Wood and stone grain transfer, also known as sublimation transfer or heat transfer printing, is a process that uses specially designed transfer paper and high-temperature vacuum to sublimate grain patterns into the pre-coated surface of aluminum panels or profiles.
The process begins with the aluminum substrate receiving a base coating (typically polyester or PVDF), which serves as an ink receptor. A transfer film printed with the desired grain pattern is wrapped around the workpiece, which is then placed in a vacuum bag and heated in a specialized oven. Under heat and vacuum, the ink sublimates (converts from solid to gas) and penetrates the coating layer, becoming permanently embedded.
The result is a grain pattern that is part of the coating itself — not a surface layer. This means the pattern cannot peel, chip or delaminate under normal use. Ballesta's transfer facility handles panels up to 6 meters in length and can process multiple pieces simultaneously for efficient batch production.
