There are high chance that the plate you are going to eat the next meal is of sublimation printed.
The design printed on the plate is of certain ink and chemicals obviously. Consuming these directly is hazardous for health by default.
So, are sublimation plates food-safe? Yes, the sublimation plates are food-safe because the texture and mode of printing i.e., sublimation is completely safe for daily use.
The ink used for the purpose is safe because it settles so firmly on the surface that hardly it gets past, not even in dishwashers or microwave ovens.
Going deep into the discussion, you’ll know vast about it. Not only it enlighten you about sublimation plates, but also, you’ll also know more about sublimation and its significance.
Are Sublimation Plates Food Safe?
Yes, sublimation plates are completely food-safe. The sublimation ink is completely food-safe and BPA-free. There are no toxic chemicals in the ink that might cause any harm when it goes down inside the body.
To be aloof from that risk even, the heat treatment and setting of the sublimation ink is so firm that it hardly gets out of the surface of the plate.
This prevails among all the temperatures of food and water used for washing.
So, you can stay relieved of the fear of getting the ink out and mixing it with your food while eating. That’s the safest assurance the ink and the process assures.
Can You Eat Off a Sublimation Plate?
Absolutely, you can use the plates for your daily meals or serving the guests. As explained, the plates are safe for food, thanks to the layer of food-safe melamine.
But here is a thing, some manufacturers don’t recommend using sublimation plates for eating.
Saying again, it’s just an exception not applicable to all the products. It’s because of the sublimation ink on decorative sublimation plates.
Is Sublimation Ink Food Safe?
Yes, sublimation ink is food-safe. You’ll see the ink used on mugs, plates, bowls, etc. where it is directly related to food. The ink is set such that it doesn’t come out that easily. So, it remains completely safe for the consumers.
But, when the ink gets up from the plate and mixes with the food somehow, it becomes hazardous for the consumer.
Because the ink is made up of many chemicals that might not be holistic for your health to consume.
But mostly, the ink fixation is so firm that there are hardly any chances for it to get up from the surface of the plates. You have to be very unlucky to experience such incidents.
What are the Sublimation Plates?
Sublimation plates are specialized plates suitable for the transfer of dye directly on the surface of the plate via sublimation process as per the directed design and color.
It aims to preserve the highest quality for serving food and holding up the design on it.
There are no bounds in selecting the material of the plate. It can be of ceramic, glass, wood, steel, etc. Also, you can get them in various sizes and colors as per your requirements.
Most likely, these plates are used for developing your own customized template or design through the plate. Later, you can use them as showpieces for eating, or in your daily life.
How Are They Made?
Making the sublimation plates isn’t much different from making other sublimation printing. Remember, you’re making a print on the paper.
So, keeping the base material in mind, you just have to implement the print on the plate carefully. To do that, follow the below steps!
Step 1: Clean the plate and prepare it for printing. Remember, it has to be clean and clear so that the print gets fully on it.
Step 2: Make the transfer paper and the ink. Basically, you’ll get them both availed from the market or online stores. Just get the right brand suitable for the purpose.
Step 3: Place the paper on the plate and rest it on the preferred and recommended heat press. Remember, you have to get the proper heat press here, otherwise, the sublimation won’t be completed.
Step 4: As soon as the heat press attains the desired temperature, press the transfer paper on the plate on the heat press firmly. Allow the heat to transfer the design through the transfer paper on the plate to fit properly.
Step 5: Holding it for a few minutes, you’ll see the designs getting fully embedded in the paper. You can check whether the design is a printer or not by lifting the paper a bit during the process.
Reasons Why Sublimation Plates Are Safe
Using the ink and knowing the process of sublimation, it is normal for anyone to doubt the feasibility and useability of the sublimation plates.
Especially, anyone out there would be wondering whether it is safe to eat on a sublimation plate.
But hey, you can be fully relieved, sublimation plates are completely safe. You don’t have to believe in that blindly, rather let’s break down the justification behind it.
Reason 1: Sublimation plates are made up of excellent ceramics
When you touch sublimation plates and try to compare them with the other plates, you’ll definitely feel the difference.
The sublimation plates are made up of high-quality ceramic compressed at the highest temperatures. And that makes them durable and long-lasting.
With the high-temperature treatment, the plates can absorb the ink all over the surface and keep it grabbed for a long time.
Keep in mind, that it pertains to the treatment during the heat absorption. So, anything you spill or put on it after that can be easily removable apart from the design you make on it.
Reason 2: Sublimation plates don’t penetrate chemicals
You’re using the ink to make the sublimation printing and it consists of various chemicals.
