Beginner’s Guide to Sublimation Printing

This guide focuses on the unique aspects of sublimation using PNG files.

Welcome to Sublimation! A Beginner’s Guide

Sublimation is a printing method that uses heat to transfer dye into the material of a blank object, resulting in a permanent, high-quality, and crack-proof finish. This guide covers the basics you need to get started using our high-resolution PNG designs. 

What You Need to Get Started

The key difference from vinyl cutting is the equipment and materials: 

  • A Sublimation Printer: A dedicated printer (like a Sawgrass) or a converted Epson EcoTank filled with sublimation ink.
  • Sublimation Ink & Paper: Special ink and paper are required to make the solid-to-gas transfer.
  • A Heat Press: You need high heat and pressure, usually from a flat heat press (for shirts) or a mug/tumbler press (for curved items). A standard iron won’t work.
  • Sublimation Blanks: The item you are pressing onto must be polyester fabric (at least 65% poly, 100% recommended for best results) or a hard surface coated with a polymer coating (e.g., specially coated mugs, tumblers, keychains). Sublimation does not work on cotton. 

Step-by-Step: The Sublimation Process

Step 1: Design and Print (Mirror Image!)
Use your design software (Photoshop, Canva, or basic print software) to open our PNG file and size it to your blank. 

  • CRITICAL STEP: You must mirror (flip horizontally) your design in your print settings before hitting print! If you don’t, your text and image orientation will be backward on the final product.
  • Print onto the designated side of your sublimation paper. The colors will look dull on paper; they “pop” during the heat process. 

Step 2: Prepare Your Blank

  • For Fabrics: Use a lint roller to remove all dust and fibers (they will turn blue if you don’t!). Pre-press the fabric with your heat press for a few seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
  • For Mugs/Hard Items: Wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprints or dust. 

Step 3: Pressing the Design
Tape your printed design face-down onto your blank using heat-resistant tape to prevent shifting or “ghosting”. Cover everything with unwaxed butcher paper to protect your heat press from ink bleed-through. 

  • Heat Settings: Follow the manufacturer’s time, temperature, and pressure settings for your specific blank material. A common starting point for polyester shirts is 400°F (204°C) for 60 seconds. 

Step 4: The Reveal

  • Wear heat-resistant gloves! The items will be extremely hot.
  • Carefully remove the butcher paper and peel the sublimation paper off while it is still warm to reveal your permanent, vibrant design.
  • Allow the item to cool completely before handling or washing. 

Troubleshooting & Further Resources

  • My print has random blue spots: You likely had lint or dust on your blank before pressing. Always lint roll!
  • My colors look washed out: Ensure you are using a material with high polyester count and the correct temperature settings. Also, ensure you installed the correct ICC color profile for your ink/printer combination.
  • For advanced color management and troubleshooting, check manufacturer guidelines (e.g., Sawgrass or Epson). 

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