Sublimation On Slate: How to Get the Best Results

Sublimation on slate is gorgeous but it can also be tricky! So, what do you need to do to get the best results possible? I have my best tips and tricks for slate sublimation in this video. You can see the supplies you need as well as best practices for getting stunning results every single time. Grab your slate sublimation blanks and start making them for yourself as well as to give as gifts.
Links below may be affiliate links.
Supplies used:
Sublimation printer • Converting an Epson Ec...
Sublimation ink amzn.to/3FCKRNJ
Sublimation paper amzn.to/3gZCaCx
Heat press www.anrdoezrs.... or AutoPress www.thecountry...
Lint Roller amzn.to/325oT3F
Heat Resistant Tape www.thecountry...
Tape Dispenser amzn.to/3GTQGb1
Artesprix Protective Paper shrsl.com/2ny7q Use code CCC10 for 10% off!
Green pad shrsl.com/3g0p6
Heat Resistant Mat shrsl.com/2ny7t Use code CCC10 for 10% off!
Heat resistant gloves amzn.to/3bfvjm8
Nomex Pad (if using AutoPress) shrsl.com/3ett6
Blanks used:
Find a variety of slate sublimation blanks here: shrsl.com/3kl75
Other videos you may enjoy:
Sublimation on Glass • Sublimation On Glass: ...
Sublimation Stickers • Sublimation Stickers T...
Be sure to follow me on social as well!
Instagram / countrychiccottage
Facebook / countrychiccottage
Cricut Facebook group / cricutlove
TikTok / countrychiccottage
Sign up for our free sublimation class here: lingering-pine...
Join my sublimation Facebook group here: / sublimationmadesimple
#sublimationonslate #sublimationblanks #sublimation
0:00 Introduction
0:40 Heat press requirements
1:24 Supplies needed
2:09 Image size
2:35 Prepping the slate
3:19 Pressing
4:58 Finishing
5:26 Final results
7:12 Tips and tricks
8:06 Finding blanks
8:40 Wrap up

[@marie-franceleclerc7639]

Thank you again for the great video. Just got s swing press and bought slates to give as gifts. Can't wait to try it!

[@TheJanbates]

Your videos are "one stop shopping" and QUICK. You show us how and where and no extra guff....thank you for doing these video's, I have a whole file filled with your video addresses so i can find them quick.

[@AngieHolden]

YAY! Happy to help!

[@julielyons7172]

Thank you so much for the video, Angie!! I have to make 27 of these photo slates for my sister's in-laws for Christmas. I only have an EasyPress2, so I will be doing these in stages. She will be helping me. We're hoping to get started next month. Conde, here we come!! I put the green heat mat in the cart just now.

[@AngieHolden]

Good luck!!

[@DarlahPotechin]

I have been using sublimation on slate for a long time. I love them. They are also great trivets and weather quite well through the winter outside when you accidently leave them out. LOL Great tip on the green pad. I wash mine while hot to get rid of sticking paper. No matter how long I sublimate, I always learn great tips from you. Thank you! Now to find a green pad .

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you like them!

[@angiwilliamson2707]

Please suggest the substance used to the slate blanks I want to use my own recycled natural slate

[@1bbshopbrat]

The older picture of the couple (older wedding photo?) on the small square looks awesome, vintage look after pressing! Love how it turned out

[@AngieHolden]

It does!

[@faithyates7826]

Great tutorial! Would never think about sublimating on slate. TY!

[@user-jb2zv6ku5h]

Hi Angie. Great Camp live today! If I heard you correctly today you mentioned getting the green mat from HPN. I actually purchased one but it was so much thicker than the one you use in this video I returned it. 🤷‍♀️

[@AngieHolden]

So all I am seeing on other sites is 1/8 inch thick as well. Since it is heat conductive the thickness should not matter.

[@user-jb2zv6ku5h]

@@AngieHolden ok! Thank you so much!!

[@Reneesfun]

I have one but haven’t used it yet. I think this is a sign. Thanks!

