How It's Made

Sublimation is a cutting-edge process that allows the transfer of images onto a variety of materials, including aluminum tiles.  It works by using heat and pressure to turn a solid dye into a gas, which then bonds to the surface of the metal.  Sublimation produces prints that are vibrant and long-lasting.  They are very durable and can withstand wear and tear for a lifetime. 

There are all sorts of results from this process and its important to use a high-quality sublimation printer. A good printer will use heat and pressure evenly, which will help to ensure that the image is printed correctly.  They must use excellent sublimation transfer paper and white or clear coated tiles .045″ thick.  The last step involves a heat press and is used to cure the image. Curing will help to ensure that the dye bonds permanently to the surface of the tile.

A number of printing options exist on the island of O’ahu  I have tested many of them and the local quality is superb.  It’s important to me to collaborate with local business to help support our Hawai’i community. My finished products are museum quality--meeting art industry archival standards for longevity and color fastness.