Laminate Sublimation On Glass

A step-by-step guide to dye sublimation on glass using laminate, vinyl, sublimation ink, and a heat press.
Three different options shown.
This video is geared to the beginner and to those not really understanding the process, or wanting a better idea of how it works and may seem too detailed for those experienced.
This method will not "bleed" over time as can happen with some direct to vinyl sublimation. However, this is not as heat resistant and should not be used as a hot pan trivet, nor should it be used outdoors for extended periods in the sun.
Links to items used: (Disclosure: I do receive a small commission if you purchase any of these items. This does not increase your cost)
Tusy 5 in 1 heat press amzn.to/3EJ0l1t
A-Sub sublimation paper amzn.to/3JxNjr9
Oracle 651 matte vinyl amzn.to/32yxPmj
Rapid Tac amzn.to/3JBYMGn
Epson 2720 Printer amzn.to/3Jykv1K
Hiipoo Sublimation ink for Epson amzn.to/3eIlpe4
Cricut Maker amzn.to/32IdL0B
LANON Heat Resistant Liquid Silicone Gloves amzn.to/3HmQ2SO
Heat Tape amzn.to/3HuOjLa
Multiple Roll Cut Heat Tape Cut Dispenser amzn.to/3ZjyYqg

[@MileyonDisney]

WOW! That looks amazing! Thanks for continuing to update the process... and for hanging onto the old ones for comparison.

[@soniajohansson6093]

Tack snälla Roger för att du delar med dig och förklarar så bra, 👍👍

[@Tracylovescrafts]

Loved this video! All of your videos are so informative. I can’t wait to try this out.

[@laurenreis677]

Love how comprehensive your instructions are! Thank you for another perfect video.

[@agnieszkaandruszko6459]

Wow!!! Very Clear instructions. Can’t wait to try. Thank you

[@xotmc]

Great info, I’ll be trying this later this week!

[@tonyrome068]

Wow. Fantastic work

[@KatieDarden]

Thanks for you video - I didn't use the rapid tack, but your temperature was right on - total appreciation.

[@theresahernblom1819]

Yes, i really love the update on this.. Thank you

[@cto511987]

Thank you for the clear and concise instruction for a great result. You are da man! Love the bit about not wanting to see your face in the mirror, almost spit up my coffee.

[@sandrafranco4212]

Thank you Roger! Your videos are fantastic, I have learned so much from you.

[@barbaranewman2977]

Love the rapid tac trick and using the squeegee and then the idea to do it all at once and lay it on top. Great ideas. Thank you so much. You saved me from wasting money on expensive sublimation blanks.

[@cindyb9288]

Thankyou so much for showing us your easy to follow and understand video on the sublimation process of glass. I’ve been wanting to try this.. again thanks

[@gerrywolfe2549]

Thanks for the great tutorial. Amazing.

[@terridiedolf2974]

Thank you for such great instructions. Have already made 1 in picture frame. The other is on trivet thingy cooling. Lovr these, so easy.

[@liveevents9191]

Very nice presentation. Thanks so much for all your work and willingness to share what you know. Great guy!!!

[@romonamorrow7296]

Thank you so much for this video. You explained the process so well. I am definitely going to give this a try if I can get the glass out of the lantern I purchased for a memorial project of my mom.

[@virginiaphillips1306]

This is an excellent demonstration!! I’m new to your channel and I’ve learned alot from watching you do things! Thank you so much!!

[@sevensquirrelz4533]

Same here, new to the channel and thank you for being very great demonstrator, amazing job 👏🏾💯

[@roxanneloyst3733]

Thank you Your tutorial is awesome.

[@juliebadger6493]

Fantastic video. Really appreciate it!

[@reuma7823]

Kia ora from Aotearoa (New Zealand) Wow, that's amazballz!!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful work & knowledge. I've clicked like & subscribed & I look forward to seeing more from you again ❤. Also, thank you for explaining important things & explaining it well.

[@marleneandrew9013]

I've been doing photos using Oracal 651 vinyl on the cutting boards. Will have to try this.

[@laurie4]

Great video! Thank you

[@MAC52782]

Thank you for sharing. Awesome!

[@donnaarmstrong]

Thanks so much. This is great

[@mrgrinch61]

Super video thanks

[@shellybishop2777]

That’s awesome. Thank you

[@waxinfluence]

So cool thanks for sharing.