And them getting spread means your food will be intoxicated. But the sublimation plates refrain from making that happen.
The sublimation plates keep the ink in such a way that the surface of the plate just mixes the ink fully.
There is no way it can get out of the surface. It is such that, the printing will be done like a default step while making the plate.
Reason 3: Sublimation plates prevent bacterial formation
Sublimation plates are non-porous. That means, there are no scopes for any bacterial formation and spreading on the plates.
In addition, you are getting all the feasibility of washing and dining on the plate under all the circumstances.
This provides you the feasibility of maintaining both the hot and cold temperature of your food.
Also, you won’t have to worry while washing it with chemicals and soaps. In fact, most sublimation plates are dishwasher safe as well.
Check List on Is Sublimation Ink Food Safe
The ink you use on sublimation has to be safe and sound, no excuses for that.
And you don’t have to wander here and there in search of the preferred ink for sublimating. Here are some checklists you just need to maintain while buying the ink.
Point 1. ISO-9001 certification
ISO-9001 is a certification for the ink to be safe and sound for mass people usage.
It is a benchmark of quality management. And when the ink is ISO-9001 certified, you can relentlessly go for that product.
Point 2. Checking customer reviews and feedback
There is no fault in not knowing any brand or product out there. Because there are always ways to know about it through the user’s experience and feedback.
You can easily know about the product by checking the reviews and comments of that specific product through the website.
Do the same for the sublimation ink as well. The best it’ll be if you can take the words in live from anyone or see one or two samples of the outcome of the ink.
Point 3. Brand popularity
The brand doesn’t grow just like that; it requires the user’s acceptance. And it is always recommendable to go for the most used or adapted brands in the market.
For sublimation ink, there are many like Hiipoo, Epson, INKXPRO, and whatnot. Check their reviews accordingly and get the one you want.
Point 4. Matching the type of printer and ink
Don’t just go blind and get any ink from the market. That’d be foolish of you. Watch and understand the type of ink your printer can consume and deliver and then go for the best ink out there.
You also have to consider the type of material you are going to sublimate. You need to have strong setting ink for sublimating on the plate.
How to Make a Food-Safe Sublimation Plate?
A food-safe sublimation plate is the same as sublimating other stuff. But the materials you are going to use for the purpose need to be firm and safe. You just can’t take anything without prior knowledge.
Setting everything firmly, you can go with the following:
- Make the design you want to put on your plates.
- Take the blank sublimation plate for printing.
- Use food-safe ink for printing.
- Print the design on the sublimation paper.
- Stick the paper on the plate and press it using the heat press.
- Hold it for a while and let the print get on the plate firmly.
- Cool and cure the plate for further use.
- Apply food-safe sealant if needed.
Materials needed for Sublimating on Plates
As said before, you have to be picky and choosey in selecting the desired and perfect material for sublimation. And from our bucket list, we got some for you.
2 Best Heat Press Machines for Food-Safe Sublimation Plate
The heat press machine is a part and parcel of sublimation. We got you two best heat presses for sublimation here:
1. OIIEE Heat Press Machine
With the 15×15-inch machine, you can easily press 5-inch t-shirts and plates up to 6 inches. Not only that, the heat press is ideal for pressing on mugs, frames, woods, steels, etc.
The OIEE heat press machine gives you super flexibility at work. You get to slide the table and put the stuff on it for pressing.
Moreover, you get to rotate the machine 360 degrees to use it to the fullest. To keep your printed material safe and sound, the surface of the table is made up of Teflon.
So, no worries about high-temperature adjustment out there, it can sustain up to 750℉. In addition to your safety, you can command the machine digitally and it’ll work through that.
2. HORGELU Heat Press Machine
This Teflon-coated heat press machine like most others in the market can print plates well, especially the sublimation ones.
Other than that, you can use it for printing shirts, pants, hats, blankets, and other everyday stuff.
Safety is the first and foremost condition for any heating material, and the same has been prioritized in the HORGELU heat press machine.
Just like the previous one, there is an adjustable table with a rotating function implied on the table.
We loved the aluminum heat plate is the perfect one for heat transferring. It keeps the transfer paper firm and lets the ink perfectly set on the plates.
With the silicone mats underneath, the machine can sustain with 750°F heating.
2 Best Blanks Plates for Food-Safe Sublimation
Blank plates are many in the market. Are all of them preferable for sublimation? No.
So, what kind of plates can you sublimate on? Here you have two of such plates widely used for sublimation for their specialty.
