Sublimation on Canvas: The Best Technique for a DIY Photo Canvas

I have been asked several times about sublimation on canvas so I decided to tackle this one myself. I ended up coming up with a technique that I have not seen anyone else use yet and it is simply stunning! Use this idea to make DIY photo canvases for all of your family and friends this holiday season. You will be so glad that you did!
Supplies needed (affiliate links):
Sublimation printer • Converting an Epson Ec...
Sublimation ink amz.fun/GH/youtube
Sublimation paper amzn.to/31MNIkR
Heat Press www.anrdoezrs.net/links/75214...
Heat Resistant Gloves amzn.to/3bfvjm8
Lint Roller amzn.to/325oT3F
Heat Resistant Tape www.thecountrychiccottage.net... Use code CCC10 for 10% off
Artesprix Protective Paper www.thecountrychiccottage.net... Use code CCC10 for 10% off!
Canvas of your choice
Clear Dye Sub HTV www.thecountrychiccottage.net... (The clear is out of stock so here is the frosty version that will work as well: www.thecountrychiccottage.net... )
Scissors
Paper trimmer www.thecountrychiccottage.net...
Heat Resistant Foam shrsl.com/3gfe9
Pressing pillows www.thecountrychiccottage.net...
Scraper
Water
Rag
Here are some of the other videos you may enjoy:
Photo Canvas with an Inkjet Printer • How to Transfer a Phot...
Sublimation Photo Ornaments • Sublimation Ornaments:...
#sublimation #sublimationoncanvas #photocanvas
0:00 Introduction
0:16 Option if you don't have sublimation
0:30 Method used for sublimation
1:02 Supplies needed
2:16 Adding clear dye sub HTV to canvas
6:08 Adding sublimation on top
9:05 Finishing after sublimating
12:29 Texture through clear HTV
12:58 Finishing the reverse canvas
14:00 What happens if you don't use HTV?
14:46 Why this method?
16:43 Wrap up

[@NormaCrawford]

Angie, I love how you don’t faff and waffle and spend 10 minutes of my life ‘selling things’! You’re clear, concise and confident, and that in turn certainly gives me confidence! I’ve never commented on any of your videos but you’re by far my favourite to learn from! Many thanks from the Highlands of Scotland 😊

[@AngieHolden]

Yay! Thanks for the great comment!

[@Mayra-RG]

So true!! Big thumbs up! Thx @Angie Holden

[@starbrown1219]

You are so thorough and stick to the subject matter. Thank you for a great video. Can’t wait to try this.

[@texas385homestead]

Oh, my! This is totally AMAZING! 💞💞

[@LorraineCastellon-Rowe]

WOW! Those pictures came out beautifully! Thank you for sharing this tutorial! 💖😍💖😍💖😍💖

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks so much 😊

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Awesome teaching video Angie! You always give very good clear institutions which is easy to follow you, you have a good clear nice voice!!! Thank you for Sharing!!! Hugs Liz...

[@dianememories]

Another wonderful helping video!! Angie you are the bestest!!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lynnebizlyne436]

Loved this video! My daughter was just asking if I could sublimate on a canvas for her. So I’ll be trying this! Thank you so much for sharing!❤

[@joanobrien4373]

Thank u Angie. I followed your instructions with the canvas and it came out superb. Thank u for all that u do

[@AngieHolden]

Happy to help!

[@chopsticksgirl]

This is such a cool technique!! Great video, as always. Your channel is the best for in-depth comparisons and experimenting with different techniques.

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks so much!

[@aubreydresen7201]

This is awesome, thank you so much for doing this!

[@AngieHolden]

My pleasure!

[@rachelpana7851]

I had to try this technique and OMG!... I couldn't believe the result. Love! Love! love! How my picture came out. You are a great teacher! Thank you so much!

[@AngieHolden]

I'm so glad you tried it! I really love it!!

[@tammy7759]

This was great, Angie! Thank you!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sharonrudesal414]

This is so cool!! Thank you so much for your expertise!!!

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@lewis8482]

Terrific video, as usual. Thanks!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KristineDavis-je2hl]

Glad I finally got around to watching this technique. Played with a couple mini canvas without the clear HTV and the flowers are faded. Thought I might have done something wrong. Just didn't have the clear HTV. Thank you Angie

[@AngieHolden]

I do find overtime some brands of the sublimation HTV allow the print to fade.

[@lil-mac-acres]

Great tutorial, thank you!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michellemoore3353]

I did a canvas of my baby brother by ironing a white vinyl (copy of his picture) down first, then added sublimation for dark color on top of the vinyl. I might try your version as well for Christmas gifts.