[@FullMoonLoonDesigns]

Great demonstration! I don’t have Rapid Tac but I have good success with a few drops of Synthrapol in water and using a mister bottle. I haven’t tried this with laminate yet but I’ve been doing the vinyl method I learned from one of your other videos and even had great turnout with a piece of my fused glass. Thank you!

[@KatieDarden]

I have some Synthrapol from my silk screen/hand dying days! Thanks for the tip!

[@aprillagilsdorf1645]

This looks so coo!

[@vickifowler5069]

Thank you!!

[@485jojo]

Thank you. Now on a mission to find the rapid tack.

[@rogersshop]

Rapid Tac amzn.to/3JBYMGn

[@cherimccain12]

Absolutely awesome demonstration using the laminate. So happy you tried this out so I know it can be done effectively. Would like to know how they do over time. I love how you used 3 different pieces of glass, too. They are all great but the mirror is especially beautiful!

[@rogersshop]

What is not shown is a long trial/mistake/error/don't like session. I experimented with several different ways, times, and temperatures and found this to be the most permanent. I also know it won't bleed (shouldn't) since I've sublimated to laminate in the past and never had any bleeding.

[@thecompulsivecrafter3688]

"Maybe i can make one,o have a wood shop,oh) i felt this all too much!😂

[@shericzajkowski]

This is a wonderful video…. I’m still having issues getting all the air bubbles out on the edges… I’ve watched you video countless times

[@bevyjeanheyrman8537]

Replay- thank you

[@susanna1207]

Very clear instructions! Thank you 🙏 Do you have a source for the stl for the blue scraper holder on the right of your cricut? TIA

[@luannsettles2623]

I use 651 clear vinyl first then laminate..no problems

[@marlajansendemarco3102]

Does the 3ml laminate need to be the thermal kind? Sorry I did not see a link for the laminate that you used. Great demo! Has any one used white Cricut permanent vinyl?

[@TaniaNicholls]

thank you for this great video! I shall give it a try. First time ever I've seen someone pressing upside down and going to try this. But do you have a video doing this on acrylic? If not how to do this on small acrylics like coasters and keychains that are not so thick. TIA!!

[@rogersshop]

Acrylics can be tricky as they can either melt, deform, or cloud up.

[@user-mc8dv7fj9o]

HI Roger ,i just watch your video for laminating on glass , i have some of the glass blocks i would like to sublimate a photo on to and then add the fairy light inside the cube. this is going to be a gift for a friend , i have the lamainat sheets ,would i just follow pretty much every thing you have done here ,thank you

[@BobbieBTexas]

Thank you for updating this process . I saw where the cutting glass with vinyl fades will this fade ?

[@rogersshop]

Not with Laminate unless left in direct sun.

[@cherylsutter8163]

Hi Roger, great video and great shop too! Do you have a video to Laminate Sublimation On Metal. I can't keep the wrinkles are terrible, even when I tried using the rapid tac... thought that I would try it. I also seem to get wrinkles in everything I try to laminate - I use the Cricut easy press.

[@rogersshop]

Have never tried it on a metal surface. Maybe something for a future project...........................

[@cheryltripp1739]

Loved this video! What ml laminate did you use? 3ml or 5ml? I have some currently but not sure if it's the right thickness. Also, have you tried doing something that the laminate didn't completely cover and had to piece the laminate together? Just wondering how that would turn out. Thanks again for great tutorials!

[@rogersshop]

3 mil. If you piece it together, you will see the seam. I've tried this a few times. Because the laminate shrikes a bit when heated, the seam will separate.

[@4evermykids1]

Thank you I tried to do the cutting boards but was really light I didn't know temperature where did you get the mirror s from I'm going to try it again

[@rogersshop]

Mirror tiles are from Menard's. Home Depot and Lowes also sell them.

[@CraftyInes]

Thanks! Very educational. If you just sublimate on the white vinyl instead of laminate, can you use it as a trivet or will it also separate? Can you hand wash the glass boards after sublimation is done?

[@rogersshop]

Yes, you can use white permanent outdoor vinyl and I have done a couple of videos on that, using Oracle 651. Hand washing is not a problem and we have run them through the dishwasher on the top rack with no problems. If using as a hot pan trivet, keep in mind that the pan should be below 350 degrees F or the vinyl may soften. I use a lot of these as "spoon rests" next to the grill, smoker, and stove to prevent "messes".

[@Pbjthings]

This is a great idea and helpful video! Was there a reason you put the sub ink on the bottom? I thought it worked better if it was against the heat plate?

[@rogersshop]

Laminate may deform if used the other way. Never fails this way.

