How to do Sublimation Crafts


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What Tools are Needed for Sublimation Crafts? Sublimation crafts are so much fun! Personalization is the name of the crafting game and sublimation is the way to do it. Have you jumped on the sublimation craze yet?

How to do Sublimation Crafts!


Sublimation crafts are so much fun!


Personalization is the name of the crafting game and sublimation is the way to do it.


Have you jumped on the sublimation craze yet? 


Here's all the tools, supplies and machines you need in order to do sublimation crafts!


What Tools are Needed for Sublimation Crafts? Sublimation crafts are so much fun! Personalization is the name of the crafting game and sublimation is the way to do it. Have you jumped on the sublimation craze yet?

What do you need to have in order to do sublimation crafting?


Sublimation crafts are all the rage.


Everything from tumblers, totes, shirts and more!


Sublimation is super appealing because it is absolutely seamless, waterproof, and lasts so long!


I'm going to answer all your sublimation questions in this post!


Maybe you are interested in started a Sublimation Business!?


This will give you lots of great ideas, blanks and resources for that too!


What do you need to have in order to do sublimation crafting? Sublimation crafts are all the rage. Everything from tumblers, totes, shirts and more! Sublimation is super appealing because it is absolutely seamless, waterproof, and lasts so long! I'm going to answer all your sublimation questions in this post! Maybe you are interested in started a Sublimation Business!? This will give you lots of great ideas, blanks and resources for that too!

What is SUBLIMATION?


Sublimation is the process of changing the ink from a solid state to a gas state without going through a water phase. The special ink dyes turn to gas and fusing seamlessly into the sublimation coated blank surface.


Sublimation does not work on black blanks.


Sublimation works best on high polyester content fabric (at least 50% but the color will be less vibrant with less polyester).


Sublimation blanks are specially coated surfaces that are prepped to take the gas fusing. 


What are Sublimation Transfers?


Sublimation transfers involve printing a design onto special paper using sublimation inks.


The design is then transferred to a substrate, like fabric or ceramics, using heat, creating vibrant, durable, and detailed prints.



What is SUBLIMATION? Sublimation is the process of changing the ink from a solid state to a gas state without going through a water phase. The special ink dyes turn to gas and fusing seamlessly into the sublimation coated blank surface. Sublimation does not work on black blanks. Sublimation works best on high polyester content fabric (at least 50% but the color will be less vibrant with less polyester). Sublimation blanks are specially coated surfaces that are prepped to take the gas fusing.

Supplies needed for Sublimation crafting:


  1. You need to be able to print the special ink on sublimation paper. (or you can buy pre-printed sublimation prints or use Cricut Infusible Ink Transfers)
  2. You need to be able to heat press the sublimation paper onto a blank. (Either a hand held press, auto press, manual press, sublimation oven or tumbler press--typically needs to reach 390-400*F.)
  3. You need blanks. (mugs, tumblers, flags, bags, banners, totes, shirts, keychains...you name it!)
  4. You need accessories. (heat resistant tape, heat resistant gloves, heat gun, shrink wrap sleeves, etc)

Supplies needed for Sublimation crafting: You need to be able to print the special ink on sublimation paper. (or you can buy pre-printed sublimation prints or use Cricut Infusible Ink Transfers) You need to be able to heat press the sublimation paper onto a blank. (Either a hand held press, auto press, manual press, sublimation oven or tumbler press--typically needs to reach 390-400*F.) You need blanks. (mugs, tumblers, flags, bags, banners, totes, shirts, keychains...you name it!) You need accessories. (heat resistant tape, heat resistant gloves, heat gun, shrink wrap sleeves, etc)

What Type of Printer Do I Need for Sublimation?:


A specific printer is required for sublimation printing. 


It uses special sublimation ink...so you can take an Ecotank printer and only install sublimation ink.


Or you can buy an actual sublimation printer.


NOTE: Sublimation printers need to be plugged in all the time and used at least once a week (I do mine 3-6X's a week at least one picture) or they will get clogged.


My first sublimation printer clogged and broke, I literally used it 4 times and had to throw it away.


So, print very, very regularly.


NOTE 2: Sublimation prints should be reversed, then when you place the ink on the blank it will sublimate in the correct direction.


What is the Cheapest Sublimation Printer?


Here's some great printer options:


Printers: A specific printer is required for sublimation printing. It uses special sublimation ink...so you can take an Ecotank printer and only install sublimation ink. Or you can buy an actual sublimation printer. NOTE: Sublimation printers need to be plugged in all the time and used at least once a week (I do mine 3-6X's a week at least one picture) or they will get clogged. My first sublimation printer clogged and broke, I literally used it 4 times and had to throw it away. So, print very, very regularly. NOTE 2: Sublimation prints should be reversed, then when you place the ink on the blank it will sublimate in the correct direction. Here's some great printer options: Epson Ecotank Printer Converted to Sublimation (8.5x11 paper, this is what I am using) Sawgrass SG500 Printer (8.5x11 sheets of paper) Sawgrass SG1000 Printer (11x17 sheets of paper)

Sublimation Printer Ink:


If you do use a Ecotank printer, make sure it has never had regular ink in it.