[@deborahdececca605]

Thank you Angie these look amazing I will have to try this.

[@AngieHolden]

Hope you enjoy!

[@jillb7234]

Those are really nice!!! Thanks!

[@derekd2741]

For best results on slate lay your picture down first facing up and place your slate on top facing down heat the slate for approximately 10 12 mins heating slate from the back till hits requires temperature that will then active the sublimation ink and will leave perfect results everytime

[@AngieHolden]

That is not the way I do them but I have seen people do them this way.

[@derekd2741]

@Angie Holden yes I seeing your video very good but them mays are near impossible to find and if you can find them they are so expensive this way gives same results with out the need for mats do follow your videos got some great tips keep it up

[@buddysmith7080]

I was just going to ask if you use a soft mat like a nomex pad to even out the pressure. I see you have listed a nomex pad in your list but didn't see you use it. Can you use a silicone mat instead of the green mat? Also, I keep seeing people do the slates with the image up, slate down. Have you tried it this way? Like you said, the slates are very expensive and I want to do it the best way with what I have. I don't have a green pad and won't be getting one anytime soon.

[@AngieHolden]

You can use a Nomex pad! I found I didn't need one. I only recommend the green mat for these for best results.

[@MyNailsandMorebyJohna]

another great teaching video

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@MyNailsandMorebyJohna]

@@AngieHolden you are welcome honey

[@rebeccagist9002]

Where can you get the Green mat. I click on it and it says not available.

[@AngieHolden]

Try Heat Press Nation.

[@kimm.4234]

Hi Angie. Love love your videos. I go to your video before anybody else. I recently started my journey into sublimation and only have the easy press 2. I am really considering the htvront auto press. When u mentioned in the beginning of the video that you used an auto press which one was it? Would the htvront be able to do this project when you can’t adjust the pressure?

[@AngieHolden]

I used the Cricut AutoPress. I don't have the HTVRont one yet.

[@cindytanner5870]

Hi Angie. I was interested in the slate blanks you use. The link did not work. Either did the one for the green mat. Can you let me know where you get them please?

[@AngieHolden]

Heat Press Nation is a good source. The source I used went out of business so we are working on fixing links.

[@lindagray2217]

I have a HTVRont, it only goes up to 99 seconds, at the end of 99 seconds it opens and I press to go more time, is that what you do?

[@AngieHolden]

Yes you would have to press again.

[@rosekirk5000]

Is there something you can use besides the green pad. Another type of pad?

[@AngieHolden]

Not that I know of.

[@terribrooks8169]

How do you know you have the right pressure setting on the heat press? I think I’m using too much pressure which results in uneven heating. I’m also doing the large slate photo like you show in your video.

[@AngieHolden]

Medium pressure is generally recommended.

[@dianachau7857]

Hi, is green pad the same as nomex pad? I am looking for some type of pad that is firm maybe like the heat press' pad. The easypress mat is not firm. The easy press 2 that I bought has uneven temperatures. I set it 315, but 4 corners are 270, and the middle is 250. That's why I couldn't get good vibrant color in the middle. I had to use mini press to do the middle section

[@AngieHolden]

The green pad is not the same. You can get a heat press pad on Amazon that would be the same material as is in a standard heat press.

[@angiwilliamson2707]

Please suggest the substance used to the slate blanks I want to use my own recycled natural slate

[@AngieHolden]

I have not found a good product to use at home.

[@curtisbrannon7805]

Is there anything that can be used other than the green pad? They are expensive.

[@AngieHolden]

I don't have any experience with anything other than that.

[@christinam5354]

Thanks for another great video! Question though, for those of us that only have a Cricut Easy Press, 2 what you recommend for time and temp?

[@AngieHolden]

I would start with the same time and temperature as recommended for the blank you are using. you can increase if needed.

[@mrgrinch61]

great video THANKS

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@fmashqur]

Awesome video as always . Where can I get the green mat ?

[@AngieHolden]

I have links for everything used in the description below the video.

