Enhance Your Air Freshener: Adding Fragrance To Sublimation

Sublimation air fresheners are a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your car or home. You can customise these air fresheners with images, characters, or text, and even add your favourite scent. The process is simple and can be done at home with the right equipment. In this article, we will focus on the steps involved in adding fragrance to your sublimation air freshener.

How to Add Fragrance to Sublimation Air Fresheners

Use essential oils or perfume

Sublimation air fresheners can be personalised with images and scents and are a great way to get started with your sublimation printer. Essential oils or perfumes are great options to add fragrance to your sublimation air fresheners. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use essential oils or perfume to scent your sublimation air fresheners:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Essential Oil or Perfume

It is important to choose a clear essential oil or perfume to avoid discolouring your air freshener. Test the oil on a small area first to ensure it is clear. Avoid oils with a tint as the colour may not fade when it dries. Pure essential oils without carrier oils are recommended.

Step 2: Applying the Fragrance

Add 8 drops of your chosen essential oil or perfume to the air freshener. You can apply 4 drops to the front and 4 drops to the back, or all 8 drops to the back to avoid direct contact with the design. Avoid getting the oil on the design as it may smear or bleed. Alternatively, you can dilute the essential oil or perfume with water and spray it onto the entire air freshener.

Step 3: Allow the Air Freshener to Cool

Once you have applied the fragrance, allow the air freshener to cool completely. This usually happens within a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Finishing the Air Freshener

After the air freshener has cooled, add the string, ribbon, or twine. If you are not going to use the air freshener right away, place it in an airtight bag to hold the scent. Sealing the air freshener in a bag will also help to intensify the fragrance and spread it evenly.

Tips:

• You can reapply the scent to your sublimation air freshener if it starts to fade.
• Remember that the scent will intensify in closed spaces, such as inside a bag or a car on a hot day.
• If using essential oils, opt for clear oils with no carrier oils. Scentsy is a recommended brand with a variety of great-smelling scents.
• If using perfume, opt for a fine mist spray bottle and dilute the perfume with water before spraying it onto the air freshener.

Ensure the fragrance is clear to avoid discolouration

When making sublimation air fresheners, it is important to ensure that the fragrance you use is clear to avoid discolouration. This is because any fragrance with colour can stain the air freshener.

Essential oils are a good option, as long as they are clear. It is important to test the oil first to ensure that it is clear. If you are using essential oils, be sure that they do not contain water, as this can cause bleeding.

If you are unable to find a clear essential oil, you can apply the fragrance to the sides or back of the air freshener to avoid discolouration. You can also dilute the essential oil with a little water and spray it onto the entire air freshener.

It is also possible to use perfume or fragrance oils instead of essential oils. If using fragrance oils, be sure to purchase them from a reputable source, as lower-quality oils may not last as long.

Additionally, when adding the fragrance, it is recommended to place a drop on each corner and side of the air freshener, or to dilute the oil and spray it onto the entire product.

Test the oil to ensure it is clear

When adding fragrance to sublimation air fresheners, it is important to ensure that the oil you are using is clear. This is because any fragrance you use that is not clear may discolour your air freshener.

To test the oil to ensure it is clear, you can perform a simple visual inspection. Hold the oil up to a light source and look for any discolouration or cloudiness. If the oil appears clear and free of any particles or sediment, then it is likely safe to use on your sublimation air freshener.

It is also important to note that even clear oils may leave a spot on the air freshener, so it is recommended to add the oil to the back of the air freshener only. This will help to avoid any smudging or smearing of the design on the front of the air freshener.

Additionally, be sure to use pure essential oils that do not contain any carrier oils or water. Water can cause bleeding, running, and smearing issues on your air freshener.

By testing the oil beforehand and following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your sublimation air freshener turns out looking and smelling great!

Dilute the oil with water and spray it on

Diluting essential oils with water is a great way to create sprays and air fresheners. However, due to the hydrophobic nature of essential oils, they do not naturally mix with water. To blend them effectively, you need an emulsifier or dispersant. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dilute essential oils with water and use them for your sublimation air fresheners:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Essential Oil

Select an essential oil that suits your preferences and intended use. Popular choices for air fresheners include lavender, lemon, and peppermint. Ensure the oil is clear to avoid discolouring your air freshener.

Step 2: Using a Carrier Oil (for Skin Applications)

If you plan to apply the diluted essential oil to your skin, it is recommended to use a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. Carrier oils help to dilute the potency of the essential oil, making it safer for direct skin contact. The typical ratio is 1 drop of essential oil for every 5-10 drops of carrier oil.

Step 3: Adding a Water-Based Emulsifier

To ensure the essential oil mixes evenly with water, you will need an emulsifier. You can use grain alcohol (20% of your mixture), liquid Castile soap (a few drops), or a specialised product like Solubol. The emulsifier helps the oil combine with water and can increase the shelf life of your spray.

Step 4: Mixing Ratio for Air Fresheners

When creating an air freshener spray, a common ratio is:

• 10-15 drops of essential oil
• 1 teaspoon of emulsifier (e.g., alcohol)
• 1 cup of distilled water

Step 5: Mixing and Application

Combine the essential oil, emulsifier, and water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the oil remains evenly distributed. After adding your chosen fragrance to your sublimation air freshener, remember to place it in a bag to hold and intensify the scent.

Additional Tips:

• Always dilute essential oils before use to avoid skin irritation and potential allergic reactions.
• Store your mixtures in a cool, dark place, preferably in glass containers, as essential oils can break down plastics over time.
• Test for allergies by performing a patch test before using any new essential oil or blend on your skin.

Seal the air freshener in a bag to hold the scent

Sealing the air freshener in a bag is an important step to hold the scent and intensify the fragrance. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this effectively:

Firstly, choose an appropriate bag for your air freshener. It is recommended to use the bags that come with the air freshener pack. These bags are designed to fit the air freshener perfectly and create an airtight seal. If you don't have these bags, you can use any resealable plastic bag that is slightly larger than your air freshener. Make sure the bag is clean and dry before use.

Before placing the air freshener in the bag, ensure that you have added the desired amount of fragrance. You can use essential oils, perfume, or any clear fragrance of your choice. It is important to test the fragrance beforehand to ensure it does not discolour the air freshener. Apply a few drops of the fragrance to each corner or both sides of the air freshener, depending on your preference.

Now, carefully place the air freshener inside the bag. If your air freshener has a string, ribbon, or twine attached, make sure it is tucked inside the bag as well. You don't want it hanging outside, as it may get in the way when sealing the bag.

Once the air freshener is inside the bag, it's time to seal it. If you are using the provided bags, they should have a resealable adhesive strip. Simply press the strip firmly to create an airtight seal. If you are using a different type of bag, you can use a heat sealer to create a secure seal. If you don't have a heat sealer, you can also use a household iron on a low setting to melt the bag closed.

After sealing the bag, give it a gentle shake to distribute the fragrance evenly. Place the sealed bag in a cool, dry place, and let it sit for a while. The longer you leave it, the more intense the scent will become. This process allows the fragrance to spread throughout the entire air freshener, not just the corners where you applied it.

Finally, when you are ready to use the air freshener, simply open the bag and hang it in your desired location. If you are not using it right away, you can store the sealed bag in a drawer or container to preserve the scent for longer.

Frequently asked questions