With holiday shopping in full swing and packages arriving almost daily, I wanted a better way to keep our deliveries organized, protected from the weather, and out of sight from the street. I found a large outdoor storage box that fit perfectly on our front patio, but I still needed a way to help delivery drivers find it! Even though I’ve updated my delivery preferences with instructions on where to leave packages, I know those details can sometimes be overlooked during a busy delivery day. So, of course, I turned it into a DIY project! I made a custom sublimation doormat with a friendly reminder and a coordinating sign for the storage box. It’s a practical solution with a little creative touch, and I’m excited to show you how I made it!
DIY Sublimation Doormat for Package Deliveries
Today I’m sharing how I made my DIY sublimation doormat for package deliveries, including the supplies, heat press settings I used, important ventilation precautions, and a free design you can download through my Studio Letter newsletter!
Can You Sublimate a Doormat?
Yes, some doormats with polyester surfaces can accept sublimation ink. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the entire mat is designed to withstand sublimation temperatures.
For this project, I used the StyleWell Double Border Natural 18 x 30-Inch Doormat from Home Depot.
This mat has a woven polyester surface and recycled rubber backing. I liked the natural color and existing border because I wanted something that would look nice at our front door without screaming “PACKAGE DELIVERIES!” to the entire neighborhood.
One thing to remember is that sublimation ink is translucent. Since the mat isn’t white, the background color will influence the finished design. That’s why I chose dark lettering and botanical accents rather than relying on lighter colors that might disappear into the natural-colored surface.
Important: This is not a purpose-made sublimation blank. The rubber backing may be sensitive to high temperatures, and I experienced a strong odor during pressing. I recommend using a manufacturer-approved sublimation mat for anyone planning to recreate this project.
Supplies for a DIY Sublimation Doormat
- StyleWell Double Border Natural 18 x 30-Inch Doormat (the mat I used)
- Epson SureColor F570 sublimation printer
- Sublimation ink and paper
- Large-format heat press
- Butcher paper or protective paper
- Heat-resistant tape
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Free Package Delivery Doormat Design
For the coordinating package delivery station:
- Outdoor patio storage box from Walmart
- 8 x 6-inch sublimation aluminum sign blank
- Coordinating Package Deliveries sign design
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Get the Free Package Delivery Designs
Want to create your own package delivery station?
I’ve put together two coordinating designs that you can download for free through my VIP Template Library when you sign up for my Studio Letter newsletter!
- Delivery Doormat Design: A decorative design with a friendly reminder for drivers to place packages in the patio storage box.
- Package Delivery Sign: A coordinating design sized for an 8 x 6-inch sublimation metal sign.
GET THE FREE PACKAGE DELIVERY DESIGNS
Already a Studio Letter subscriber? You can find the designs in the VIP Creative Library!
How I Made My Sublimation Doormat
Step 1: Prepare the Design
I created my doormat design with a transparent background so the natural color of the mat would show through. My available pressing area was approximately 16 x 20 inches, so I sized the artwork to fit within that space.
Since the mat already has a decorative border, I didn’t want to add another border to the artwork. Instead, I chose a more organic design with botanical accents and easy-to-read lettering.
When preparing your design, make sure it fits comfortably within your available pressing area. And don’t forget to mirror your artwork before printing!
Step 2: Print the Sublimation Design
I used my Epson SureColor F570 sublimation printer to print the artwork. One of the things I appreciate about the F570 is being able to print larger designs without piecing multiple sheets together. I printed the design onto sublimation paper using my printer’s appropriate settings and made sure the artwork was mirrored.
Step 3: Prepare the Doormat
Before pressing, I made sure the mat was clean and free of loose fibers and debris. I positioned the printed design face down on the polyester surface, centering it within the existing border.
I used protective paper to help protect my heat press from stray sublimation ink. Because the mat has a rubber backing, I knew I needed to be careful with heat exposure. Rubber-backed household mats aren’t necessarily designed for sublimation temperatures.
Important: Ventilation and Heat Safety
Ventilation is extremely important when working with materials that release odors during heat pressing.