[@micheledavis1392]

6:42 I have tried several of these, per their exact instructions, and I still cannot get the sides, as the main color is black, the sides are light green, and I cannot get the sides, darker, like the one that you’re showing in the single photo that’s the smaller one. What do you suggest please?

[@AngieHolden]

I would check to make sure your heat press has even heating. Firm mat underneath, correct pressure, and the green mat to distribute the heat.

[@hazelnutspersonalizedgift]

Hi Angie what's the green stuff that you used is it Teflon?

[@AngieHolden]

It is definitely NOT Teflon. I linked to what I am using in the description below the video.

[@sandybrickman1392]

Have never heard of a green pad! I have a 1/4” thick silicone mat. Will that work?

[@AngieHolden]

No it is a special green pad just made for projects like this one.

[@kristaking9016]

Where do you purchase a green pad in Canada ? Also seen a lot of videos were people do the slate face down ontop of the slate … so the ink paper first slate on top and then press like that … which way would be better ?

[@AngieHolden]

I like the method I have shown but you can try others. I am not sure about Canadian dealers!

[@Mary-kq1cl]

Hi Angie, I uploaded a pic of Toucan Sam I want to cut it on glitter vinly very colorful. It is a print and cut is there a way I can cut only just the way the pic looks? I know if anyone knows will be u..Thank you

[@AngieHolden]

I am not sure what exactly you are trying to do? Yes you can cut whatever shape you want.

[@marilynmiller2528]

I want to try using my cricut easy press for sublimating on slate. What temperature and time do I use? Thanks

[@AngieHolden]

I would do the same time and temperature. It will be more difficult with an EasyPress.

[@rctoyguy]

My cheapo heat press isn't very even (temp wise) across the surface. It sounds like this magic green pad helps with that - would it be advised to use that pad for other substrates as well? If it's purpose is to help even out the temperature across the entire area. (I actually thought that is what the teflon sheets were for)

[@AngieHolden]

It helps SO much when the surface may be uneven. Slate, tile, etc.

[@one.cl1ck965]

Hi Angie, I have an autopress. I bought a 7.9 in x 7.9 in photo slate. It's my first time trying this project so I'm nervous. The instruction says 392 fahrenheit for 7 minutes. As you know the autopress only gives the option of 390 or 395 fahrenheit. Do you think I should adjust the temperature for 390 or 395? Thank you :)

[@AngieHolden]

I would do 395!

[@conniemartin7217]

I pulled up the information on green pad…confused on the sizes and thickness.

[@AngieHolden]

Size should be larger than the slate you are making. The 1/8 inch thickness is what I have.

[@1bbshopbrat]

Where do you get the green pad? What is it made of? What is it called???

[@AngieHolden]

I have everything linked in the description below this video.

[@jannajanna59]

Hi, is that similar to wax paper that uses in the oven or not? Thankyou.

[@AngieHolden]

No it is not. You can see more on protective paper here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKOog5Zjbretfac

[@jannajanna59]

@@AngieHolden thankyou so much🤗

[@williamhilton4262]

Angie what is the maximum thickness that you can press on the Siser craft heat press?

[@AngieHolden]

Gosh. I am not sure. It goes really thick.

[@angelasanmoestawi3844]

Hi Angie. I have a question. My stone slate comes out not very bright and vibrant as I would want them to. It looks very vague. The colors do not really pop. The images used are vibrant and also the writings on it, the pressing time has been taken into consideration as well. I did mine max 10 tot 11 minutes. What am.I doing wrong??? These are not very cheap so please help. The settings on my epson printer L805 has been put to Premium Glossy. Could this maybe be the problem? Any suggestions?

[@angelasanmoestawi3844]

I didn't use the green pad. Just the brown sheet that came with my heatpress

[@AngieHolden]

The green pad does make a big difference. I would also change that paper setting. A glossy paper setting lays down less ink. Matte would lay down more.

[@vikki92411]

Great video, thanks

[@LisatheGrammyScattered]

That is really cool.