[@johannareilly8282]

Great tutorial! However, I'm having trouble getting all the air bubbles out even after using the squeegee. Any thoughts. Wondering if I'm using too much or too little Rapid Tac

[@rogersshop]

Hold the squeegee at a shallow angle, with pretty good pressure, and work from the center to the edge each way.

[@tcalvin2010]

this is my first time watching you, loved the instruction thank you. i dont own a heat press, would the temp and time be the same for the easy press on the heat mat😊

[@rogersshop]

Yes,, but you will need to keep CONSTANT heavy pressure and do not move. Can be done, but is not as easy as it sounds!

[@tcalvin2010]

@@rogersshopthank you sir, im up for the challenge 😂. Happy Thanksgiving and God bless

[@dianenortness2131]

Can you use the same application process using thermal laminate pouches?😊

[@maluparulan]

Sir May I know how you make your graphics or images , how do you size them and print straight to the sublimation printer? Those are all beautiful work! Thank you.

[@rogersshop]

Photos are edited in either Lightroom or Photoscape X and usually printed from Inkscape. The program I use most for graphic design and setup is Inkscape and can send files direct to my sublimation printer (Epson) from within the program. When using my Sawgrass printer, the graphic is exported from Inkscape as a .SVG, then imported into the Sawgrass software for printing.

[@annettebecker9719]

Side note question, what type of 3D printers are you using and do you have a video series for them?

[@rogersshop]

I have 3D printers from Creality (5), Tevo (1), Longer(2), and Kingroon (1). Several of them are covered in this Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL9XkOSht59Ov4JAzzzzkRK1TBuK25L21w

[@MrVillafum]

Hi Roger, new subscriber here... I've seen others get great results leaving out the laminate step and just sublimating directly to the Oracle 651. That said, do you see the laminate step that you do adding anything special to the piece that you would recomend not forgoing it? Thanks, V

[@buddysmith7080]

Roger have you hung this in a window like a stained glass piece? If so what would you attach to the back for the chain/ribbon?

[@rogersshop]

You would need to epoxy a n\hanging ring to the glass. Note that these may fade over time in direct sun.

[@lynnepalumbo4218]

Great video! What can I use if I don't have rapid tac?

[@rogersshop]

Distilled water. NO SOAP!

[@parisharrison6639]

Great video. One question, what are the cutting settings for the laminate?

[@rogersshop]

Measure your glass. This can vary.

[@brittanyrackliffe7053]

I want to sublimate onto a wine bottle but it’s clear and not sublimation treated. Would this method possibly work? And are there ways to get a white background on the bottle? This was so helpful! Thanks!

[@rogersshop]

If you want a white background, use Oracle651 or 751 white vinyl. May take some experiments for time/temp, but this vinyl takes sublimation well.

[@annamariedisinger8789]

If I mirror my image would it be as vibrant on both sides? I make in memory lanterns for friends and family when a loved one passes. I usually do the waterslide method but looking to see if I can sublimate it instead.

[@rogersshop]

Yes, it should be.

[@denieceboden6821]

Thank you, Roger you are a great teacher. One question... what thickness laminate are you using? I have seen people using anywhere from 1.5 to 5 millimeters. What is your experience? Thanks!

[@rogersshop]

I use Scotch 3mil

[@mommyto01]

I follwed your instructions but my image is lifting from the glass.....any tips to fix this issue?

[@bobslfcu773]

Nice video, is there a way to remove the image from the glass cutting board? Thanx for the info.

[@rogersshop]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6jImYSkmr-Vg8U

[@donnathomason3296]

Hi, I have watched your videos over and over again, but I am still having a problem with the laminate not getting smooth around the edges of the glass cutting boards. I do use the Rapid Tac. I cut the laminate on my Cricut at 7.7. I have a Cricut Easy Press 2 and do 385 degrees for 180 sec and go back and do extra time but doesn't come out smooth. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@rogersshop]

This requires heavy pressure and an Easy Press may not be enough.

[@buddysmith7080]

Roger, how do these look 2 months out? I was one that had a problem with blurring when using Oracal 651. I'm hoping this won't be the case with these.

[@rogersshop]

Laminate does not bleed or blur

[@Wrightn221]

Thanks for the tutorial. Have you sublimated Canvas like that?

[@rogersshop]

Yes. Works very well.

[@Wrightn221]

@@rogersshop thanks so much!!

[@user-lh2wu2ss4e]

Will the projects fade over time?