I just needs to be filled with the sublimation ink to work.


Here's my favorite sublimation ink:

Hiipoo Sublimation Ink with 2XL Black Inks
(I find the black ink goes much faster than the colors so the 2 bottles of black is the BEST)

Sublimation Printer Ink: If you do use a Ecotank printer, make sure it has never had regular ink in it. I just needs to be filled with the sublimation ink to work. Here's my favorite sublimation ink: Hiipoo Sublimation Ink with 2XL Black Inks (I find the black ink goes much faster than the colors so the 2 bottles of black is the BEST)

What Heat Presses are Needed for Sublimation?: 

(I recommend the Cricut 12x10 EasyPress 3 or HTVRont Auto Heat Press for shirts, fabric, coasters and more...and the WalaPress Sublimation Oven for tumblers and bulky items)



There are so many more presses available, these ones are just the ones I am familiar with and like using myself.


The key to the heat press, is it should be able to reach 390-400*F for the best sublimation.


The original Cricut EasyPress (the aqua one) doesn't get hot enough.



Heat Presses: (I recommend the Cricut 12x10 EasyPress 3 or HTVRont Auto Heat Press for shirts, fabric, coasters and more...and the WalaPress Sublimation Oven for tumblers and bulky items) WalaPress Sublimation Oven WALAPress V3 15x15 Manual Heat Press HTVRont Auto Tumbler Heat Press HTVRont Auto Heat Press Cricut EasyPress 3 12x10 Blue Cricut EasyPress 3 Mini Blue Cricut EasyPress 3 9x9 Blue Cricut Mug Press Cricut Autopress Cricut Hat Press Cricut EasyPress Mat Cricut EasyPress 2 12x10 Raspberry Cricut EasyPress 2 Mini Raspberry Cricut EasyPress 2 9x9 Raspberry There are so many more presses available, these ones are just the ones I am familiar with and like using myself. The key to the heat press, is it should be able to reach 390-400*F for the best sublimation. The original Cricut EasyPress (the aqua one) doesn't get hot enough.


Sublimation Blanks:


Sublimation Accessories:


You will need to print your sublimation designs in reverse on sublimation paper.


It's about $15 for 150 sheets, so ten cents a sheet.


You'll need a heat gun, heat pen or embossing heat tool and shrink plastic sleeves for tumblers.


You need lots of heat resistant tape. 


I've never had any issues with any heat tape, but some people swear by certain colors or brands.


Tape dispenser, it's only $15 and worth every penny!



Blanks: Sublimation Blanks from Heat Transfer Warehouse Sublimation Blanks from Cricut Sublimation Blanks from HTVRont Accessories: Sublimation Paper Heat Gun Shrink Plastic Heat Resistant Tape Heat Resistant Tape Dispenser (optional but super nice) You will need to print your sublimation designs in reverse on sublimation paper. It's about $15 for 150 sheets, so ten cents a sheet. You'll need a heat gun, heat pen or embossing heat tool and shrink plastic sleeves for tumblers. You need lots of heat resistant tape. I've never had any issues with any heat tape, but some people swear by certain colors or brands. Tape dispenser, it's only $15 and worth every penny!

Here's my tutorial on setting up your EcoTank printer for sublimation.


It's really simple, especially using the Hiipoo ink.


Before sublimation took off, you had to use a syringe to fill the tanks, they have made it so easy.




How to Set Up a Sublimation Printer! Learn how to set up a sublimation printer for all sorts of fun crafts. This Epson ET-2760 Printer is perfect to add sublimation ink to, so you can transfer seamlessly onto sublimation blanks. It's easy to get your Ecotank printer set up for sublimation with these simple steps.


The Sublimation Oven is my favorite choice for sublimation objects.


You can do the 40 ounce tumblers as well as all the smaller sizes.


You can sublimate dog food dishes, bulkier items, keychains, and multiple tumblers at a time too!



More on the WalaPress Sublimation Oven from Heat Transfer Warehouse

How to Use the Sublimation WALAPress Oven from Heat Transfer Warehouse I love this Sublimation WALAPress Oven from Heat Transfer Warehouse! Sublimation ovens are awesome for lots of sublimation crafts. The WALAPress Sublimation oven is a great size, small enough to fit in my space, but big enough for larger projects or multiple projects at a time.


If you are going to be sublimating a lot of clothes...shirts, totes, sweatshirts, blankets, fabric, etc...this Auto Heat Press is awesome.


