Guide: Customizable Trophies with Wood Base & 2-Tone Sublimer

✨ Thank you for choosing BizInBox! ✨
This guide will walk you through personalizing your trophies, featuring a wood base and a dual-tone sublimation-ready accent piece (2-Tone Sublimer).

🏆 Product Overview

• Materials: Wood base (may or may not be directly sublimatable please check with sales), 2-Tone Sublimer accent piece for full-color personalization.
• Assembly: Requires adhering the sublimated Sublimer piece to the wood base.
• Printing: Sublimation printing for the 2-Tone Sublimer piece. Wood base may be sublimated if suitable.

📝 Overall Process Flow

1. Sublimate the Dual-Tone Sublimer Accent Piece.
2. (Optional) Sublimate the Wood Base if it's designed for direct sublimation.
3. Assemble: Adhere the sublimated Sublimer piece to the wood base using appropriate glue.

🔥 Section 1: Sublimating the Dual-Tone Sublimer Accent Piece

This section details sublimating the special 2-Tone Sublimer.

⚙️ Heat Press Settings (2-Tone Sublimer)

📊 Pressure Guidelines (2-Tone Sublimer)

• Small Pieces (e.g., small accents, keyrings): Very low pressure.
• Medium Pieces (e.g., coaster-sized accents): Light-medium pressure.
• Large Pieces (e.g., 20x20cm plaques): Medium-high pressure.
• NB! If cracks appear in the printed coating or if edges melt/flatten, the pressure is too heavy. If you observe white, unprinted spots or areas, the pressure is too low.

🛠️ Preparation (2-Tone Sublimer)

1. Artwork: For the 2-Tone Sublimer, DO NOT print your artwork in mirror image. The image is viewed through the clear front.
2. Protective Film:

• • Remove the clear plastic protective layer ONLY from the back (white side) of the Sublimer before pressing. This white side is where your print will be placed.
  • Leave the other protective plastic layer on the front (clear side) of the Sublimer during the pressing process.

3. Print Placement:

• • The sublimation print should be placed face down onto the white side of the Sublimer.
  • Secure the print to the Sublimer using heat-resistant tape to prevent shifting.

4. Cooling Station Setup (Crucial):

• • Have one sheet of clean copy paper ready on a flat surface next to your heat press.
  • Have TWO full reams/packs of copy paper ready. These will be used to weigh down the Sublimer and keep it flat while it cools.

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

1. Apply your non-mirrored print to the white side of the 2-Tone Sublimer, securing it firmly with heat-resistant tape.
2. Place the Sublimer in the preheated heat press. Initially, position it with the print at the bottom (facing the lower platen) and the Sublimer (clear side with protective film still on) facing up towards the hot element.
3. Pre-Heat the Front (Crucial Step): Carefully lower the hot element of the press so it is very close to the clear side of the Sublimer, but DO NOT let it touch. Hold it in this position for 70-100 seconds. This step gently heats the front (clear side) of the Sublimer first.
4. Press: After the pre-heat, working quickly, open the press and immediately turn the Sublimer assembly over so that the print is now on top (facing the hot element) and the Sublimer (white side) is at the bottom. Close the press immediately before the Sublimer cools down. Press for 70 seconds at 200°C.
5. Cooling (Critical & Fast Process):

• • When the press time is up, open the press and remove the sublimation paper print very quickly from the Sublimer.
  • Still working very fast, transfer the hot Sublimer onto the single sheet of copy paper you prepared next to the press. Ensure the picture/printed side is facing you (upwards). This is important for how it cools.
  • Immediately place the two reams of copy paper directly on top of the hot Sublimer.
  • NB!! LET THE SUBLIMER COOL DOWN COMPLETELY under the weight of the paper reams before removing them. For larger pieces, this can take some time. Lifting the weight prematurely will likely cause the Sublimer to warp.

6. Once the Sublimer is completely cool to the touch, carefully remove the paper reams. You can now remove the final protective plastic layer from the front (clear side) of the Sublimer.