[@gerrywolfe2549]

Very interesting. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@AngieHolden]

No problem 👍

[@Reneesfun]

I finally got a notification that it’s back in stock! (The clear HTV)!

[@AngieHolden]

Yay!!

[@susanmatheos6456]

You are so amazing! So helpful. I wish we were neighbors. Lol.

[@sallylignitz3327]

Great video

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@BobbieBTexas]

Looks great. I used 1.5 mil laminate and it did great , not shiny and could see texture of the canvas. Going to try this one too

[@MileyonDisney]

I think Cricut tape is much better than all the others I've tried. It costs a little more, but it's well worth it. I'm anxious to try this technique. Thanks!

[@stephenn3290]

I been struggling with the laminate I am going to try this now.

[@MileyonDisney]

I've seen videos where the people use TexPrint R sublimation paper, and it just peels right off. I'll be trying that soon.

[@tammyweierbach4900]

I've been wanting to get into sublimation but not sure where to start. I think canvas might be the way to go for my first try!

[@AngieHolden]

Go for it!

[@reneeb7466]

Angie, thank you so much for all of the wonderful information! Curious, have you tried the Dye Sub HTV method on wood?

[@AngieHolden]

I have not!

[@sandradowell9666]

Hi Angie, love your videos!! I have done so many projects with your help!! I'm wondering, can you use the htv on a cotton shirt to sublimate it??

[@AngieHolden]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYKmi4WkmaeHf5o

[@madymisucreations9191]

Hi. I just tried it.. I did laminate and htv. And you are right the htv way is more lovely. I love it. The laminate is too thick and shiny. But, I don't know if I misunderstood but you said shiny side down and rough side up. Well I messed up my Teflon sheet because the stickiness got stuck , so its shiny side up. Also I must have the correct temp nd pressure because I didn't have to clean of any paper . it came out perfect. And i love that it doesn't feel thick or like anything at v all.. Feels soft as if its just the canvas alone. Ty so much. I love this I wish you could see❤

[@AngieHolden]

Hmmmm....I went over and over which side was up because I messed it up the first time too!

[@madymisucreations9191]

@@AngieHolden shiny side up , dull side down so that when you press you peel the shiny part and it leaves a light film on the canvas that you can print on.. I pressed 380 for 12 sec

[@sherryprince5856]

Great video,did you use just regular canvas? Thank you your amazing!!

[@AngieHolden]

Yep. Some of these were from the dollar store.

[@alicenigl5862]

I love, love this method! Awesome job! Can you do the same thing on wood?

[@AngieHolden]

I have not tried this product on wood but I think it would work.

[@deborahdececca605]

OMG! I love this your photos look amazing. I have a question can you paint the canvas before doing the sublimation on it and can you use the flat canvas for this as well?

[@AngieHolden]

I didn't try painting at all. And the dog is a flat canvas.

[@kimellison791]

I appreciate your videos. Thank you so much. Will this process work for a canvas makeup bag? I'm trying to figure out how to do makeup bags without buying a cricut machine.

[@AngieHolden]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn66mZSchM2cY5Y

[@kjoscrappinmama]

This looks amazing! Great tutorial and comparison as always! Would I be able to use the dye sub material on a wooden cutting board to transfer a handwritten recipe printed on sublimation paper and printer? Thanks Angie!! 😁

[@AngieHolden]

I haven't used this product on wood. I have used lamination sheets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHPapYmee7WnfrM

[@kjoscrappinmama]

@@AngieHolden Excellent, thank you Angie, I will look into this!

[@colleencameron2796]

You are my Go To when I need to learn something new. Thanks so much. I have found that some of the links for supplies do not deliver to Canada unfortunately. In this case, the protective paper is not available so my question would be, could I use a silicone sheet instead?

[@AngieHolden]

For protective paper, I would use butcher paper.

[@graciesmom2019]

Fantastic tutorial as usual, Angie! Can this product be used on t shirts?

[@AngieHolden]

Yes! I did that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIHHlnqjlJuGnpY

[@karakters7905]

i wonder if you can paint over it to make it look like artsy using acrylic paint

[@lanaallen113]

This is amazing. Thankyou. What temperature do you use for this?

[@AngieHolden]

I followed the time and temp for the clear dye sub HTV.

[@lavetaowens6553]

Great video! Since the sub vinyl has been put of stock for several days, would HTV clear transfer vinyl for Cricut not work as well?

