Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is a digital printing process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto primarily Man-Made materials. (source)

Print a design onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks
Place the paper onto a product and heat it with a heat press or iron
The heat turns the inks into a gas and the material absorbs the ink
Result is a permanent, vibrant print that won’t fade or crack over time

Two Machines to Print

File types: PDF or JPG, Resolution: at least 150 ppi, file size at least 1 MB (depending on size)

Large format Mimaki Printer

Print File can be up to 62 inches wide and approximately36 inches long (material prints from a roll).

Epson Desktop (special ink and paper)

Print file is letter or A4- 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches tall.

We have 2 Heat Presses

One is 16 x 20 inches

Other is 15 x 15 inches

Materials to Print

Here is the Amazon list we ordered from if you want to purchase more.

Fabric
Upcycle polyester sheets, blankets, fleece, drapes or table cloths.
PRINT AREA: up to 16 x 20 inches on press, larger with hand-held press
HEAT: 380℉ / 45 sec for poly broadcloth, lower to 300℉ for organza/sheer.

BYO T-shirts or garments
At LEAST 50% polyester
PRINT AREA: up to 16 x 20 inches on press, larger with hand-held press
HEAT: 380℉ / 45 sec

Sublimation Templates in Canva

You should start with fabric scraps, coasters, then mousepads. The tumbler is the hardest, so save that for when you feel you have the skills down.

MDF Materials

We have these in many shapes and sizes.
Check for a clear film attached to protect the print surface, remove it before printing.
If it is white on both sides then it is printable on both sides but do one side at a time.
These can all be printed at 350-375℉ / 45-70 sec

Round Luggage Tag
PRINT AREA: 4 inches

Square Luggage Tags
PRINT AREA: 3.8 x 2.4 inches

Signage or Photo Board

Magnets (wood board with adhesive magnet backing)
PRINT AREA: 2×2 inches

Bookmark
PRINT AREA: 3.75″ x 1.25″

Sublimation Keychains
PRINT AREA:
Rectangle 2.4×1.6 inches
Round 2 inches
Bone 2×1.4 inches
Square 2×2 inches

Metal Materials

Metal Business Card (Double Sided)
PRINT AREA: 3.4 x 2.1 inches
HEAT: 400°F / 60 seconds per side

20 oz Sublimation Tumbler
Use heat tape and shrink wrap with heat gun. Place seam at top. REVERSE TEXT!
PRINT AREA: 9.25 x 8 inches
HEAT: 360℉ / 40-50 sec

Metal Photo Blanks
Peel Off Protective Film!
PRINT AREA: 4×6 Inches
HEAT: 365℉ / 60-80seconds

PRINT AREA: 8 x 12 inches Aluminum Metal Signs
Peel Off Protective Film!
HEAT: 365℉ / 60-80seconds

Fabric Materials

Tote Bag
Needs very firm pressure.
PRINT AREA: 16 x 20″ or smaller
HEAT: 350℉ / 45 sec

Women’s Tank
Use paper inside, between fabric, to block bleed. 65% Polyester, 35% Combed Cotton
PRINT AREA: 16 x 20″ or smaller
HEAT: 380℉ / 45 sec

Coaster
PRINT AREA: 4 x 4 Inches
HEAT: 360℉ / 60-80 sec

Washcloth
Both sides are printable.
PRINT AREA: 12 x 12 inches
HEAT: 380℉ / 45 sec

Mouse Pad
Make your print a bit larger so it hangs over the edge (called a bleed).
PRINT AREA: 9.5″ wide x 8″ tall
HEAT: 380℉ / 45 sec

Drawstring Bag
Beware!! Avoid the rope and corners, they will melt. Use paper inside, between fabric, to block bleed.
PRINT AREA: 12 x 12 inches
HEAT: 360℉ / 45 sec

Sport Shirt
PRINT AREA: 16 x 20″ or smaller
HEAT: 380℉ / 45 sec

Patches
Use a lot of pressure, Beware of paper on back protecting iron-on glue. Sew onto finished product.
PRINT AREA:
Rectangle 3.15×2 inches
Round 2.37×2.37 inches
Shield 2.56×2 inches
HEAT: 400℉ / 30-40 sec