How To Sublimate A Clock: Best Tips & Sublimation Blanks

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE WALL CLOCK SUBLIMATION DESIGNS

First, download my Sublimate A Clock files from my free library – look for Design #626. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

In the PNG folder, there are four sublimation designs with “blank” and “numbers” versions:

• A relaxing beach scene.
• A sunflower standing in a field.
• A sunflower surrounded by colorful leaves.
• And a couple of happy gnomes on a tree stump.

I’ll show you how to prepare and sublimate a clock face that uses the beach design with numbers. I’ll also show you how to assemble the clock mechanism so you have a functioning timepiece.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to download zip files, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs because the steps are similar for PNGs and Google Docs.

STEP 2: PREPARE AND PRINT YOUR CLOCK FACE DESIGN

MEASURE YOUR CLOCK BLANK

1. Lay your clock blank flat on your work surface.
2. With a ruler, measure the width of your clock from left edge to right edge. Mine measures 7.75” wide, which is smaller than the packaging stated.
   TIP: To ensure an accurate measurement, make sure your ruler is at the widest part of the circle, and that it goes through the center of your blank.
   NOTE: Your sizing might be different even if you use the blank I recommend, so always be sure to measure.
3. Record your width measurement on a piece of paper.
4. Now measure your blank from top to bottom to find the height. Mine measures 7.75” this way, too.
   NOTE: If your blank is a perfect circle, the height should be the same as the width, but always check just in case there are discrepancies.
5. Record your height measurement, and set aside your notes for now.

PREPARE YOUR DESIGN IN GOOGLE DOCS

1. Open Google Docs in the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.
   NOTE: You will need a free Google account to use the free Google Docs software.
   TIP: You can also download and open the Google Docs app, but you won’t be able to install or access any printer profiles from a mobile device, and you’ll also have limited access to features, so I do not recommend it on a mobile device.
2. Click “Blank document” at the top left to open a new document.
   
3. Go to the File menu and select “Page setup.”
4. Check the box next to “Landscape.”
5. Change your margins to “0” to use more of the page.
6. Change your Paper Size to match your sublimation paper size. I’m using 8.5” x 11” or letter-size paper.
   
7. Click “OK” to apply the settings.
8. Go to the Insert menu, select “Image,” and select “Upload from Computer.”
9. Select the sublimation design you want to use. I’ll demonstrate with the numbered Beach design.
   TIP: You’ll most likely find it in your Downloads folder.
10. Click “Open.”
    
11. Click the area that says “Untitled document” at the top and type a name for the file.
12. To resize the design, click “Image Options” at the top of the canvas.
    NOTE: You can also open the menu by going to “Format,” “Image,” and “Image Options.”
    
13. Select “Size & Rotation.”
14. Keep the “Lock aspect ratio” box checked to maintain the design’s proportions.
15. Change the “Width” field to be slightly larger than the width you recorded earlier. Since my blank is 7.75”, I’ll make my design 8” wide.
    
    NOTE: Making your design slightly larger than your blank ensures full coverage and makes it easier to align.
16. The “Height” field will automatically adjust proportionately.
17. Click the image and select the “Wrap text” icon from the menu that appears below it.
    
    NOTE: This setting lets you move the design anywhere on the page.
18. Click and drag the image to the center of your page, as that ensures it won’t get cut off at the edges.
    
19. Go to the File menu and choose “Print.”
20. Select your sublimation printer under “Destination.”
21. Click the arrow beside “More Settings” and select “Print Using System Dialog.”
    
22. Your print menu may look different - just make sure the sublimation printer is selected, that you “mirror” the print, and select the highest quality matte paper setting.
    
23. Load sublimation paper correctly into your sublimation printer.
    NOTE: Check the packaging for information on how to load the paper.
24. Click “Print.”
25. Allow the print to dry before handling it, as the ink can smear.
    
    NOTE: The printed design will appear lighter before pressing.
26. Your project is ready to press!
    
    

STEP 3: SUBLIMATE AND ASSEMBLE YOUR WALL CLOCK

SUBLIMATE YOUR PRINT ONTO YOUR CLOCK BLANK

IMPORTANT: As with all sublimation projects, turn on a fan and open a window to improve your ventilation before beginning.

1. Set the temperature of your EasyPress to 375℉ (191℃), and set the timer for 50 seconds.
   
   TIP: I followed the manufacturer’s settings, but if you’re not sure where to start, check out my Sublimation Cookbook to get time and temperature settings for tons of sublimation projects!
2. Place your pressing mat on your work surface.
3. Place a piece of white cardstock onto your mat to protect it from any ink that may escape during the sublimation process.
   TIP: Your cardstock should be clean and free of any ink or other marks that could transfer to your blank during the sublimation process.
4. Use a lint-free cloth or a coffee filter with some rubbing alcohol to clean the edges of the clock blank.
   NOTE: The edges of the clock blank have a black residue that tends to rub off when handling, and you don’t want that residue transferring to your blank!
5. Remove the blue protective film from the sublimation side of your clock blank.
   TIP: You can use tweezers or a weeding tool to carefully lift the film if it’s really stuck.
   