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks!

[@irrd9120]

@Angie Holden What settings should I put my printer at for sublimation because I've been having a problem trying to print out pictures? It works great for everything else. Just pictures im having a hard time. Thank you

[@AngieHolden]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqaTk2eEhtSlbLc

[@Firefighter1997]

Ok you say heat conductive mat and heat resistant mat are they the same thing

[@AngieHolden]

The green rubber pad is heat conductive. The mat under the slate is heat resistant.

[@user-ux9gh2xq9o]

Would you have any suggestions for what looks like scuff marks in various spots on the photo. You don’t see it except if you hold at the right light angle. I’m doing a 5x7 400 for 5.5 min.

[@AngieHolden]

I am wondering if it is in your coating before you sublimate but you are just not seeing it then.

[@user-ux9gh2xq9o]

@@AngieHolden that’s what my husband thought, you don’t see unless you hold at the right angle for the light to hit, but I know it’s there and bothers me to give them as gifts. Do you have a brand you recommend.

[@thewisetaurus8]

do you need the green rubber mat thing overtop??

[@AngieHolden]

I think it produces better results.

[@JadaHolley86]

What is that green pad? Teflon or what is it? What do I search for ? I have slated I’m doing before Mother’s Day have to get those ASAP 😮 also where can I get it? Will hobby lobby have it?

[@AngieHolden]

Hobby Lobby will not have it. It is a special rubber with embedded metal fibers. I have linked everything I used in the description below this video. On computer, scroll down and click show more. On mobile, swipe up on the video or click the arrow to expand the description.

[@yolandabranner6200]

Hi Angie love it . I see more people are talking about sublimation more now what about those who doesn't have a sublimation printer. Can I use infusible ink?

[@AngieHolden]

Yes you can. Obviously you can't do images like I have done here.

[@user-ok3kh8kx9w]

Can you fix mistakes on these slates? I have a line of the heat tape going through my image.

[@AngieHolden]

Probably not.

[@marygreen8363]

Where can I find the heat pad please? Thank you

[@AngieHolden]

I link to all supplies I use in the description below the video.

[@stephaniecooksley2758]

Hello Angie you are always my go to girl when I’m doing a new project and I’ve done 4 slates so far and in some of the darker or black spots it’s brown and shadowy my time and temp is 398 at 420s medium/light pressure. What could I be doing wrong to get that issue? Thank you

[@AngieHolden]

Sounds like it is burnt and needs less time/temp.

[@Dixin76]

Hi! One question if you know...do these stand up to weather well? Can they weather rain, heat, snow etc? I really want to do this but I can't find anyone that can answer this question for me. Thanks!

[@AngieHolden]

You would need to find some that have a UV coating on them in addition to the sublimation coating. Or you can try adding a UV coating after sublimation.

[@Dixin76]

thanks!@@AngieHolden

[@jeffeisenkirch329]

Why do you choose to sublimate with photo on the top? The instructions I have say reverse it where the photo is on the bottom, have your tried the other way at all?

[@AngieHolden]

The instructions where I purchase these slates say to do it they way I am doing it here. You can try alternate methods if you would like.

[@margiehernandez9361]

Where can I get the green mat? Link is no longer working 😢

[@AngieHolden]

On the Conde website. Here you go: shrsl.com/4g1nv

[@DIJIREELFILMS]

I know you are getting great results, but according to manufacturer and also being taught how to sublimate these at workshops, the slate should be bottom up, in other words with the paper down and the slate on top..you are supposed to heat through the slate so that you get more even heat and this helps eliminate scorching, sticking, and fading. Please keep in mind I am not saying your way does not work, I just would like people to know that there are other methods. Thank you for sharing your tips with us.

[@AngieHolden]

There are definitely other methods! I generally follow what Conde does on theirs and this is the way they do them!

[@terribrooks8169]

@@AngieHolden my heatpress did say to put slate face down, but I tried it and it comes out way better with the slate face up, print face down. Thank you for this video!