🔥 Section 2: Sublimating the Wood Base (Optional)

This section applies if your wood trophy base is designed for direct sublimation. If not, skip to Section 3.

⚙️ Heat Press Settings (Wood Base)

🛠️ Preparation (Wood Base)

1. Artwork: Print your design in mirror image on sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
2. Surface Check: Ensure the wood surface is clean, dry, and free of dust or debris. If it's a specially coated sublimation wood, confirm which side is coated if it's not obvious.

📝 Step-by-Step Sublimation (Wood Base)

1. Place your mirrored sublimation print face down onto the designated printable surface of the wood base.
2. Secure the print firmly with heat-resistant tape to prevent any movement during pressing.
3. Place the wood base with the print onto the lower platen of your heat press. Typically, the print should be on top, with the paper between the wood and the hot element.
4. Cover with a sheet of protective paper (e.g., parchment or plain copy paper) if desired, especially if there's any risk of ink bleed-through.
5. Press according to the recommended settings for your specific wood type.
6. Once the time is up, carefully open the press and remove the sublimation paper immediately while the wood is still hot.
7. Post-Press Cooling: You may want to place the hot wood piece on a flat surface under a heavy, flat object (like a ceramic tile or another piece of wood covered with paper) as it cools down to help prevent any potential warping.

🔗 Section 3: Assembling the Trophy (Attaching Sublimer to Wood Base)

🛠️ Preparation for Assembly

• Ensure both the back of the cooled, sublimated Sublimer piece and the area on the wood base where it will be attached are clean, dry, and free from dust or oils. Wiping with a lint-free cloth is recommended.

🧪 Glue Choice (VERY IMPORTANT)

The correct adhesive is crucial to avoid damaging the print on the back of the 2-Tone Sublimer.

• RECOMMENDED:
• • GLOO It Super Glue: Specifically known to work well without affecting the sublimated image. (Often found online or at hardware stores like Builders).
  • Alteco Gel Super Glue: Another gel-based super glue that is generally safe for these applications.
• ALTERNATIVE:
• • Hot Glue Gun: Good quality hot melt adhesive can provide a strong bond and typically does not react with the sublimation print. Ensure even application for best results.
• CAUTION – AVOID:
• • Many standard liquid super glues (cyanoacrylates) can chemically react with the sublimation coating or ink, causing it to "eat away" at the print, resulting in smudging, discoloration, or a complete mess. Always test on a scrap piece if unsure.

📝 Step-by-Step Assembly

1. Carefully apply your chosen adhesive to either the back of the 2-Tone Sublimer piece or directly onto the designated area on the wood base. Follow the glue manufacturer's instructions for application (e.g., amount, whether to apply to one or both surfaces).
2. Precisely align the Sublimer piece onto the wood base.
3. Press the pieces together firmly and hold for the initial bonding time recommended by the glue manufacturer.
4. If necessary, use clamps or place a weight on the assembled piece (protecting surfaces) while the glue cures fully. Ensure it remains undisturbed during the full curing period.
5. Allow the adhesive to cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before handling or displaying the trophy.

⚠️ Key Tips for Success

• Follow Specific Instructions: Pay close attention to the distinct instructions for the 2-Tone Sublimer and any wood sublimation. They are different materials with different needs.
• Pressure is Key (Sublimer): Incorrect pressure is a very common cause of issues with 2-Tone Sublimer. Calibrate and test.
• Cooling (Sublimer): Do not rush the cooling process for the Sublimer. Proper, complete cooling under sufficient weight is vital to prevent warping.
• Protective Films: Always double-check for and remove all protective films from the Sublimer at the correct stages.
• Correct Glue: Using a tested and recommended adhesive is essential for a durable assembly without damaging your sublimated Sublimer.

❓ Need Help?

Our support team is ready to assist with any questions or issues!
📞 021 988 0438

🌟 Create impressive and personalized awards with your BizInBox trophy components!
Thank you for trusting BizInBox.

Updated on: 09/06/2025