6. Use a clean lint-free cloth or a coffee filter with some rubbing alcohol to clean the clock face for a better transfer.
   TIP: Hold the clock blank up to the light as you clean to catch spots of adhesive left behind by the protective film.
   
7. Put on your heat resistant gloves.
8. Put the clock blank face up on your protected pressing pad.
9. Place a fresh piece of white uncoated butcher paper on your clock blank to completely cover it.
10. Cover the entire area of your clock face with the EasyPress and hold the press in place to prevent it from slipping around on the blank’s slick surface.
11. Preheat the blank for 50 seconds to remove moisture.
    NOTE: This is a longer preheat time than we usually use for sublimation blanks. This particular blank retained moisture during testing, which we don’t want. The longer preheating period will help reduce this.
    
12. When the time is up, lift the EasyPress straight up and return it to its base carefully.
    NOTE: Always remember to place your press back on the base after use because it's still hot.
13. Carefully lift away the butcher paper.
    NOTE: Be very careful when removing the butcher paper, as the clock blank gets very hot and retains a lot of that heat!
14. Allow your clock blank to cool for at least two minutes to avoid starting the sublimation process while lining up your design.
15. Lay your print face up on your work surface so the top of the design is oriented correctly.
    
16. Check the clock face one last time for lint or residue. Wipe clean if needed.
17. Flip your blank face down on your print, leaving an even amount of color around the border to ensure the design is centered.
    NOTE: My 8” x 8” print left about a ¼” border around the blank.
    
18. Take a piece of heat resistant tape and fold one end onto itself, creating a small tag for easy removal once you’ve finished sublimating your design.
    
19. Think of the blank like a compass with North at the top. Place the tape in the North position on the back of your blank. The folded tag should be against the blank, far enough down that some of the sticky part of the tape adheres to the material while still leaving some tape hanging over the edge.
    
20. Fold the tape over the edge of the blank so that the tape maintains contact with the border all the way down to the print.
    
21. Press the remaining tape onto the print. Fold any excess tape onto the back of the print.
    
22. The tape should be snug and the blank should be secured in place.
23. Repeat Steps 18-22 to secure the South, East, and West sides of the clock blank, as well as the intermediate positions between them, for a total of eight pieces of tape.
    TIP: Take care not to move the blank around on the paper as you add the tape.
    
24. Turn your clock blank over and place it on the protected pressing pad so that the print is on top.
    
25. Place fresh butcher paper on top of the print.
26. Make sure the temperature of your EasyPress is at 375℉ (191℃), and set the timer for 80 seconds.
27. Cover the entire area of your clock face with the EasyPress and heat the blank with strong pressure for 80 seconds to sublimate the print.
    TIP: Keep pressure even on both sides of the press for best results.
    
28. When the time is up, lift the EasyPress straight up to avoid ghosting.
29. Remove the butcher paper.
30. Allow your clock to cool completely and finish the sublimation process.
31. Once the blank is cool, turn your clock over and remove the heat resistant tape using the folded tabs.
    
32. Carefully remove the print from the clock face.
33. Your image is sublimated onto the clock and ready to be assembled!
    
    
    
    

ADD THE CLOCK MECHANISM

1. Hold your finished clock with the sublimated surface face up.
2. Use a pencil to add a mark on the edge that aligns with the center of your number 12. Extend the pencil mark 1” down the back of the clock.
3. Insert the rod from the clock mechanism through the hole in the center of your clock from the back.
   
4. Place the threaded brass collar flat side up onto the center rod and screw it most of the way down using your fingers.
   
5. Make sure the tip of the triangular hanging piece on top of the mechanism is lined up with your pencil mark.
   
6. Secure the brass collar in place against the sublimated clock face.
   TIP: You want a snug fit to ensure the clock face doesn’t move around.
7. Slide the small “hours” hand onto the center prong, flat side up. It should fit snugly on the prong.
   NOTE: Part of the brass collar will still be exposed.
   
8. Then slide the larger “minutes” hand onto the center prong, flat side up, until it is against the “hours” hand.
   
9. Insert the post from the “seconds” hand into the center prong of the clock mechanism to secure all three hands.
   
   NOTE: Be sure to insert the post all the way so the hands fit snugly on the prong. This will keep them from falling out of place when adjusting the time.
10. Turn the dial on the mechanism to adjust the hands of your clock to the current time.
    NOTE: You can also adjust the hands manually using your fingers, but they’re more likely to fall off the rod that way.
11. Insert your AA battery into the battery compartment on the back of the clock mechanism. It should start ticking right away!
    NOTE: The battery compartment does not come with a panel to cover the battery, but it’ll stay in place.
12. Your sublimation clock is ready!
    
    
    

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF

You have successfully sublimated a clock with a full-art face! Display in the kitchen, the bathroom, the laundry room -- anywhere you might need to glance up and see the time!