PolyGloss Sublimation Coating for All Hard Substrates (glossy finish)

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PolyGloss is a 2-part, high-gloss, water-based, sublimation coating for hard surfaces. Every purchase includes PolyGloss, catalyst, and measuring tools.

• 16 oz. will coat approx. 65 sq. ft. or 240 mugs
• 32 oz. will coat approx. 130 sq. ft. or 480 mugs
• 1/2 Gallon (64 oz.) will coat approx. 260 sq. ft. or 960 mugs
• 1 Gallon (128 oz.) will coat approx. 520 sq. ft. or 1920 mugs

PolyGloss will provide a high-gloss (wet-look), sublimatable coating for the following surfaces:

• Metal - Stainless Steel Mugs, Aluminum Signs, License Plates, Zippo Lighters, Clipboards, Dog Tags, Key chains, Nameplates, Aluminum Water Bottles, Fridge Magnets, Christmas Ornaments

• Polished Marble & Stone

• FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic)

• Hardboard (aka Masonite, Thrifty White Board) Available at Home Depot in 4' X 8' sheets with "white-board" finish. Home Depot will cut down the large sheet into more manageable pieces free of charge. Smaller pieces can then be cut with a standard jigsaw.

• Ceramic Mugs & Tile

• Glass

• Wood

PolyGloss is a 2-part, polyester resin that can be applied with common household tools. It cleans up easy with water and does not emit toxic fumes. The catalyst is added at a ratio of 1 ml for every ounce of PolyGloss. The PolyGloss mixture has a potlife of 18 hours. Unlike most 2-part resins, the mixture can be re-catalyzed after the potlife has expired by adding additional catalyst at the same 1 ml per ounce ratio. Catalyst and measuring syringe are included in package. We do not recommend using the dishwasher with PolyGloss coated substrates, since some dishwashers reach very high temperatures and this can re-activate the sublimation process causing the ink to bleed.

Directions:
Step 1: Add 1 ml of catalyst per ounce of Poly. Stir thoroughly. 

Step 2: Wipe down non-porous substrates (ceramic, glass, white-board, marble, etc.) with rubbing alcohol. Clean metal with a solvent like Xylol to remove manufacturing grease.

Step 3: Application

Brush application: Once the alcohol or Xylol has evaporated, apply one thin coat of PolyGloss mixture (if the PolyGloss is too thick, your paper will stick and your image will look "mushy"). Apply the PolyGloss in an environment with a minimum temperature of 60 degrees and a minimum humidity of 30%. The PolyGloss needs humidity to give the bubbles time to pop before the coating starts to dry. Slow drying is better than fast drying. If your bubbles don't pop completely, cure the dried substrate in the press with light to medium pressure to flatten the bubbles (see cure details below). Once you've sublimated the substrate you can apply a topcoat to "hide" the flattened bubbles. Use a humidifier to increase the humidity in your workspace in the future to avoid hardened bubbles.

Gravity-feed sprayer: Mixture can be thinned with 10% water for use with gravity-feed sprayer. Set air compressor for between 25 and 35 PSI. Apply enough PolyGloss mixture to allow the coating to flow together smoothly. The coating will look dull and textured if you do not apply enough coating. Clean sprayer and brush with water (do not use soaps or solvents).

WARNING: Wear face mask & eye protection if using a sprayer

Step 4: Once dry (2 to 3 hours), cure substrate in oven at 340F for 22 minutes OR convection oven at 300F for 22 minutes. Cure wood in oven at 340F for 15 minutes or 12 minutes on the press with parchment paper and silicone pad for protection using light pressure. Cure metal in oven at 320F for 10 minutes or on press for 3 minutes with silicone pad and parchment paper. If coating burns or bubbles reduce temp by 10 degrees.

Step 5: Sublimation times will vary by substrate and method. Whenever possible, press substrates face-down over foam (Vapor) or felt (Nomex) pad to get full contact with paper.

Here are a few examples: Press 4" ceramic tiles either face-up with a silicone mat for 4 minutes OR face-down over foam/felt pad at 400F for 10 minutes. Press wood face-up with silicone pad over paper for 2 minutes at 400F with medium pressure. Press metal for 60 seconds at 360F (turn temperature down if coating begins to bubble).

UV Protection: We recommend applying a topcoat of UV protection like Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Clear Spray Paint (available in matte or gloss at Walmart for $3.96) to ensure long-term color protection. 

Instructions for coating soft substrates like canvas, linen, water-color paper, paper coasters, etc.:

Mix equal parts of PolyGloss and water. For example, add 1 ounce water to 1 ounce PolyGloss (mix in 1ml of catalyst per ounce of PolyGloss before mixing in the water) and stir. Apply with a brush or foam roller. Air dry or dry under the open heat press. Pre-press at 385F for 60 seconds using parchment paper for protection. Sublimate for 90 seconds. 

Instructions for using PolyGloss with white paint:

1. Spray a light coat of Rustoleum High Heat white spray paint on substrate. 

2. Wait a few hours for white paint to dry.

3. Apply PolyGloss/catalyst and follow the PolyGloss cure and sub instructions above according to the type of substrate you are sublimating.

Instructions for Coating the Backside of Glass:
1. Apply 2 thin coats of PolyGloss with catalyst to the back of the glass (allow to dry between coats).
2. Once dry, cure the coated glass at 340F for 22 minutes.
3. Once cool, sublimate your image face down over padding for 6 minutes at 400F (you may need to increase the time if the glass is more than 1/4 inch thick).
4. Once cool, spray a light coating of Rustoleum High Heat white spray paint
5. Once dry apply a topcoat of Rustoleum clear enamel (see picture above) to protect the white layer from scratches.

Coated substrates have no expiration date. In other words, you can coat a mug today, cure it next month and sublimate it next year.

If you are having a hard time getting the PolyGloss to coat metal evenly and you are having problems like "orange-peel" or "fish-eye," then your substrate needs to be "cleaned" with rubbing alcohol or a solvent like Xylol (aka Xylene) to remove the oil or wax residue left on the substrate during the manufacturing process. Xylol is readily available in the paint department at most hardware stores.

International Buyers:

All International orders are insured with ShipCover Insurance. If your package has not arrived in 14 days, please email rachel@dyepress.com and we will file a claim with ShipCover to reimburse you in full or send you a new package, whichever you prefer.

Please Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.