[@janemartin3308]

Silly question but when you cut your laminate on the cricut for the glass cutting boards, do you lay it face up or face down on the cricut mat to cut?

[@rogersshop]

Face up

[@judyjohnson2699]

Roger, after I spritz with the RapidTac and apply my laminate sheet, I'm getting a cloudy look under the laminate. Is that what you've found to be the case? Thank you!

[@rogersshop]

No. Have not had that issue.

[@cindyswain8094]

I’m having the same thing happen and am not sure why.

[@Alabamamobileweb]

Am new to sublimation and enjoyed your video. My question is when you placed the laminate on the canvas, which side of the laminate do you press down? The clear or blurry side?

[@rogersshop]

Foggy side down. Shiny side up.

[@Alabamamobileweb]

@@rogersshop thank you for your quick reply and videos

[@jennylowe4486]

Awesome video as always. Question, where do you buy your butcher paper? I wish I could get pre cut ones already...lol. TY

[@rogersshop]

I've bought butcher paper at Amazon, Costco, and Sam's Club. All about the same price.

[@jennylowe4486]

@@rogersshop Great. ThankY ou

[@hite1959]

Synergycrafts has the paper pre-cut. Love it!

[@NicoleBrown-tk7hb]

Hi! No matter what I do or how closely I follow your (amazing) videos, I still get a line of bubbles through my image after they're pressed. The bubble isn't there when I put them into the heat press. I use an auto press. Thoughts on what could be causing that?

[@rogersshop]

ALL moisture squeegeed out? Allowed to dry completely before pressing? Both are key.

[@NicoleBrown-tk7hb]

@@rogersshop I haven't allowed it to dry before pressing!! How long to dry?

[@glendamarriott4654]

I dont have a heat press like this yet? Is there a way you can use a cricut heat press and if so how long and what temp? Tysvm in advance

[@rogersshop]

Yes, you can. But, it requires heavy pressure and DON'T MOVE while pressing. Not as easy as it sounds. Same time and temp.

[@connieallen7475]

What size are you cutting the laminate sheet for the round and square dollar tree cutting boards?

[@rogersshop]

Measure your glass. Can be anywhere from 7.5" to 8". They are not always consistent!

[@TurkawskiFam]

I have a intricate logo that I want to put on a coated tumbler. Would this method work?

[@rogersshop]

If the tumbler is coated for sublimation, then this is not the method to use. Check out my channel for tumbler sublimation videos. there are several.

[@trichardson9807]

Do you have a video on back lighting sublimation photo?

[@rogersshop]

No, not specific, but there are a lot of ways to do it. Sunlight should be avoided as it will fade the dye over time.

[@CarolynDorr]

Always cloudy side of laminate goes into the substrate? Sublimate on the shiny?

[@rogersshop]

Correct

[@CarolynDorr]

@@rogersshop thank you!

[@alyssastewart419]

Quick question and maybe I missed it in the video. Did you heat press the laminate first then the photo or both at the same time?

[@rogersshop]

All done in one shot.

[@alyssastewart419]

@@rogersshop okay thank you

[@ms.tgrayson5826]

Which side of the cutting board did you laminate on?

[@rogersshop]

If you have one with texture on one side, use the smooth side. If clear and smooth on both sides, it makes no difference.

[@jwags509]

Can you use polycrylic on the cutting boards?

[@rogersshop]

Good luck getting an even coat. since it is water based, it will bead up.

[@buddysmith7080]

Roger, so just to be clear, you now prefer the laminate over the clear 651?

[@rogersshop]

Depends on the application and end use. Both work. Vinyl tends to fade if exposed to direct sunlight. Laminate is not suitable for wet locations.

[@chitariv62]

I have been using the laminate sheet process for my cutting boards. Now all of a sudden my laminate is wrinkling. Any idea what could be causing this. It was never an issue before. Thank you..

[@rogersshop]

Brand? I use only 3M. Some of the cheaper laminate sheets do wrinkle.

[@kimkwood]

Will the cutting board fade after time?

[@rogersshop]

If left in direct sun, then yes. Otherwise, no.

[@suesalazar1575]

Do I have to use the Teflon sheet under and on top of the butcher paper?

[@suesalazar1575]

I followed all the steps and mine gets bubbles everywhere after sublimating 😢

[@rogersshop]

Not required

[@thecraftyboston]

Where did you get the tape dispenser????

[@rogersshop]

Multiple Roll Cut Heat Tape Cut Dispenser amzn.to/3ZjyYqg

[@kathylowe4004]

Does the laminate need to be the scotch thermal laminate?

