Guide: Customizable Round Medals with Synthetic Bamboo & Sublimation Back

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This guide will walk you through personalizing your premium round medals, featuring a synthetic bamboo front, a dual-tone sublimation back, and a sublimation-ready satin lanyard.

🏅 Product Overview

• Materials: Durable synthetic bamboo front, dual-tone sublimation-ready back.
• Lanyard: Includes printable satin lanyard.
• Bonding: Hemfast bonding tape included for lanyard ends.
• Size: 78 x 84mm
• Printing: Sublimation printing only (medal back + lanyard).

📝 Overall Process Flow

1. Sublimate the Dual-Tone Back of the Medal (2-Tone Sublimer Instructions).
2. Sublimate the Synthetic Bamboo Front (if desired and applicable, or leave as is).
3. Sublimate the Satin Lanyard.
4. Assemble: Attach lanyard to medal, bond lanyard ends.
5. Adhere the sublimated dual-tone back to the medal base using appropriate glue.

🔥 Section 1: Sublimating the Dual-Tone Medal Back (2-Tone Sublimer)

This section details sublimating the special dual-tone backing piece.

⚙️ Heat Press Settings (2-Tone Sublimer)

📊 Pressure Guidelines (2-Tone Sublimer)

• Small Pieces (e.g., keyrings): Very low pressure.
• Medium Pieces (e.g., coasters): Light-medium pressure.
• Large Pieces (e.g., 20x20cm): Medium-high pressure.
• NB! If cracks appear or edges melt/flatten, pressure is too heavy. If white/unprinted spots appear, pressure is too low.

🛠️ Preparation (2-Tone Sublimer)

1. Artwork: DO NOT print in mirror image for the 2-Tone Sublimer.
2. Protective Film: Remove the clear plastic protective layer ONLY from the back (white side) of the Sublimer before pressing. This is where the print will be placed. Leave the other plastic layer on the front (clear side) during pressing.
3. Print Placement: The print faces the white side of the Sublimer (it will show through to the clear front). Secure with heat tape.
4. Cooling Station:

• • Have one sheet of copy paper ready next to your press.
  • Have TWO reams/packs of copy paper ready to place on top for cooling.

📝 Step-by-Step Sublimation (2-Tone Sublimer)

1. Apply the print to the white side of the 2-Tone Sublimer, securing with heat tape.
2. Place the Sublimer in the hot heat press with the print at the bottom and the Sublimer (clear side up) on top.
3. Pre-Heat (Crucial): Hold the hot element of the press very close to the clear side of the Sublimer, without touching it, for 70-100 seconds. This heats the front side first.
4. Press: Quickly turn the Sublimer around so the print is on top and the Sublimer (white side down) is at the bottom. Immediately close your press before it cools. Press for 70 seconds at 200°C.
5. Cooling (Critical & Fast):

• • When time is up, open press and remove the print very quickly.
  • Still working fast, place the hot Sublimer onto the single sheet of copy paper next to your press, with the picture/printed side facing you.
  • Immediately place the two reams of copy paper on top of the Sublimer to keep it flat.
  • NB!! LET THE SUBLIMER COOL DOWN COMPLETELY before removing the paper packs to prevent warping.

6. Once completely cool, remove the final protective plastic layer from the front (clear side) of the Sublimer.

🔥 Section 2: Sublimating the Synthetic Bamboo Front (Optional)

If your medal design includes sublimating the bamboo front.

⚙️ Heat Press Settings (Synthetic Bamboo)

📝 Step-by-Step Sublimation (Synthetic Bamboo)

1. Artwork: Print your design in mirror image on sublimation paper.
2. Identify Printable Side: The printable side of single-sided bamboo is smoother and more even in color. (If double-sided, both are printable).
3. Print Placement: Place your print face down onto the printable side of the bamboo. Secure with heat tape.
4. Press: Place the bamboo with the print on the base of the press, print on top facing the bamboo. Press for 90 seconds.
5. Post-Press: Remove the print immediately when time is up. You may place a heavy, flat object on top of the wood as it cools to help keep it flat.

• • | Tip: Single-sided bamboo can also be decorated with Woodburning Gel (e.g., TorchPaste).

🔥 Section 3: Sublimating the Satin Lanyard

⚙️ Heat Press Settings (Satin Lanyard)

📝 Step-by-Step Sublimation (Satin Lanyard)

1. Artwork: Print your small logos/designs for the lanyard on sublimation paper (mirrored if text is included).
2. Heat Seal Edges (Important): Before printing, carefully heat seal the raw edges of the satin ribbon with a lighter or candle to prevent fraying. Hold the ribbon edge with long-nose pliers close to the flame briefly.
3. First Section:

• • Place protective paper (e.g., copy paper) on your press base.
  • Lay the first section of the ribbon on the protective paper. Secure the ribbon with heat tape to prevent movement.
  • Place the sublimation print face down onto the ribbon. Secure again with heat tape.
  • Cover any exposed silk ribbon with silicone paper or more copy paper to protect it from direct heat.
  • Press for 60 seconds. Remove the print.

4. Subsequent Sections:

• • Position the next section of the ribbon in the press.
  • Place the new print face down, secure with heat tape, and cover exposed silk.
  • Crucial: Cover the already printed part of the ribbon with copy paper folded twice to protect the existing print from fading due to repeated heat exposure.
  • Press for 60 seconds.

5. Repeat until the entire lanyard is printed as desired.

🔗 Section 4: Assembling the Medal

Attaching Lanyard to Medal:

1. Thread the printed lanyard through the slot on the medal.

Bonding Lanyard Ends (Hemfast Tape Method):

1. Setup: Wrap the ribbon around a suitable part of your (cool or warm, not hot) heat press or its corner to bring the two ends together easily. Use heat tape to temporarily hold the ribbon on a Teflon sheet or protective paper on the press base so it doesn't shift.
2. Apply Hemfast: Place the Hemfast tape piece on the edge of one of the ribbon ends. Do not let it overhang the ribbon edge, as it will bond to whatever it touches under heat.
3. Align & Secure: Place the other ribbon end perfectly over the Hemfast tape. Secure with heat tape to prevent movement.
4. Press: Cover the ribbon join with silicone paper or copy paper. Press at 190°C (374°F) for about 5-10 seconds.
5. Cool & Check: Let it cool slightly before carefully removing it. Check the bond.

• • | Alternative: A sewing machine can be used instead of Hemfast tape for a more traditional finish.

Adhering Sublimer Back to Medal Base:

• Glue Choice (VERY IMPORTANT):
• • RECOMMENDED: Specific super glues that do not damage the sublimer print.
  • • GLOO It Super Glue (available online or at Builders).
    • Alteco Gel Super Glue.
  • Alternative: A hot glue gun can also be used, as it generally has a stronghold and won't damage the sublimer print.
  • CAUTION: Using incorrect super glue can "eat" the print on the sublimer, causing smudging and ruining the piece.
• Application: Carefully apply your chosen adhesive to the back of the sublimated 2-Tone Sublimer piece or to the medal base. Align and press firmly together. Allow to cure as per glue instructions.

⚠️ Key Tips for Success

• Follow Specific Instructions: Pay close attention to instructions for each material (2-Tone Sublimer, Bamboo, Lanyard).
• Pressure is Key (Sublimer): Incorrect pressure is a common issue with 2-Tone Sublimer.
• Cooling (Sublimer): Proper, complete cooling under weight is vital to prevent warping.
• Protective Films: Always double-check for and remove protective films as instructed.
• Correct Glue: Essential for assembling the 2-Tone Sublimer without damaging the print.

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Updated on: 09/06/2025