Sublimation Blank Acrylic Hexagon Ornament (AKXH08)

1. Do I need to mirror my image when sublimating clear acrylic ornaments?

Answer: No, do not mirror your image. This is the most common mistake people make with acrylic! Because you are pressing onto the white coating on the back of the ornament and viewing the design through the clear front, you want the transfer to be reversed on the coating so it appears correct from the front. At Dyecraft Direct, we remind all our customers: if your design has text, it should be readable on the transfer paper before you press it.

2. Why is there a cloudy film on my acrylic blank?

Answer: Your Dyecraft Direct acrylic ornaments ship with a protective plastic film on the clear side (and sometimes the coated side) to prevent scratching during shipping. If your blank looks cloudy, scratched, or matte, you likely haven't removed this film yet. Be sure to peel off the protective layer from the non-coated side before or immediately after pressing to reveal the crystal-clear, glass-like finish underneath.

3. How do I stop acrylic ornaments from warping during sublimation?

Answer: Acrylic is a plastic and becomes pliable when hot. To keep your sublimation acrylic ornaments perfectly flat, it is critical to place them under a heavy, flat object (like a stone tile or a heavy book) immediately after removing them from the heat press. Let them cool completely under this weight. This ensures they harden into a perfectly flat shape, ready for ribbons and packaging.

4. What are the best heat press settings for acrylic sublimation blanks?

Answer: Acrylic requires careful heat management to get vibrant colors without melting the substrate. For Dyecraft Direct acrylics, we typically recommend pressing at 400°F for 30 seconds with medium pressure.

• Important: Always place the substrate on top of the sublimation paper (paper on the bottom, ornament on top) and cover with protective paper to protect your heat platen.

5. Why choose acrylic ornaments over glass or ceramic?

Answer: Acrylic sublimation ornaments offer the best of both worlds: the high-end look of glass with the durability of plastic. They create a stunning "3D effect" because the image is viewed through the thickness of the material. They are shatterproof, making them the safer choice for households with pets or children, and they are lightweight, so they won't weigh down tree branches. They are a top seller