How To Sublimate: Plastic Key Chain

Personalized keychain with keyfob

This helpful tutorial is provided by

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Personalized keychain with keyfobPersonalized keychain with keyfob
Item #5524
Two-sided Square FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) Key Chain. White gloss finish includes ring and tab to attach after decorating.

Checklist

Before you get started, prep your work station with the following:
- Bare substrate & printed transfer
- Heat tape, cleaning cloth & all-purpose cleaner
- Heat gloves, scissors & blowout paper
Download & print our checklist and instructions below!
workspace with sublimation keychainsworkspace with sublimation keychains

Step 1

First, turn on your heat press and set the temperature to 385°F / 195°C (temperatures based on prints made with small desktop sublimation printers). Strong pressure is recommended (settings may vary based on equipment).
Add a sheet of protection paper (blowout paper) on the bottom plate of the heat press.
Illustration of temperature setting on the heat press for step 1Illustration of temperature setting on the heat press for step 1

Step 2

Clean the surface with all-purpose cleaner, a cloth, and compressed air.
Illustration of the items used for cleaning in step 2: cloth, compressed air, and all-purpose cleanerIllustration of the items used for cleaning in step 2: cloth, compressed air, and all-purpose cleaner

Step 3

You should have two images printed on your transfer paper.
Cut the corners of one of the transfers about 5mm away from the edge of the image in order to have plenty of space to tape the first transfer to the second.
Illustration of how to cut the transfer paper to separate the 2 images printed on itIllustration of how to cut the transfer paper to separate the 2 images printed on it

Step 4

Next, line up and center one side of the blank bag tag to the transfer with the cut corners.
Pick up the bag tag and crease the transfer paper along the edges of the bag tag so it will stay lined up with the outline of the image or graphic.
Illustration of how to attach the substrate to the transferIllustration of how to attach the substrate to the transfer

Step 5

Make sure the transfer is at the edge of the table, and hold the first transfer in place by tightly gripping the bag tag and transfer with your thumb and finger.
Illustration of how to attach the substrate from step 4 to the other transfer for step 5Illustration of how to attach the substrate from step 4 to the other transfer for step 5

Step 6

Line it up with the second transfer, keeping the first side of the transfer slightly peeled back, so you can see where you’re placing the key chain.
Illustration of lining up the item for step 6Illustration of lining up the item for step 6

Step 7

Once secured on the second transfer, peel back the edges of the first to double check that all the sides are even. Make small adjustments as needed.
Illustration of how to check work and to make adjustments as neededIllustration of how to check work and to make adjustments as needed

Step 8

Next, place four pieces of tape on the corners to secure the transfers to the keychain. Avoid placing the tape on the key chain outline.
Carefully slide the prepared key chain off the table and place in the heat press.
Illustration of how to tape and secure the transfers for step 8Illustration of how to tape and secure the transfers for step 8

Step 9

Add everything in the center of the bottom plate of the heat press. Be sure that your printed transfer is face-down on the bottom plate.
Add a layer of blowout paper or Endura on top of your printed transfer and set the correct temperature & set the time for 1:00-1:10 seconds.
Close the heat press so the sublimation process starts. Repeat on the other side.
 Illustration of placing the item into the heat press for step 9 Illustration of placing the item into the heat press for step 9

Step 10

When the sublimation process stops, remove immediately the transfer paper off both sides of the key chain and allow the product to cool down.
Attention: the item will be hot, so wear protective heat gloves.
Illustration for removing the item using a heat safe glove or mitten for step 10Illustration for removing the item using a heat safe glove or mitten for step 10

Step 11

Allow the key chain to cool for a few minutes.
After the keychain has cooled, attach the key rings using provided hardware and enjoy!
Using the hardware provided, attach key ring to key chain.Using the hardware provided, attach key ring to key chain.
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