Impressions - October/November 2021 - 28

I
think the philosophy of lagniappe should be taught at every school
and practiced by every business. A French word meaning " unexpected
extra gift, " lagniappe often is used in Louisiana. In fact,
sublimation decoration is a fantastic example of this.
Th e technology delivers stunning visual impact along with a few
bonus features that help ensure customer satisfaction. Often, consumers
of sublimated products become both fans and cheerleaders
for your business.
Th is also can apply to small signage. ChromaLuxe products, in particular,
can have a profound impact on sublimated point-of-purchase
(POP) signage. Th e following are a few diff erent ways you can use
these photo panels to meet signage needs. First, though, let's explain
the nature of the sublimation process.
Sublimation Explained
Sublimation imprinting is a unique and low-cost way to transfer
vivid, full-color photos and designs onto an exciting selection of
blank substrates, ranging from polyester fabrics and wood plaques
to metal panels.
It starts with printing a photograph, design or logo via a sublimation
printer (e.g. Sawgrass SG500, Sawgrass SG1000, Epson F570, etc.)
onto sublimation release paper. Next, you place the blank imprintable
substrate, printed transfer and protective paper - which I like
to call a " sublimation sandwich " - in a heat press and press for the
recommended time, temperature and pressure for that specifi c product.
Heat will cause the dispersed dyes in the sublimation ink to change
from a solid state to a gas. When this happens, the dyes transfer into
the oil-loving molecules found in polyester fabric and those substrates
that have had a polyester coating applied to their surfaces. Pressure
is important because it provides proper contact between the printed
sublimation transfer and the substrate, ensuring vivid, crisp image
quality across the substrate's entire imaging area. Th e result is an
amazing, eye-popping and high-value personalized product.
ChromaLuxe Panels
Produced in a range of precut sizes (and large sheet stock for
fabricating with a computer numerical control (CNC) router),
ChromaLuxe aluminum photo panels are an exciting dimensional
display/mounting option for photographs and full-color signage.
Th e 0.045-inch-thick panels are available with a white or clear
imprintable coating, feature rounded corners, and are ultravioletand
scratch-resistant. Th e metal is fabricated by Universal Woods by
applying a thick, high-tech, optically clear sublimation coating
onto the metal's surface. Th e coating - along with the sublimation
process - delivers some exciting features when used as full-color
POP signage.
Th e fi nal image becomes encapsulated inside this hard and nonporous
coating that is antimicrobial and resistant to abrasion,
for
From name badges to POP
and outdoor usage, learn
how you can use sublimation
and different substrates to
accommodate a wide
range of customers.
By David Gross,
Contributing Writer
Sublimation is a unique and low-cost way to transfer vivid, fullcolor
photos and designs onto an exciting selection of blank substrates.
P.28
IMPRESSIONSMAG.COM OCT./NOV. 2021
http://www.IMPRESSIONSMAG.COM
Impressions - October/November 2021

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