Sublimation Times & Temperatures Guide
Sublimation is a fantastic way to transfer vibrant and long-lasting designs onto a wide variety of materials, but getting the perfect transfer requires using the right times and temperatures. It’s important to note that sublimation is often a process of trial and error – what works for one item may need adjustments for another.
We've put together this guide with recommended settings to help you achieve the best results. We recommend grabbing yourself a pretty notebook and once you've found a time & temperature that works perfectly for you, write it down!
Why Sublimation Requires Trial and Error
Every heat press, sublimation paper, and substrate (material you’re printing on) can behave differently, so what works perfectly on one machine may need tweaking on another. Factors like the thickness of your material, the type of coating, and even the environment (humidity or temperature) can influence the outcome. That’s why testing is crucial before committing to a large batch.
Recommended Sublimation Times and Temperatures
Below are the sublimation times and temperatures that we recommend as a starting point. Remember, these settings can vary slightly, so be ready to adjust based on your results.
100% Polyester Garments
- Recommended Temperature: 180 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 50-60 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Medium - Firm
Poly-Cotton Blend Garments
- Recommended Temperature: 190 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 60 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Medium - Firm
Polyester Linen Garments
- Recommended Temperature: 190 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 60 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Medium - Firm
The Mumbles Mini Range
- Recommended Temperature: 180 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 60-70 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Medium
Ceramic Mugs
- Recommended Temperature: 185 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 185 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Firm
Ceramic Coasters & Ceramic Hanging Decorations
- Recommended Temperature: 190 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 120 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Firm
Aluminum Sheets:
- Recommended Temperature: 180 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 60 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Firm
Glass Cutting Boards & Coasters:
- Recommended Temperature: 200 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 180 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Firm
Mouse Mats:
- Recommended Temperature: 200 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 60 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Medium - Firm
Cushion Covers:
- Recommended Temperature: 195 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 60 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Medium - Firm
Slates:
- Recommended Temperature: 195 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 60 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Medium - Firm
Bamboo Chopping Board:
- Recommended Temperature: 190 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 60 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Medium - Firm
Oak Veneer Items:
- Recommended Temperature: 180 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 60 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Medium - Firm
Jigsaw Puzzles:
- Recommended Temperature: 180 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 60 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Medium - Firm
Cast Acrylic Items:
- Recommended Temperature: 180 Degrees
- Recommended Press Time: 180 Seconds
- Recommended Pressure: Firm