[@AngieHolden]

Doubtful. I have tried their white vinyl and it didn't work.

[@bev2hawky]

Great video thanks I have some sublimation htv R Ont is that the same ?

[@AngieHolden]

Sorry not sure.

[@joannrichter9754]

Hi Angie …do you use the frosty clear dye sub or regular clear . I link to frosty just want to make sure I am using the right one. Thank you looking forward to trying this.😀

[@AngieHolden]

Either one should work! The clear is out of stock right now....

[@lynda2483]

Thanks for this video, Angie. I have the same opinion about using the laminate sheets. I’m not crazy about the glossy finish either. Do you think this would work on wood and metal too? I’ve seen the laminate sheets used on those products with good results, so wondered if this might work for them as well.

[@AngieHolden]

It might! I haven't tried it!

[@Reneesfun]

Fantastic video. Can’t wait to try. Is there any substitute for the clear or frosty HTV? It’s been out of stock for a while. Thanks 😊

[@AngieHolden]

I haven't tried any other products.

[@Reneesfun]

@@AngieHolden OK. Thanks for getting back to me. I will be patient (added name to list to be notified.)

[@danielaledezma5880]

@@AngieHolden what is the link for the htv you use? Thank you!

[@MaryBethKremer]

Thank you Angie! I was just asked to make 3 16x12 Canvas photo collages and 1 16x20. I can't find laminated pouches in those sizes, the spray with Modge Podge acrylic sealant worked but it seems I may have not got even coverage. I just ordered the dye sub from Heat Transfer Warehouse using your link which is gonna fit perfect for the 16x12 and I'm hoping I can line up 2 sheets for the 16x20 and not see the seem. Do you have any suggestions doing this? Should I overlap the two sheets or just try to line the seem up to cover the entire area?

[@AngieHolden]

Either way it will still probably be slightly visible in the light. I think overlapping would be more visible so may try butting them edge to edge.

[@MaryBethKremer]

@Angieholden, so I tried lining them up and the seams showed. I think you're right about overlapping not working either. The dye sub is going to be perfect for the 12x16, but I'm gonna have to figure something out for the 16x20. I may have to order a DTF sheet to do that one.

[@normazaharioudakis115]

What temperature do you use for sublimation abs for how long please,, love your videos thank you

[@AngieHolden]

It is 380 degrees F for about 10 seconds to get the HTV to stick then 380 degrees F for 45 seconds to sublimate.

[@amandahawkins87]

Hey Angie I have a very serious question. So I was wondering I bought some oracal 651 and I also bought the Oragard 210 PVC laminating film because I was planning on making some car decals with them but my question is can you sublimate on the Oragard like you can on thermal laminating sheets?

[@AngieHolden]

I haven't had any luck doing that!

[@bobentheakisthart7220]

Thank you for all your video's 🙂.. I am from the netherlands... Is it possible to order (shipping) to the Netherlands ??

[@AngieHolden]

Not sure!

[@janetparker7841]

Hi Angie, I have watched your video on putting photographs on to canvas and I would love to try it. I have contacted my vinyl supplier but they do not stock Clear Dye Sub HTV but will look into it for future use. I have looked on Amazon UK but I am not really sure what I am looking for because so much other stuff comes up, I am new to sublimation and I have not done any yet. do you have a make of the clear dye sub to make it easier to find please?

[@AngieHolden]

I do not! I only know of the one place that carries it currently!

[@tinatillman2814]

I love this idea so much, I jumped right in and tried it. I made a mistake and am thinking about going for a redo, using the same canvas, putting on a new layer of clear dye sub, and new photo sublimation. Have you ever tried a redo or would I be better off throwing my dollar tree canvas with the not so great design on it away and starting over?

[@AngieHolden]

The old design will be visible through the new if you do this.

[@madymisucreations9191]

Any idea on how would you hang the framed one on to a wall?

[@AngieHolden]

I usually add a sawtooth hanger to the back of things like that or these are so light the command strips would work fine.

[@Odoth]

Did you ever try matte finish lamination sheets? I'm wondering how it compares to this technique.

[@AngieHolden]

Interesting! I am sure that would work as well!

[@cakkyblue]

Angie…do you think the clear sub HTV would work on a non-sub tumbler?

[@AngieHolden]

I have not used it on a non-porous surface so I am not sure!

[@tanyawilliams8261]

Are the canvases a special type used for sublimation like many of the polyester special coated items?

[@AngieHolden]

No. In fact, some of these are from the dollar store. ANY canvas will work with this technique.

