Introduction
Sublimation printing has become a favorite among crafters, small businesses, and print shop owners because of its ability to produce bright, permanent prints that never crack, peel, or fade. If you’ve ever admired vivid designs on shirts, mugs, tumblers, or keychains, there’s a good chance sublimation was involved.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about sublimation—how it works, what equipment you need, what items you can print on, and the pros and cons of using this powerful printing technology.
Sublimation printing is a process where solid dye transforms into gas when heated, bonding permanently to a polyester surface. Unlike vinyl or screen printing, sublimation becomes part of the material itself.
Where Sublimation Works
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Polyester shirts
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Tumblers and mugs
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Phone cases
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Metal sheets
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Ceramic tiles
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Sublimation blanks (specially coated)
1. Design Creation
Use design software to create or import artwork.
2. Printing with Sublimation Ink
A sublimation printer uses special dye-based ink to print onto sublimation paper. The design is printed in reverse (mirror mode).
3. Heat Transfer Process
A heat press applies:
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375–400°F
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40–60 seconds
This converts the dye into gas, bonding permanently to the object.
4. Cooling and Final Product
The item cools and the print becomes crisp, vibrant, and permanent.
1. Sublimation Printer
Popular choices include:
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Epson EcoTank converted to sublimation
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Sawgrass printers
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Epson SureColor F-Series
2. Sublimation Ink
3. Sublimation Paper
4. Heat Press
Clamshell, swing-away, mug press, tumbler press.
5. Polyester or Coated Blanks
Minimum of 65% polyester for shirts.
✅ 1. Permanent, High-Quality Prints
The design won’t crack, peel, or fade because it becomes part of the material.
✅ 2. Great for Photos and Gradients
Excellent for photorealistic images.
✅ 3. Low Startup Costs
Entry-level setups can be under $400.
✅ 4. Very Low Maintenance
Dye ink rarely clogs.
❌ 1. Only Works on Light-Colored Polyester
Dark fabrics won’t sublimate properly.
❌ 2. Requires Special Substrates
Items must be coated for sublimation.
❌ 3. Not Ideal for Cotton
Cotton does not permanently bond dye.
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Shirts
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Tumblers
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Coffee mugs
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Keychains
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Coasters
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License plates
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Photo panels
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Mousepads
1. Use high polyester content
The higher the polyester, the brighter the print.
2. Protect your heat press
Use butcher paper to avoid ink transfer.
3. Adjust heat and pressure
Every blank requires slightly different settings.
4. Store paper properly
Humidity can affect transfer quality.
Sublimation printing is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to create beautiful, long-lasting products for personal use or business. Its ability to deliver vibrant prints on a wide range of products makes it a top choice for crafters and entrepreneurs. With the right equipment and technique, anyone can create professional-quality sublimation items from home.
Shop now at creative inkers: https://creativeinkers.com/shop/
