PolyGloss Sublimation Coating for All Hard Substrates (glossy finish)

Quick 30-second video

PolyGloss Video

 Watch on YouTube

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 12 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. 

Directions:
Step 1: Add 1 ml of catalyst per oz of PolyGloss. Use catalyzed mixture in 12 hours. Unused mixture (less than one ounce) can be poured back into PolyGloss bottle.

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 65 degrees and a minimum humidity of 30%. The PolyGloss needs humidity to give the bubbles time to pop before the coating starts to dry. Cover wet substrate with tupperware for 10 minutes to allow the bubbles to pop before PolyGloss starts to dry. This video demonstrates the “tupperware tent.” Slow drying is better than fast drying. 

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: Cure & Sublimate

Ceramic & Glass
Once dry (4+ hours) cure substrate in oven at 340F for 25 minutes or on press with parchment paper and light pressure at 300F for 20 minutes. Sublimate face-up with silicone mat on top at 380F for 4 minutes OR face-down over soft foam for full bleed designs at 380F for 10 minutes.

Wood
Once dry, cure on press at 300F for 10 minutes with parchment paper and silicone pad on top. For best results, use a sap-free wood like birch or basswood. Avoid sappy wood like pine. Sublimate with silicone mat on top at 350F for 3 minutes.

Wood with white latex primer
Apply primer to wood. Once dry, apply PolyGloss/catalyst. Once dry, cure on the press with light pressure at 300F for 20 minutes with parchment and silicone mat. Sublimate with silicone mat on top at 350F for 3 minutes.

Metal
Once dry (4+ hours) cure in oven at 300F for 15 minutes or on press for 10 minutes with parchment and silicone mat. If coating burns, reduce temp 10 degrees. Sublimate with silicone mat on top at 325F for 90 seconds.

Rustoleum high heat white spray paint + PolyGloss
Spray Rustoleum on ceramic, glass, wood, metal, etc. Once dry, apply PolyGloss/catalyst. Once dry, cure in oven at 275F for 25 minutes or on press at 275F with parchment paper and silicone mat for 20 minutes. Sublimate at 350F (sublimate metal at 325F) for 3 minutes with silicone mat on top.

Topcoat: Add matte, satin, or gloss topcoat over image to permanently seal in ink. Hold the spray can at least 12 inches away from the substrate and apply only a light dusting so that the ink doesn’t bleed. Once dry, apply a second coat.

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 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 25 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 support@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.