[@beverlybuford9055]

Angie, I have been looking at the dye sub HTV and some of the reviews for sublimating on cotton were terrible because the sub paper stuck to the shirt and they thought it was ruined. Could they have saved their project by using the water to remove the paper like you did on these canvases?

[@AngieHolden]

Yep! You usually can!

[@kennyg3754]

Can this be done with white htv, it seems impossible to find clear htv over here in UK 🇬🇧 thank you. Or what alternative option works. How about clear self adhesive stick on?

[@AngieHolden]

You need something that accepts sublimation. Regular white HTV does not. Do you have Siser EasySubli? That might work.

[@Odoth]

In the description you said clear or frosty HTV will work. How different would the results look with frosty?

[@AngieHolden]

Since I am covering the entire thing with an image, I don't think the frosty will appear any different. I just know the clear is completely sold out from what I see.

[@cal03met]

I was wondering if HTVRONT HTV vinyl mat is the same as what you are using. I only ask because when i searched it on Amazon this was what came up to purchase and when I tried it, it did not work. 😢 I was wondering if you might be able to help. Thank you for your time I know you must be busy.

[@AngieHolden]

I have used the HTVRont sublimation HTV before for another project in a similar way and it worked.

[@evangelinemason9262]

Hi my image looks cracked when I use clear htv do you have any tips on avoiding it please ? I peel cold

[@AngieHolden]

I haven't had this issue so I am not sure!

[@MadeInWeldonTexas]

Hi Angie! Do you think using the matte clear HTV would work for the shadow box canvas? I've been asked to do a handwritten note in a shadow box, so I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it. Thank you for all your great videos and I loved being at "Camp" this last week! I'm still watching the videos!

[@AngieHolden]

Maybe? The trick is going to be getting it stuck inside of a shadowbox though. That is tricky!

[@MadeInWeldonTexas]

@Angie Holden the back comes out, so I can press directly in my cricut heat press. Just want sure how to make it stick.

[@AngieHolden]

Oh good! Then I think this would work!

[@MadeInWeldonTexas]

@@AngieHolden I tried it! It worked!! Thank you sooo much!! And my customer is thrilled!!

[@connieferguson4704]

Love the video, I couldn’t access the link, what exactly is the name of the HTV

[@dianachau7857]

Hi, probably a dumb question. Is easy press mat the same as heat press pillow? Thanks

[@AngieHolden]

Similar yes. You would probably use in the place of.

[@kennyg3754]

Can this be done with laser ink without the htv or with? Thank you

[@AngieHolden]

Try this for an option with laser: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJm7pGZsfLWcfM0

[@sharonrudesal414]

Any other suggestions for the clear HTV. Heat Transfer Warehouse is out of both.

[@AngieHolden]

Sorry! No! That is the only place I have seen it.

[@sharonrudesal414]

@@AngieHolden thank you. Fingers crossed they get soon.

[@jasonostavitz9907]

When do u use the protection paper

[@AngieHolden]

I use protective paper anytime I am sublimating on the top and bottom so I don't get ink on any surfaces.

[@jeannef9974]

Hi Angie, I am from Canada and can't get this product but I see people using thermal lamination. I tried it and finally got the lamination to work but the picture did not go on it very well, was very faded do you have any idea why it would do that? Thanks Jeanne

[@AngieHolden]

I don't! I have used that method for wood without issue. I just don't like how shiny it is for this application.

[@dianachau7857]

hi, is clear dye-sub htv the same as clear htv? (heat transfer Wearhouse still ran out). If is the same, which is better look on photo canvas with matte clear HTV or glossy clear HTV in your opinion? thanks

[@AngieHolden]

You do have to purchase one that says it is okay for sublimation for it to work.

[@dianachau7857]

@@AngieHolden Happy Mother's Day!

[@AngieHolden]

You too!

[@rekapadar6644]

Thanks for that. A question I noticed my sublimation print isn't clear not sharp it is a bit cheeky.

[@AngieHolden]

Try this first: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3fMfmR5aNOaZ8k

[@rekapadar6644]

@@AngieHolden thank you I watched it already

[@delynnegomez5778]

Do you think Siser Subi would work as well?

[@AngieHolden]

It will but you probably won't get the canvas look through it.

[@jillmacdonald1021]

Can you use an Easy Press for this?

[@AngieHolden]

I think it would be okay. Especially on the flat and the reverse canvas. You may have a touch time getting consistent pressure on the one I left the frame in.

[@tammiemckey983]

Do I need a protector sheet over the htv when heat press is on top of it

[@AngieHolden]

When you press the first time, it has its own carrier. When you add sublimation, you will add protective paper over the top.