[@pattibaileydesigns]

This is a wonderful project idea. My only concern would be that slate is naturally susceptible to it's layers shearing off. Is this real slate or a fabricated product that looks like slate? Thanks for the idea!

[@AngieHolden]

It is real slate as far as I know.

[@richardhopkins9982]

Hello 👋

[@lauracanales9711]

Is the green pad heat conductive or heat resistant? I’m a little confused

[@AngieHolden]

Conductive.

[@JennyGuyton]

Hi, I was wondering if I burned the slate. Is there a way to remove the ink and redo?

[@AngieHolden]

No there is not.

[@JennyGuyton]

Is there anything I can do? Maybe sand it and respray with subliglaze?

[@andreakreationsco]

Love these and with the Green Mat what size would u recommend they have different sizes

[@AngieHolden]

I got a really large one so I never needed to buy another one again.

[@Mfleclerc]

Can you show which one you recommend?

[@atmerchant]

I have actual roof slates I got for projects, thoughts on using sublimation prints on these.

[@AngieHolden]

They would have to have a sublimation coating on them in order to work.

[@atmerchant]

@@AngieHolden Thank you. Will need to do some research on sublimation coating.

[@patriciadahms1240]

Where is the link to the green pad

[@AngieHolden]

Linked in the description below the video. Look for something that says "show more".

[@wemarkit]

You will get better edges if you place the image face up same settings. Even some paper towel under everything will do even better

[@AngieHolden]

I am not understanding "image face up" as that would not work with sublimation?

[@wemarkit]

@@AngieHolden place 3 sheets paper towel. Place art work , place slate so the back faces up place Teflon or parchment and press. Use the foam pad on the heat press plate not the hard plastic.

[@indiashotts7087]

Will these hold up outside? I am thinking of a grave memorial.

[@AngieHolden]

You would need to find some that have a UV protectant or apply one.

[@lauralucas9880]

Would the Cricut Autopress work on the slates?

[@AngieHolden]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZjQip2Zna2MfKM

[@deanturner1865]

What is the green mat called 🤔

[@AngieHolden]

I link to all supplies in the description below my video.

[@anamariesowell5405]

Thanks for the video. What’s the difference between nomex and green pad?

[@AngieHolden]

They are two different things. Nomex is a soft pad that would go under a project. The green is a rubber that distributes heat evenly and goes on top.

[@lisawidner1595]

@@AngieHolden where can you get the green pad? I looked on AMAZON and can't find one

[@beckyshreeve6595]

Where do u get green pad

[@AngieHolden]

I have it linked in the description below this video.

[@emilyitreallyworks1915]

Any chance you have a estimate on size of slate vs time? Say anything over this size over 5 minutes... anything under use this time.

[@AngieHolden]

Not really! I used the times and temps on the website.

[@emilyitreallyworks1915]

@@AngieHolden thank you. The ones I have didn't have times.

[@AngieHolden]

I would find a website that does have times and use that as a starting point.

[@patricialyczkowski9819]

Can you burn off and redo if you get a mistake

[@AngieHolden]

I have never tried that but my guess would be no.

[@sueanderson2285]

Hi, Angie! This is a really great project. I tried the link to the green mat and can't get it to work. Is there another link I can use?

[@AngieHolden]

It is working for me. Maybe try again?

[@mariol6095]

didnt work for me either

[@memphisnchamps]

Hi Angie! Do you know a company that makes larger Slates?

[@AngieHolden]

The largest I have seen are on the dyetrans.com website.

[@sallyprider8394]

What is the green pad made of

[@AngieHolden]

Some type of heat conductive rubber?

[@ehodge54]

As always, great video, Angie! I bought the Nomex pad thinking it was for hard substrates. If I need the green pad, what's the Nomex pad for?

[@AngieHolden]

Nomex pad goes UNDER blanks as an insulating layer. Green rubber pad is for OVER blanks to distribute heat more evenly on surfaces that may have imperfections.

