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