What Is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is a technology for transferring images onto various surfaces using special inks and a heat press. The principle is simple: under high temperature (around 200°C / 392°F), sublimation inks transition from a solid to a gaseous state and penetrate the material's structure. After cooling, the dye remains inside the coating rather than on the surface — so the image won't crack, fade, or wash off.
This method is perfect for applying full-color photographs, logos, and vibrant designs to mugs, t-shirts, puzzles, phone cases, and dozens of other products. Whether you dream of starting a personalized gift business or simply want to master a new technology — this guide is for you.
What Do You Need for Sublimation Printing?
Before you begin, you'll need a basic set of equipment and materials. Let's look at each element:
- Sublimation printer — a special inkjet printer filled with sublimation inks. For beginners, A4-format models work great — they're compact and affordable. Popular options are based on Epson printers with a continuous ink supply system (CISS).
- Sublimation inks — special inks that transition to a gaseous state under heat. Don't confuse them with regular inks — the result will be completely different. In our consumables catalog, you'll find quality inks for any printer.
- Sublimation paper — has a special coating that holds the ink until the transfer moment. Regular office paper won't work — the image will be dull and blurry.
- Heat press — the main tool for image transfer. There are different types: flat heat presses for t-shirts and fabrics, mug presses with cylindrical shape, and combination (multifunctional) models like "5-in-1" or "8-in-1".
- Sublimation blanks — products with a polymer coating onto which the image is transferred. These can be white mugs, polyester t-shirts, puzzles, keychains, magnets, pillows, and much more.
For those who want to get everything at once, there are ready-made sublimation kits — they include a printer, inks, paper, and other consumables.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let's get to practice. Here are the five main steps of sublimation printing:
Step 1. Prepare Your Image
Open a graphic editor (Photoshop, CorelDRAW, or free GIMP/Canva). Create a layout at the required size with 300 dpi resolution. Important: you must mirror the image (flip horizontal), otherwise text and logos will appear backwards after transfer. Use the CMYK color profile or your printer's specific ICC profile for accurate color reproduction.
Step 2. Print on Sublimation Paper
Load sublimation paper into the printer with the white (working) side facing the print head. Set the print quality to maximum and select paper type "Matte" or "Photo Paper." Print the mirrored layout. After printing, let the print dry for 3–5 minutes.
Step 3. Secure the Paper to the Blank
Place the printed paper with the image facing the blank's surface. Secure it with heat-resistant tape (Kapton tape) to prevent the paper from shifting during pressing. This is critical — even minimal movement will create a "ghost" (double image).
Step 4. Transfer with the Heat Press
Turn on the heat press and set the parameters. Standard settings for most blanks:
- Temperature: 180–200°C (356–392°F)
- Time: 40–90 seconds (depending on the product)
- Pressure: medium
For mugs, you typically need 180°C for 60 seconds; for t-shirts — 190°C for 45–50 seconds. Exact parameters are usually specified in the blank's instructions.
Step 5. Remove the Paper and See the Result
After the timer beeps, open the press and carefully remove the paper (use gloves — the blank is hot!). Remove the paper quickly in one motion. Done! You now have a vibrant, durable, and long-lasting product with your design.
Tips for Beginners
- Always do a test print. Before printing on an expensive blank, make a test print on regular white fabric or an old mug. This helps calibrate colors and verify sizing.
- Don't skimp on paper. Cheap sublimation paper can produce dull colors and uneven transfer. Quality paper pays for itself with the very first product.
- Watch the humidity. Sublimation paper absorbs moisture quickly. Store it in airtight packaging and print in a dry room.
- Use heat-resistant tape. Regular office tape will melt and ruin both the blank and the heat press.
- Use protective sheets. Place parchment paper or a Teflon sheet between the blank and the press — this protects against accidental ink stains.
- Record your settings. Keep a log: which design, which blank, temperature, time, pressure. This allows you to quickly replicate successful results.
- Start with mugs. Sublimation mugs are the simplest and most popular product. They're inexpensive, the process is straightforward, and the result always impresses.
How Much Can You Earn?
Sublimation printing isn't just a hobby — it's a promising business. The cost of one printed mug is approximately 40–60 UAH, while the selling price ranges from 150 to 350 UAH depending on design and order volume. T-shirts with custom prints sell for 300–600 UAH at a production cost of 120–180 UAH. The payback period for basic equipment is 1 to 3 months with regular orders.
The most profitable niches: corporate gifts, holiday souvenirs, personalized items (birthdays, weddings, etc.), merchandise for bloggers and brands.
Ready to get started? At the My Print online store, you'll find everything you need: sublimation printers, heat presses, sublimation blanks, and consumables. And if you want a complete set right away — check out our ready-made sublimation kits. Our managers are always happy to help you choose equipment for your needs and budget!