[@ehodge54]

@@AngieHolden Can you explain why I would need to insulate my blanks?

[@AngieHolden]

You will find some instructions call for a Nomex pad. I also find it beneficial for some other presses as it is firm. You don't have to get it.

[@ehodge54]

@@AngieHolden, thank you for your reply.

[@cynthiadestes1084]

@@AngieHolden can you tell me what thickness Nomex pad to use?

[@ktwagner1]

What is the thickness of your green mat? 1/16" or1/8"

[@AngieHolden]

I like the 1/16".

[@lisajohnson678]

@@AngieHolden have you tried both thicknesses? What would be the difference in performance between the two do you know? I am in Canada and cannot find them anywhere except for Conde so I would like to only place one order. Really appreciate your videos and explanations

[@rosatavares1313]

Were do you buy the green pad?

[@sabi.dervic81]

Hi Angie, Thank you for a fab video. Im from England and can't find a green pad. Could I use a silicone pad? Or is there anything else I could use instead? Thank you 😊

[@AngieHolden]

I am not sure what exactly the pad is made out of? I know it is heat conductive.

[@derekd2741]

No mats required turn everything upside down so as your picture is on your press first then lay slate on top and heat slate from the back to required temperature witch will active sublimation ink on the paper and will transfer to the slate I do mine at 360c for 10 mins on size 200x220mm slate will get perfect results everytime

[@kddk7262]

@@derekd2741 Thanks for the tip! I see that 360 degrees C = 680 degrees F. I don't think there are heat presses that get that hot but I could be wrong. Are you sure you use 360 Celsius? Thanks for clarification.

[@derekd2741]

@KD DK sorry 360 degrees Fahrenheit witch is around 180 degrees Celsius all these temperatures get confusing hope this helps clear things up

[@kddk7262]

@@derekd2741 Thanks for clarifying! I’m never sure if I should do 360 or 400! I also do my slates like you do… slate side down with picture facing up.

[@TracyWeber-qb3zv]

What are your printer settings ?

[@AngieHolden]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqaTk2eEhtSlbLc

[@eleanorblais717]

I'm using an easypress 2. 6 slate turned out fine and then a pic of people made the eyes weird. Ive ruined 2 trying.

[@AngieHolden]

They are hard to do with an EasyPress in my opinion. Probably an uneven surface on the ones that are not working.

[@eleanorblais717]

@@AngieHolden that's all I have unfortunately 😕

[@staceysadaiappen6482]

I tried this and the picture came out yucky. Not sure what I did wrong.

[@AngieHolden]

Few things: moisture/humidity and the uneven surface can cause issues. Plus you need to follow the time/temperature recommendations.

[@stephaniepreston9904]

Would love a cheaper option for the green pad

[@AngieHolden]

I do understand that but I am not sure there is one. You do only have to purchase that one time.

[@colleenmotley9397]

Would you use the auto press for this?

[@AngieHolden]

Yes. As stated in the video, I used the AP off camera for one of the samples.

[@barbra429]

I wish sublimation slates weren't so expensive

[@AngieHolden]

They are definitely expensive!

[@michellesmith9111]

Why wouldn't you try face down with a felt pad and you will hit every single one of those white spots because you have them in the center as well. Face down on the felt pad will hit all those rough edges around the border.

[@AngieHolden]

I don't sublimate slate face down. This is the way I do it.

[@user-jb2zv6ku5h]

The link for the green pad doesn’t work for me. Where did you get it from?

[@AngieHolden]

The company is going out of business and I am looking for another source.

[@user-jb2zv6ku5h]

@@AngieHolden thank you! I am having issues with my slates not coming out correctly and I don’t know why. Wasted so many!

[@loriross8107]

Does Conde ship to Canada?

[@AngieHolden]

I think they do. I have not had great luck finding supplies in Canada! Sorry!

[@66wildrose]

you know that 400 seconds is NOT 4 minutes?

[@AngieHolden]

The time you press is determined by the slate you are using. Each one is different.