Make your own custom license plates with sublimation in minutes!
15 minutesminutes
Total Time 15 minutesminutes
Author Angie Holden
What You Will Need
Duraluxe License Plates
Sublimation printer
Sublimation ink
Heat Press
Sublimation paperyou will need the 8 1/2 x 14 size
Heat Resistant Gloves
Lint Roller
Heat Resistant Tape
Artesprix Protective Paper
Nomex Pad
Heat resistant mat
Instructions
Printing the Sublimation Print
The license plate blanks are about 5.88 inches by 11.88 inches, so it will not work on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of sublimation paper. My Epson EcoTank printer will print up to 8 1/2 x 14 inches. You may need to buy a larger size paper to make this project. Print the design of your choice on the paper. Be sure to mirror the design when printing.
Prepping the License Plate
You will need to remove the protective film from the license plate itself. Just start it in one corner and peel it back. This protects the finish of the license plate during shipping. Clean your license plate well by going over the entire top with a lint roller.
Adding a Sublimation Print
Take your sublimation print, put it on the table with the ink side up, and turn the license plate over with the sublimation side down on the print. Locate it correctly by making sure your entire license plate is covered with your design. Tape the license plate to your paper. I like to tape in four places to hold it still while I'm sublimating.
In the heat press, put a Nomex pad or sublimation felt on the bottom, a sheet of protective paper, then the license plate. You will want to flip this over with the sublimation print on the top. Add protective paper over the top of that as well.
Putting the License Plate in the Heat Press
Set your heat press at 385 degrees for 120 seconds and medium pressure. Once it is heated, cycle your heat press up and down a few times to warm up the base before you actually add the license plate to the press. Add the Nomex pad next and again cycle a few times to warm the base. Then add the license plate with the protective paper on the top and bottom. Be sure your sublimation print is on top and press for the full time and the full temperature.
Once you have heated, remove the plate while wearing heat resistant gloves. Put it on a heat resistant mat and remove the sublimation print to reveal your gorgeous design.