1. MR. R Set of 2 (10-inches) Sublimation Blanks White Ceramic Moon Plate
A box of two blank plates, MR. R is the perfect sublimation plate we can recommend for you.
The texture, heat compression, and composition to hold the ink on the surface are amazing.
The plate is made up of AB-grade porcelain. It is of 10-inch diameter with the feasibility of standing and easy storage.
Thanks to the layer and plate composition you should never hesitate to use it for dishwashing or microwaving.
As it is fully sublimation coated, you use the preferred heat press for transferring ink on it, i.e., you can use it for sublimation printing.
Use the MR. R sublimation paper which is available in the market for sublimation printing on this plate.
2. MR. R Set of 2 (8-inches) Sublimation Blanks White Ceramic Moon Plate
The same thing again, but in a smaller size. MR. R white ceramic plate is the perfect one for sublimation printing.
We are recommending the same brand twice in different sizes. So, you have to understand how significant and superb the plates are.
Unlike the previous one, these plates are 8 inches in diameter, coming in the same number in the pack. You’ll be getting two plates to stand for the two plates of the package as a whole.
The surface of the plates is durable and fully compatible with sublimating. Don’t forget to use the MR. R paper for the purpose.
You can use them in your daily life usage for eating, portraying, or showing pieces after printing your desired design on it.
It is an ideal-sized plate for serving in corporate or any other programs as well.
2 Best Inks for Food-Safe Sublimation Plate
Is sublimation ink food safe? Well, yes, it is. But then again, you have to choose the correct one and use them in the preferred manner. Here you have two of such inks:
1. INKYOUEXPERT Sublimation Ink
Arguably, the best feature of the ink is its compatibility with all kinds of printers.
You don’t have to ponder again and again and search for your suitable sublimation inks. In fact, the ink is enough to print on clothes, plates, mugs, wood, etc.
These refillable inks come in 100 ml bottles, enough to sustain for a long time. You can easily use them for quite a long time. The longevity is amazing, won’t fade so easily.
Also, it is recommended not to use it on the cotton surface. You won’t be getting the fine texture and longevity on it.
So, the best way of using the ink is for other appliances, especially plates as we have done. To date, the plate has been used regularly and there are no signs of ink fading there.
2. Printers Jack Sublimation Ink
This ink is an upgraded version for EcoTank printers. It is a specialized ink for a specific printer, but the quality and outcome hold the specialization.
When trying it on the plates, the ink seems to mix with the surface and settles so firmly that it persists after hundreds of washes.
Not only the ink’s shelf life is long, but also its longevity on the surface is pretty strong and rigid. Not even the strongest of the washes or microwave treatments can remove it.
The three-layer technology sets the ink firmly on the surface and allows the heat to press the ink well. It’s an outstanding feature for non-porous surfaces like plates.
FAQs
1. Are Sublimation Plates FDA-Approved for Food Use?
Yes, sublimation plates are FDA-Approved for food use. You can use the plate for regular food consumption irrespective of the temperature of the food.
2. Can I Safely Microwave or Heat Food on Sublimation Plates?
Yes, the layers of the sublimation plate are suitable for microwaves. The composition of polymer coating allows it to withstand the heat.
3. How Should I Clean Sublimation Plates to Maintain Food Safety Standards?
You can clean sublimation plates by normal handwashing using dishwashing soap or liquid soaps. No need to be fancy on it. Rinsing with normal water is preferred to hot water for the ink removal possibility.
4. Can Sublimation Plates Be Used for Both Hot and Cold Food Items?
Yes, you can use the sublimation plates for both hot and cold food items. The polymer layer won’t be damaged for the food temperature at least.
5. Can I Safely Use Sublimation Plates for Children’s Meals or Baby Food?
Yes, definitely you can use sublimation plates for children’s meals or baby food. In fact, the designs on the plates will attract the kids to have meals on them.
6. Can I Safely Serve Acidic or Alkaline Food on Sublimation Plates?
Yes, you can serve acidic or alkaline food on sublimation plates safely. There won’t be any issue with that as long as you are not damaging your hand or other body part.
Final Words
At least for now, you won’t have to worry about taking your meal on sublimation plates. In fact, you’ll never ponder on “Are sublimation plates food safe?”.
Because by now, you not only know the features of sublimation plates but also you can print one all by yourself.
Don’t forget to recheck our recommended materials for printing, as it’ll lower your hassle much more.
Pretty much sure, you’ll be able to capitalize on sublimating not only on plates but also on clothes, mugs, and other accessories by the same procedure.
