No. Standard slate isn’t coated and won’t accept sublimation ink. Sublimation relies on a special polymer layer that bonds the dye into the surface under heat. Our photo slates are natural stone pieces that have been treated with a sublimation coating, making them ideal for transferring full-colour photographs, text, and artwork. If you try with normal slate, the image simply won’t take — it will look patchy and eventually rub off.

First, print your design in reverse (mirrored) on sublimation transfer paper using sublimation ink. Secure the paper, print-side down, onto the coated surface of the slate with heat-resistant tape. Place the slate in your heat press (face up, paper on top). Press at the recommended time and temperature for your press size (usually 190–200°C for 8 minutes). Once done, carefully remove the paper to reveal a permanent, vibrant image embedded in the slate’s coating.

Yes, always. Sublimation involves placing the printed transfer face down against the blank, so the image needs to be mirrored to appear the right way round when transferred. Forgetting to mirror results in reversed text or flipped images — one of the most common mistakes for beginners.

Wipe the slate with a clean lint-free cloth to remove dust or fibres that could interfere with the transfer. Preheat the slate briefly in your press (about 60 seconds without the transfer) to remove any trapped moisture — this helps avoid steam bubbles that distort prints. Always check that your design is taped firmly, as slates are heavy and can shift slightly during pressing.

The sweet spot for most rock photo slates is around 190–200°C for 8 minutes at medium pressure. Smaller slates (like coasters or mini desk plaques) usually require less time, while larger slates may need the full cycle. Times can vary depending on your heat press, so always run a test print with a spare slate to fine-tune your settings.

On average, around 8 minutes at 200°C. But this depends on the size, coating, and heat press type. If pressed too short, the image may look faded; too long and the colours can overcook or shift. Consistency in timing and temperature is key for vibrant, sharp prints.

Natural slate is a stone material, so sudden changes in temperature can cause cracks. However, sublimation-grade slates are treated and designed to withstand pressing. Never place a cold slate directly into a hot press — thermal shock is the main culprit. Also as the surface of slates is rarely 100% flat, please use a 1.5mm thin silicone mat (different from the one that comes with your heat press) as this will even out the natural surface differences of the slate.

Yes, with care. You’ll need sublimation shrink wrap to hold the paper tightly against the slate. Place the wrapped slate into a convection oven at the same temperature range (190–200°C), typically for around 12 minutes. This method works, but a flat heat press is usually preferred for consistency and speed in production.

Technically yes, but results vary by image quality. High-resolution photos with strong contrast and bold colours work best because the textured stone edges soften fine detail. Dark, low-contrast images can look muddy on the slate surface. Always use at least 300dpi and consider how your design will look with the natural rough edges cropping into the print.

Yes. The polymer coating makes them resistant to water and everyday handling, so they’re suitable for long-term use as gifts, memorials, or décor. While they won’t wash out or fade from normal moisture exposure, we don’t recommend putting them in a dishwasher. Gentle cleaning with a damp cloth is ideal.

Absolutely. Sublimation is one of the best methods for photo reproduction because it embeds the dye into the coating, producing prints with rich colour and detail. Unlike stickers or transfers, sublimation doesn’t peel or crack — meaning photo slates remain vibrant and permanent for years.