Intro to Sublimation on Wood in 3 minutes

Quick Start Guide by Kari – Hot Mesh Mom

Hey Crafty Friend,

Welcome to Sublimation on Wood the Hot Mesh Mom Way – a quick-start guide designed to help you skip the confusion and get straight to the crafting magic. Whether you’re brand new to sublimation or just tired of the sticky mess from liquid methods, this guide is here to walk you through my exact process using lamination sheets.

I’ve spent a lot of time (and messed up a lot of wood 😅) figuring out what works — and now I’m sharing it with you. This isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, creativity, and making something beautiful without overthinking it.

Let’s keep it simple, keep it fun, and get pressing!

Let’s do this!

What You’ll Need:

  • 1/4″ MDF round (or your wood of choice)
  • Rustoleum 2X Primer (white)
  • Laminating film (I buy it by the roll on Amazon)
  • Heat press (set to 380°F)
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Hand file (Harbor Freight or Amazon)
  • Sublimation print (make it 0.15–0.2″ bigger than your blank)
  • Heat tape

Step by Step

  • .Prep the wood:
    • Prime your round with Rustoleum 2X. One good coat – not too thick.
    • Let it dry completely.
  • Laminate it:
    • Cut a piece of thermal lamination to size and place it over the primed wood.
  • Heat Press at 380°F for:
    • 15–20 sec (for 1/4” MDF)
    • 10–15 sec (for 1/8” or 3mm material)
  • Smooth those edges:
    • Use a microfiber cloth to press the lamination into the edges while it’s still warm.
    • Let it cool completely.
  • File the excess:
    • Use a hand file to remove overhanging laminate.
    • Always file downward, not back-and-forth like a saw.
  • Prep your print:
    • Make your design slightly larger than your blank.
    • For example: a 6″ round, design at 6.15–6.2″.
  • Tape & press:
    • Tape the print face-down (paper side up) on your laminated blank.
    • Press at 380°F for 60 seconds.
  • Reveal the magic:
    • Carefully remove the tape.
    • Look at that glossy, no-mess finish!

Say Goodbye To:

🚫 Liquid poly mess

🚫 Paper getting stuck

🚫 Waiting forever to dry

Kari’s Tips:

  • Fire fingers are optional, but heat gloves are smart 😉
  • Don’t overthink the settings — test your setup and see what works best for you.
  • Lamination sheets beat liquid every time. Tell your friends. Seriously.

You Made It!

Thanks for grabbing my starter guide and diving into the world of sublimation on wood — the Hot Mesh Mom way! I hope you’re feeling inspired, confident, and maybe even a little obsessed (it’s normal).

✨ Next Steps:

  • Try it out and share your results in the group!
  • Tag me if you post your project online – I love seeing your work!
  • Got questions? Ask away in the community — no such thing as a silly question here.
  • Be sure to scroll to the end, grab the free download!

Craft it messy, press it pretty,

– Kari, your Hot Mesh Mom

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