Top Ideas for Sublimation Coasters: Enhance Your Table Décor with Personalised Designs

by Longforte Team

02 May 2024

Looking to add a personal touch to your table décor? Sublimation coasters offer an excellent opportunity to elevate your dining experience with custom designs printed on them. These coasters are not only functional but also serve as decorative pieces that reflect your unique artwork and brand.

Whether you prefer minimalist patterns, vibrant colours, or intricate artwork, there are endless possibilities to explore. Consider incorporating meaningful symbols, monograms, or even photographs to make your coasters truly one-of-a-kind.

Additionally, sublimation coasters can be themed to match various occasions and seasons, making them versatile additions to your home décor. From festive holiday motifs to elegant floral arrangements, you can tailor your coasters to suit any setting, mood or recipient!

So why settle for ordinary coasters when you can ones that really make a statement?

Choosing the right material for your sublimation coaster is crucial to achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality. There are several options available, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits:

Ceramic: Ceramic coasters are a popular choice for sublimation printing due to their smooth surface and ability to retain vibrant colours. They offer durability and heat resistance, making them suitable for both hot and cold beverages. Additionally, ceramic coasters are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring long-lasting quality. Finally their weight makes them appear as a more premium option even though the cost to you is marginally different.

Hardboard/ MDF: Hardboard and MDF coasters are made from compressed wood fibres or MDF sheet, providing a sturdy and lightweight base for sublimation printing. They offer a smooth surface for vibrant colour reproduction and sharp details. Wooden coasters are affordable and available in both round and square shapes, making them a versatile option for custom designs.

Aluminium: Aluminium coasters blend the lightweight characteristics of wooden coasters and the strength and heat resistance of ceramic coasters to give you a perfect canvas on which to print your design. Aluminium is ideal for sublimation printing and will bring out texts or photos equally well.

Neoprene: This material is the same as our mousepads and features a non-slip rubber base. The top printable layer is made from 100% polyester and so is perfect for accepting sublimation ink. The neoprene material makes it soft to the touch which is good for applications where harder coasters might not be suitable.

Cork-backed: Cork-backed coasters feature a cork bottom that provides grip and prevents slipping on smooth surfaces. These coasters are lightweight and absorbent, making them ideal for protecting your table from condensation and spills. While cork-backed coasters may have limited sublimation capabilities compared to other materials, they offer a natural and eco-friendly option for your table décor.

Seasonal and holiday-themed sublimation coasters are perfect for adding a festive vibe to your tableware. Capture the essence of each season by incorporating iconic elements like leaves for autumn or snowflakes for winter. For holidays, opt for motifs like Christmas trees, jack-o-lanterns for Halloween or bunnies for Easter time.

Designing coasters for summer can include more vibrant colours, tropical patterns, or beach-inspired imagery.

For those who print for other businesses these lend themselves well for branded merchandise to give out as cost-effective giveaways or to be used in establishments such as bars, hotels, restaurants, offices and more.

For personalised products, consider adding monograms or meaningful messages. Offering customisation options, such as adding names or initials is a nice touch too.

Don't forget that coasters can be sold in sets of 4, 6, 8 or more to help boost your sales even further!

The temperature and time settings vary for coasters made from different materials. Here are some rough guidelines below but please check the product page of each coaster and if in doubt please contact the team at info@longforte.com who will be happy to advise you!

Ceramic coasters: around 200°C for 4 minutes

Glass coasters: 180°C to 200°C for 2.5 minutes

Neoprene coasters: 180°C for 60 seconds

MDF coasters: 190°C for 60 seconds

To prepare your images for sublimation printing, make sure your files are at least 150 DPI, avoid white borders, position important design elements at least 2mm from the edge of the coaster, and print the designs as a mirror image (Please note: not for glass coasters as these are printed on the back and so DO NOT require a mirror image) . This will ensure high-quality results.