How We Make Our Custom Slipmats for Turntables: 5 Simple Steps with Im

How We Make Our Custom Slipmats for Turntables: 5 Simple Steps with Images

Have you ever wondered how custom slipmats for turntables are made?

In this blog post, we’re taking you behind the scenes to show you our 5-step process, from the finalised artwork to the final product. Whether you’re a DJ, vinyl enthusiast, preparing for an album launch, or just curious about custom gear, you’ll get an inside look at how we create your custom slipmats—complete with step-by-step images along the way!

Step 1: Preparing the Artwork Digitally

Every custom slipmat starts with your artwork. After you've downloaded the Template for the Slipmats and submitted your artwork to us. We fine-tune the design on-screen, making adjustments if needed, to make sure it fits the slipmat perfectly. This step is all about getting your design ready for print.

A finished slipmat design on a computer monitor ready to be printed.

Step 2: Printing onto Sublimation Paper

Once your design is approved, we print it onto high-quality sublimation paper using specialist inks. This paper holds the design before it’s pressed and transferred to the slipmat. Sublimation printing gives rich, vibrant colours and crisp detailing, setting the stage for the next step.

A sublimation printed custom design is being printed on an Epson printer to be made into a slipmat.

Step 3: Arranging the Slipmat

Next, we carefully position the blank slipmat face down on the printed paper, making sure it's carefully aligned. It’s then taped in place to prevent movement during pressing—accuracy is key for a clean result.

Taping down a blank slipmat to sublimated paper to be made into a custom slipmat for use on a turntable.

Step 4: Pressing with Heat

After lining up the slipmat and taping it down, we press it using high heat and pressure. This pushes the ink right into the fabric so the design doesn’t just sit on top — it becomes part of the slipmat. The result is bold, long-lasting colour that won’t fade after a few spins.

The custom slipmat is placed on a Galaxy heat press, ready to be pressed to make the finished slipmat.

Step 5: Revealing the Final Print

After the slipmat has been pressed, we carefully peel the slipmat away from the sublimation paper to reveal the finished result. Your custom slipmats are now complete and ready to hit the turntable, online stores and merch tables.

Revealing the finished custom slipmat.

Finished Product

Here’s the final result: a fully customised slipmat featuring your design, ready for use in the studio, on stage, or at home.

Finished custom slipmat with a skull in black and white.

Finished printed custom slipmats for use on a turntable.

Conclusion

And that’s the process of making our custom slipmats in five simple steps. Every stage is done with care to make sure your slipmat looks great and performs perfectly on your turntable.

Create your custom slipmats by visiting our Custom Slipmat page to start your custom order today!