Sublimation Printing: A useful Guide

What is Sublimation?

Sublimation is a printing process where heat is used to transfer dye onto materials like polyester fabric, ceramics, metals, or specially coated surfaces. It involves converting solid dye into gas without going through the liquid phase — hence the name sublimation.

What You Need for Sublimation

  1. Sublimation Printer
    Must be a printer specifically made or converted for sublimation.
    Popular brands: Sawgrass or Epson.
  2. Sublimation Ink
    Only use sublimation-specific ink. Standard inkjet ink won’t work.
  3. Sublimation Paper
    Special paper designed to hold and release sublimation ink efficiently.
  4. Heat Press Machine
    Used to apply heat and pressure to transfer the design.
    Flat press for shirts, coasters, placemats & keyrings etc
    Mug/tumbler press for curved items.
  5. Design Software
    Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Coral Draw
  6. Blanks (Items to Print On)
    Must be polyester-based or polymer-coated.
    Examples: Tea Towels (at least 65% polyester), Placemats, Mousepads, Coasters, Keyrings

Sublimation Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create or Import Your Design

  • Use your software to design or download high-resolution, mirrored images.
  • CMYK colour mode is ideal for accurate prints.

Step 2: Print on Sublimation Paper

  • Print the mirrored image using sublimation ink on sublimation paper.
  • Let it dry for a few minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Blank

  • Ensure the surface is clean,dry and free from dust.
  • Use lint rollers for fabrics and alcohol wipes for hard surfaces to remove any residue that may effect sublimation.

Step 4: Align and Tape the Print

  • Position the sublimation print face-down onto the blank.
  • Use heat-resistant tape to keep it in place.

Step 5: Heat Press the Item

  • Follow specific time/temp/pressure settings depending on the blank:
    Example (T-shirt): 400°F for 45-60 seconds, medium pressure
    Mug: 380°F for 180 seconds
  • Use protective sheets (like Teflon paper) to prevent ink bleed.

Step 6: Peel & Reveal

  • After pressing, peel off the paper (usually hot peel).
  • Admire your vibrant, permanent design!

Aftercare Tips

  • Wash sublimated apparel inside out in cold water.
  • Avoid bleach or strong detergents.
  • Sublimation designs won’t crack or peel — they’re infused into the material.

Common Issues & Fixes

Issue Cause Solution
Blurry images Design not sharp enough Use higher DPI/resolution
Ghosting Paper shifted during pressing Use more heat tape
Incomplete transfer Not enough pressure or time Adjust press settings
Faded design after washing Not polyester, or ink not fully sublimated  Use higher polymer content

 

Care
Always sublimate/press in a well ventilated area and if necessary, wear heat protective gloves as substrates do get very hot after being in a heat press.

We do offer a guide to heat press settings on each of our products, but this will vary between what press you use, what inks and paper is used.

Sometimes a bit of trial and error is needed before you find your correct settings.