting into a liquid state first. This allows full-color designs and photos to be imprinted onto surfaces like glass, plastic, wood and more.

Materials Needed

• Frosted glass mason jar
• Sublimation inkjet printable transfer paper
• Inkjet printer
• Heat resistant tape
• Tumbler press or other heat source (375 degrees F for 210 seconds)

Designing and Printing Your Images

The first step is to design your image or load a pre-made design file into your computer. Print the design out onto the sublimation transfer paper using an inkjet printer. Be sure to mirror or flip the image so it appears correctly once pressed.

Prepping and Placing the Transfer Paper

Clean the glass mason jar thoroughly to remove any oils or residues. Apply pieces of the printed transfer paper to the jar using heat resistant tape to secure it. Be careful of the placement and make sure no pieces overlap or touch the lid.

FAQs

How long does the sublimation process take?

For frosted glass, the recommended time is 375 degrees F for 210 seconds.

Can you re-press images if they don't turn out right?

Yes, you can re-tape and re-press images that don't fully transfer the first time.

What kinds of designs work best for sublimation?

Images with lots of vibrant colors and details tend to look the most impressive with sublimation.

Will the print be waterproof and durable?

Yes, once sublimated the ink bonds internally with the glass making it waterproof, scratch resistant and long-lasting.

How do I know the sublimation process is complete?

You'll see the designs and colors fully fuse to the glass surface. Check all areas have fully transferred before removing from the press.

I hope this guide on how to #sublimate a #frostedglass #masonjar helped provide the steps to achieving beautiful vibrant results using this fun DIY craft technique. Be sure to check out Craft Express' selection of blank tumblers and mugs to get started with your own sublimation projects.