[@rogersshop]

Only brand I have used, but not saying you could not try others

[@LanceMcGrew]

What is the magic behind putting glass on top of sublimation print vs. opposite?

[@rogersshop]

Laminate does not shrink, melt, or bubble

[@LanceMcGrew]

@@rogersshop certainly makes all the difference using your technique and heat press settings. Thank you!!

[@kathywhite1030]

Every time I try this procedure it fails. The laminate gets wrinkles in the back, which ruins the whole image. Why am I constantly getting wrinkles after every attempt?

[@loiseubank7749]

If we find there's a mistake or the image didn't transfer correctly, can the laminate be removed from the glass and the glass reused?

[@rogersshop]

Yes. "OOPS" happens!

[@loiseubank7749]

@@rogersshop thank you

[@cindyswain8094]

I’d like to know how to remove the laminate or the Oracle vinyl if a mistake is made. Can you help?

[@loiseubank7749]

Yes, pull off as much as you can and use goo gone to loosen the rest and scrape off with a scraper.

[@cindyswain8094]

I ended up applying slight heat to the vinyl (under butcher paper) for about 10 seconds and the vinyl came right up. I’m glad to know the glass wasn’t ruined. 👍

[@tracyhopkins3854]

Can I use the self laminating item

[@rogersshop]

Try as an experiment. I have never used that.

[@marleneandrew9013]

I assume you let the laminate dry before applying the photo?

[@rogersshop]

Actually, I don't. If squeegeed properly, there is no residual Rapid Tac between the glass and laminate.

[@MsJerrip1]

I tired this with the thermal laminating sheets and the sheet shrunk. Is there a specific brand you are using?

[@rogersshop]

I use 3M laminating pouches, cut in half.

[@MsJerrip1]

@rogersshop Hmm, that's the brand I used. Any suggestions? I tried cutting it larger and that was an epic fail as it laminated to the butcher paper. Maybe turn down the heat? Thanks!

[@rogersshop]

@@MsJerrip1 If it stuck to the paper, then you may have the wrong side facing the paper. The shiny side should face the paper and the dull side facing the project.

[@MsJerrip1]

@@rogersshop Thanks for the quick reply. No, only the laminate overlap stuck to the butcher paper. The rest adhered to the glass but it bubbled around the edges as it shrunk and had already stuck to the paper

[@jeangrandy8672]

How long does the image stay on the blank? Did any of these fade??

[@rogersshop]

If in direct sun, it will fade. otherwise, permanent.

[@jeangrandy8672]

@@rogersshopthank you

[@dupescraftingdesign7872]

How do they hold up after a few months.

[@rogersshop]

So long as not exposed to direct sun (it will fade), just fine.

[@dorisgrant4860]

I want too sub on a 11 x 17 glass cutting board can I use the laminate on a roll

[@rogersshop]

Yes, provided there is no seam as it will show.

[@dorisgrant4860]

Do you know where I can purchase it at

[@rogersshop]

@@dorisgrant4860 amzn.to/3Gmn8nu is a smaller size roll. 500' rolls are also available

[@dorisgrant4860]

@@rogersshop thank you so much

[@buddysmith7080]

Roger, if the image is on the back why did you say you wouldn't use it as a cutting board?

[@rogersshop]

I have premium quality knives and glass is not a good substrate for a cutting board with quality cutting edges as it will dull them quickly. Glass is "OK" for cheap knives used for bar prep, etc.

[@buddysmith7080]

Oh well, that's a given. It sounded like it had something to do with the process

[@PetersonFun77]

I did the sublimation on white 651 oracle on glass for a lantern and the pictures blurred in about a month do you have any idea why? Maybe this laminate method with vinyl behind is the answer but not sure the light will shine though🤷‍♀️ Any tips or thoughts appreciated.

[@rogersshop]

This happens sometimes and there are different causes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIqZg6N_jp1koNk You can also use clear vinyl as a backing to the laminate if it did not adhere well. Generally, the use of Rapid Tac when pressing makes the laminate stick pretty well.

[@andriaantell5410]

Is it microwave and dishwasher safe?

[@rogersshop]

Not for a microwave. Hand wash is best, but we have run them on the top rack of the dishwasher.

[@susanmorris769]

Why is my laminate keep creasing

[@veronicahaggerty944]

After you make this glass, will a person be able to use it to put hot items such as a coffee cup on?

[@rogersshop]

Yes. Just keep below 350 degrees F

[@agitsistainedglassllc4774]

Great video! Thank You