Hi friend! Welcome to my Sublimation FAQs page! I share sublimation projects on the daily across all my social media and I get a lot of questions so I thought I should put all the answers in one place for easy reference, enjoy!
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Sublimation FAQs
I will be updating this list of sublimation FAQs regularly, so be sure to bookmark for future use!
What is Sublimation?
Sublimation is a type of printing that allows for images to be transferred onto objects made of polymers. This is done by using special inks and a heat press. The inks are heated to a high temperature and then transferred onto the object. The object is then placed in a heat press, where it is heated to a high temperature again. This causes the inks to actually become gas and bond with the polymers in the object. Once the object has cooled, the image is permanent. Learn more about sublimation in my Sublimation Guide for Beginners.
What Printer Do You Use?
I have an Epson F170 Sublimation Printer. It prints up to 8.5 x 14 paper and uses EPSON Sublimation Ink.
What Sublimation Ink Do You Use?
I use EPSON Sublimation Ink.
What Sublimation Paper Do You Use?
My favorite sublimation paper is ASUB125g. It has great ink transfer and yields awesome results consistently. I also use PYD Life Sublimation Paper which is very comparable to ASUB.
Why Do You Use Two Colors Of Heat Tape?
I usually use either pink or blue heat tape. I fill my heat tape dispenser with whatever I have on hand. They both work the same. In older posts, you might see me use yellow heat tape, but I have since changed to blue or pink.
Why Do You Use Butcher Paper?
I use butcher paper to prevent ink bleed or ink transfer onto my heat pad or heat press. I also use it inside items like bags and shirts to prevent the sublimation ink from going through. I purchase large rolls of butcher paper from Sam’s Club and I also use PYD Life butcher paper.
What Is Your Favorite Tumbler Press?
While I do like the HTVRONT Auto Tumbler Press (read about it here) and my traditional Tumbler presses, my favorite is actually the Sublimation Oven. You can see why in my Tumbler Press vs. Oven comparison post. If you are only going to sublimate mugs, then I recommend the Cricut Mug Press.
Which is your favorite Heat Press?
This is like asking which child is my favorite! So many factors are involved, such as price point, ease of use and personal preference. If you want an auto press at a great price point and you don’t mind the drawer feature, I recommend the HTVRONT Heat Press (read my review). If you have a bigger budget and prefer a more open auto press, I recommend the Cricut Auto Press (Read my Review). Both work well with HTV and Sublimation. If your work with DTF or Puff HTV, you will need more pressure so a traditional press is best. I recommend the Heat Press Nation Swing Heat Press.
How Do You Wrap and Tape Your Tumblers?
I have a whole post showing you how I have learned to minimize ghosting on my 20 oz. tumblers. You can read it here.
Why Do You Use Shrink Wrap in the Sublimation Oven?
Unlike a tumbler press, the oven doesn’t apply pressure to the substrate. Shrink wrap applies the necessary pressure for a consistent result. Some people do not use shrink wrap and they say they have success, so you can try it without. But I always use shrink wrap and I also do not turn the tumblers while they are in the oven.
How Are Your Prints So Bright?
I use ASUB 125g sublimation paper, I also enhance the colors/vibrancy in photoshop before printing. Occasionally, I double print, meaning I will print the image then put the paper back in my printer and print again. Note, your mileage will vary depending on your printer, ink, paper and substrates. Also, your monitor settings can make my video colors look different.
What Are Your Printer Settings?
The settings on the Epson F170 are fairly simple. I use High Quality and I turn off bidirectional printing. Then I choose if it’s a rigid or fabric substrate. I leave the color correction setting on “automatic”.
What Program Do You Use to Print?
I use Canva to create my prints. I download a Print PDF (best for printing, with CYMK format) and use adobe to print.
How Do You Print Larger Images on Your Printer?
Since my printer doesn’t print larger than 8.5×14, I need to use Canva to spread an image across two or more images. I created a video below:
Have more Sublimation FAQs? Drop them below and I’ll add them to my list.
Be sure to follow me on social @michellespartyplanit!
Happy Crafting and have fun!
- Unlocking Sublimation: A Guide to Sublimation
- Sublimation Oven or Cricut Mug Press – Which is Best?
- HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Product Review
- Cricut Maker VS Cricut Maker 3 – Which Cricut Machine is Right for you?
- Cricut Glue Gun Product Review
- How to Sublimate Frosted Glass Can Tumblers with the Cricut Mug Press
- How to Sublimate Tumblers with the Cricut Mug Press
- How to Sublimate on Wood With or Without a Sublimation Printer