[@tammiemckey983]

So I apply the heat press machine straight on to the HTV correct

[@carol8166]

Can the Dye Sub HTV be cut with a Cricut?

[@AngieHolden]

Yep it can!

[@debbierachal8533]

What temp did you do the HTV?

[@AngieHolden]

I used the time and temperature indicated for the HTV that I used for this project.

[@norvellashleyjr795]

Hi. I have done sublimation on canvas board using a laminating sheet so I decided to do using the HTV. I got the HTV on the board without too many problems. When I pressed the print onto the canvas using my cricut easy press, the design did really well at the top of the print but at the bottom it didn't go all the way to the bottom with the print and some of the design cracked at the bottom of the canvas. Just wondering if you have any ideas what I did wrong. Do you use a mat to press when you do your canvas pressing? I did use the mat that came with the cricut press.

[@AngieHolden]

I am not sure what a canvas board is? However, I would say you want a fairly firm pad underneath your project. It sounds like you didn't get even pressure.

[@norvellashleyjr795]

@@AngieHolden Ok. The canvas board is just what I call the square canvas with no frame on it. Thanks for answering so quickly. I will try it again. So do you have the pad that comes with the Large Cricut press? Is that firm enough?

[@AngieHolden]

I don't think it would be firm enough.

[@norvellashleyjr795]

So what do you use. Do you use an easy press for this process or do you use a regular heat press platen?

[@jilliej7]

Can I sublimate with eco solvent ink?

[@AngieHolden]

You would need sublimation ink.

[@kimmaclaren835]

Do you know of a place to get the dye sub htv in canada

[@AngieHolden]

I do not. Sorry.

[@danieller9645]

Can I just use my Teflon sheet instead of the protective paper?

[@AngieHolden]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKOog5Zjbretfac

[@rustyneuron]

Please help me. I cannot find a heavy polyester canvas that isn't coated with PVC vinyl. Its as if the fabric industry can't imagine anyone would buy a heavy 100% untreated uncoated 100% polyester canvas for anything other than a boat cover or awning-- thus all of it has vinyl slathered on it. I really want it by the roll or bolt so I can cut it myself; I am building my own frames over which I want to do gallery wraps. I'm really hoping you can help me Angie. Thanks in advance!

[@AngieHolden]

Maybe try just a fabric store? That might be a better option.

[@shannonrportillos8030]

Do you use a tshirt press?

[@AngieHolden]

You can use any heat press for this.

[@danacarlborg2115]

Angie, I used this technique to sublimate on canvas 2 months ago. But now the image appears blurry. Do you know why this would happen, and what I can do?

[@AngieHolden]

Hmmmmm....I didn't notice anything per say on mine. Maybe a pressure issue? Is it fading? Maybe the sun is hitting it and fading the image out?

[@danacarlborg2115]

@@AngieHolden I used the heat press. It looked great after it was done. It actually looks blurry now, not crisp like it did when it was first done.

[@salliedilello714]

please tell me where to get scissors like yours. I cant find them anywhere.

[@AngieHolden]

They were from JOANN stores but I think they were a limited edition.

[@salliedilello714]

@@AngieHolden Thank you

[@monicamarques71]

It's really beautiful. 😍Do you know how I can find something like that in Germany or Europe? 🤔 I've searched a lot, but can't find something similar. You have so great ideas . I've learned so much. Thanks.😊

[@AngieHolden]

I am not sure! The product is very new to the market so maybe coming soon?

[@monicamarques71]

@@AngieHolden OK.Thanks for your quick response. 👍🏻

[@PittsburghArtistStudio]

I missed all the htv. It’s out in both forms.

[@AngieHolden]

Darn it!! Maybe they will restock soon!

[@xoticeyes]

How does one transfer the canvas pic to something else like paper etc?

[@AngieHolden]

I don't understand the question? You want to sublimate on paper? I don't know what type of application that would be for?

[@xoticeyes]

@@AngieHolden is it possible to transfer a canvas print to a tshirt? Do you know this process?

[@lorenzo26ish]

Great video! however It appears from the comments that the supply of the clear HTV and I would imagine price for it, makes using lamination a better option. I still cant understand why "Clear" HTV in any form is so significantly higher priced and and hard to come by. Anywho thanks for your efforts

[@mircazagari8303]

I was just wondering what was clear htv since all I’ve been using is laminate sheets and it’s been working just fine

[@madymisucreations9191]

You said glossy side down and I almost messed up my canvas.. Its glossy side up