One thing I noticed during this project was the strong odor the doormat released when heated. It was noticeable enough that I want to specifically mention it before anyone considers trying this project. This mat has a rubber backing and wasn’t manufactured specifically for sublimation. Heating materials beyond their intended temperature range can release fumes or cause the backing to degrade. If you’re working with heat-transfer materials, use effective ventilation that exhausts fumes outdoors, rather than relying on an open window or fan alone. However, ventilation doesn’t make an unsuitable material safe to heat. A strong or irritating odor is a reason to stop pressing, not simply increase airflow and continue.
My recommendation: Choose a doormat specifically approved by its manufacturer for sublimation temperatures. I can’t verify the safety of repeatedly heat pressing this particular rubber-backed mat.
Step 4: Heat Press Settings I Used
For reference, these are the settings I used when making my doormat:
- Temperature: 400°F
- Time: 90 seconds
- Printer: Epson SureColor F570
- Design area: Approximately 16 x 20 inches
These settings document my experience with this project. They are not manufacturer-approved pressing instructions for the StyleWell mat and should not be treated as a recommendation to heat rubber-backed mats to 400°F.
After pressing, I removed the transfer paper and allowed the mat to cool.
Step 5: Set Up the Package Delivery Area
Once my doormat was finished, I placed it at the front door where delivery drivers naturally walk when dropping off packages. The message politely asks drivers to place packages in the storage box on the patio instead of leaving everything at the door.
I also added a large brown outdoor storage box beside our low patio wall. I wanted something roomy enough to hold multiple deliveries without making our front porch look like a shipping warehouse! Since the box is tucked away from the street, it helps keep packages less visible to people passing by.
Since I regularly receive larger packages filled with craft supplies and equipment, I chose a spacious storage box that could accommodate those deliveries. But there are plenty of smaller options available if you don’t need quite as much storage space!
You can find the patio storage box here:
SHOP THE PATIO STORAGE BOX AT WALMART
Make a Matching Sublimation Package Delivery Sign
Since I already had my sublimation supplies out, I decided to make a coordinating sign for the storage box.
I used an 8 x 6-inch glossy sublimation aluminum blank and created a design that reads:
PACKAGE DELIVERIES
Please place all packages inside the storage box and close the lid securely.
Thank you!
I also included logos for Amazon, FedEx, UPS, USPS, Instacart, and Walmart along the bottom. I placed the sign on top of the storage box lid so drivers can identify the designated delivery location. The coordinating metal sign design is available in my VIP Template Library when you sign up for my studio letter.
Outdoor durability note: Not all sublimation aluminum blanks are rated for outdoor exposure. Sunlight and weather may eventually cause fading, so an outdoor-rated sublimation blank is preferable for long-term use.
Tips for Designing a Sublimation Doormat
Choose Colors That Will Show Up
Sublimation ink is translucent, so colors will look different on a tan mat than they would on a white polyester blank. Darker colors generally provide better contrast. Lighter greens, yellows, and pastel colors may become muted or blend into the natural background.
Check the Mat Material and Heat Rating
Not every doormat can be sublimated safely. A polyester surface may accept sublimation ink, but the backing and adhesives also need to tolerate the required heat. Look for mats specifically intended for sublimation, with manufacturer-provided pressing instructions.
Keep Your Design Easy to Read
For a project like this, the message needs to be clear. I wanted something decorative enough to look nice at the front door, but practical enough that delivery drivers could quickly understand where to leave packages.
Consider Outdoor Exposure
Even though the doormat itself is designed for indoor and outdoor use, that doesn’t necessarily mean the sublimated artwork will be permanently fade-resistant. Sun exposure, weather, and foot traffic can all affect the finished design over time.
A Practical DIY Project for Holiday Package Deliveries
Between Christmas shopping, holiday gifts, and my usual craft supply deliveries, our porch can get pretty busy this time of year. And while I love a good DIY project, I especially appreciate one that solves an everyday problem!
My goal was to create a designated delivery area that helps keep packages organized and less visible from the street without covering the front of our house in signs. The patio storage box, coordinating metal sign, and custom sublimation doormat work together to make that setup a little more obvious to delivery drivers.
Of course, a storage box isn’t a theft-proof package locker, but keeping deliveries out of plain sight and safe from weather is still a practical improvement. And the best part? This isn’t just a Christmas project. The doormat and delivery station can stay in place all year long!
If you’ve been looking for something different to make with your sublimation printer, I hope this project gives you some creative inspiration.
Don’t forget to grab the free designs through my VIP Template Library when you sign up for my Studio Letter newsletter!
Happy creating!