I've heard some people complain that it doesn't quite have enough pressure, so adding an additional pad to it helps.


I've had no issues at all.





The Auto Tumbler Heat Press is awesome!


I just did a full party using it exclusively.


I love it because it's compact size.


It's not complicated at all, just insert and click the button.


So simple, I really do love it!


I can do ceramic mugs, 16, 20 and 30 ounce tumblers, so if you are doing just those sizes, this is a perfect choice for you!



How to use the HTVRont Auto Tumbler Heat Press! Making sublimation tumblers is so much fun! There really is something so amazing about designing something or printing something off and then having it sublimated like magic onto a surface blank. I love making sublimation things for custom gifts; perfect for teachers, birthday's, holiday gifts and more!

What Images Should I Sublimate!?


Finding Sublimation images is a breeze!


You can design your own, like these cupcakes on my cute dress!




How to Make a Cupcake Sublimation Dress! Turn a boring or plain dress into a work of art with sublimation! This dusty pink dress was pretty drab...but looks amazing with colorful cupcakes all over it! Let me show you how easy it is to customize your fit with a few sublimation supplies.

You can use photographs for the ultimate in personalization, just remember to revers them before printing!



Using the HTVRont Auto Press to make a Sublimation Reverse Sequin Pillow

How to Make a Reverse Sequin Pillow with HTVRONT Auto Heat Press! See how easy it is to make a reversible sequin pillow using sublimation printing and the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press! I love personalized gifts, so sublimation is my current favorite. I love taking photographs, handwriting, art or other memories and infusing them into sublimation blanks. This is my first go at a reversible sequin pillow and I love it! I made this pillow for my sister. It's a fun picture from their engagement shoot, and it's the perfect surprise picture to reveal by reversing the sequins.

You can also use Cricut Infusible Ink for sublimation projects!



How to Use the Cricut Mug Press Making mugs is my favorite craft and Cricut has made it so easy! The Cricut Mug Press is a heat press that is designed specifically for sublimation on mugs, tumblers and other cylinders. Make a custom mug from start to finish in a half hour or less--the perfect craft for a last minute gift. The Cricut Mug Press is a game changer. I've been making sublimation mugs in the oven since last year and love how they turn out...but I love not having to use my kitchen for sublimation. The Mug Press is the perfect size for a craft shelf. It heats up fast and takes about 5 minutes to infuse a mug.




How to Make a Mario Brothers Sublimation Tumbler Have you seen the Mario Brothers Movie yet? We saw it last week and enjoyed it! It was full of nostalgia and bright colors. The story line was so simple, it's perfect for all ages. I was feeling nostalgic about my days playing Super Mario Bros 3 and thought I'd do a sublimation tumbler. Learn how easy it is to make a Mario Brothers Sublimaton Tumbler using Hitprex Tumbler Heat Press.

Where to Find Images:


Here's some of my favorite resources for free sublimation images:



And lots of people are just using AI generated art for their sublimation!


So many free options!


Other places for images that may cost a little are Etsy, Creative Fabrica, Hungry Jpeg, and other sublimation bloggers!



Where to Find Images: Here's some of my favorite resources for free sublimation images: Design Bundles (has a free section updated regularly!) Facebook Groups (like this one for tumbler wraps) And lots of people are just using AI generated art for their sublimation! So many free options! Other places for images that may cost a little are Etsy, Creative Fabrica, Hungry Jpeg, and other sublimation bloggers!

Sublimation Blanks from Amazon:


Sublimation blanks are coated so the sublimation ink will adhere to it beautifully.


There are new sublimation blanks every day--so there are always lots of fun options!


Sublimation Blanks from Amazon: Sublimation blanks are coated so the sublimation ink will adhere to it beautifully. There are new sublimation blanks every day--so there are always lots of fun options!

These sublimation glass cups/beer cans are my favorite! I love how they sublimate!


Sublimation Glass Beer Cans:






The Best Sublimation Shirts:

Find shirts or other clothing that is 100% polyester. This is the combination needed for vibrant colors when using sublimation transfers or Cricut Infusible Ink.
I love using work-out type shirts, they are usually high polyester!





Sublimation tumblers:







HTVRont Cares Charity Event for Girl Scouts! I was super fortunate to be asked to participate in HTVRont Cares & Tumbler Heat Press Charity event this year! HTVRont asked me to help give back to my community by creating custom tumblers for a group of people. HTVRont sent me the HTVRont Auto Tumbler Heat Press as well as stainless steel tumbler blanks and sublimation paper, and things to make my set up awesome.

Sublimation Coasters:





Sublimation mouse pads:




Sublimation Pillowcases:

10 pack Square Throw Pillow 40mm (15.7 inches square)



Sublimation puzzles:




Sublimation reversible sequin pillows:






Everything you need to know about sublimation crafting! Printers, paper, blanks, accessories and images!






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