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Sublimation printing is a specific process of printing that first involves printing onto a special sheet of paper using sublimation ink, then transferring that image onto another material (usually polyester or a polyester mix). When the ink from your special sublimation transfer paper is heat pressed onto your substrate (t-shirt, fabric, mug, mousepad, keychain, etc.) and reaches a certain high temperature, the ink is transformed into a gas. This occurs because the heat not only releases the gas from the sublimation ink, but also opens up the pores of the polyester, polymer, or polymer-coated item you are heat pressing onto. Once your heat press presses the transfer paper onto your item and then releases the pressure, the temperature is allowed to cool, at which point the sublimation ink turns back into solid form and the pores permanently close — thus encapsulating the ink within the polymer coating of your substrate. Basically, the heat and pressure make the substrate literally gobble up the ink like Pac-man. You end up with images that won’t crack or wear after several uses and the visuals will last as long as needed. Don’t you just love science?

If you need additional assistance, we got you! One-on-One Crafting Sessions If you are more of a hands-on learner, you can book one of the one-on-one crafting sessions. LEARN: If you are new to heat transfer vinyl, adhesive vinyl, or sublimation and would like to learn a technique or just try it out to determine if you want to invest, this is for you! All materials will be provided and sessions start at $20+/hr. IN-PERSON PRACTICE: If you would like assistance with a project or would like to troubleshoot, then this is for you! Bring your own materials (not a heat press or convection oven). Starts at $10/hr. IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL Custom Crafting Companion DesignZ by Destiny has created the Custom Crafting Companion app that allows you to find information quickly and easily about the associated fabric/material, temperature, and pressing time without having to reference online sources or outdated paper instructions. Using this app can save you lots of search time for different materials, such as heat transfer paper, heat transfer vinyl, and sublimation substrates from some of the most popular vendors. There is also the option to add notes and even save your most used materials as a favorite. ​ All information is directly from the manufacturers' listed information. Equipment brands may differ in functionality and as a recommendation, please test out settings for your equipment first. ​ Want to know the greatest part...besides all the great information you get with the app? There is no installation and all updates are automatic! You save the app to your Home Screen and VOILA! For a limited time, you can get the Custom Crafting Companion App for free using the coupon code CCC4ME.

Why do sublimation? Let's find out!

Time to see what you have learned and to gather your thoughts regarding sublimation and if it is right for you.

This course will provide step-by-step instructions for sublimating mugs, along with the equipment needed, two different methods, tips, and tricks. This course includes: - Self-paced lessons - Downloadable resources - Full lifetime access - Mobile-friendly - Group access

Mugs are common gifts, souvenirs, and keepsakes, so we often associate them with a beloved person, place, or time. The emotions the mug evokes can be potent, even if you aren’t aware of the source. Some people are very possessive over their mugs, especially if there's a particularly candid quote or saying or even if it just has their name on it. They can be very quick and easy to make as long as you have the right equipment. You cannot just use any mug you pick up in the store. The mug has to be coated with a polyurethane coating in order for the ink to stick (see the Starting with Sublimation course for the science behind this). Now some people get lucky and try out random mugs they see in big chain and grocery stores and happen to find something that works, but you have to determine any risk in damaging your equipment or the possibility of melting or burning a mug that is not properly coated. One of the best parts about making sublimation mugs is that they are safe in the dishwasher and microwave!

STEPS Wipe with alcohol. Wipe your mug with isopropyl alcohol to ensure there are no dust particles or lint. Create design and mirror/flip before printing. Once you have your design created in the proper template (created by you or provided by the vendor), print it on the sublimation transfer paper. Make sure the image is mirrored/flipped. Cut your design. Cut your design to the desired length and height based on your template. If you are not able to get the measurement from your template or the vendor, measure the height and circumference of the mug to determine how large your design should be. The paper should not overlap the handle. Full bleed sublimation on mugs (having the design go all around the mug above, below, and under the handle) is possible but it takes what feels like geometry and physics to make it work properly. Tape your design. Adhere your design to the mug using heat tape vertically along the sides of the transfer paper. Make sure that the transfer is flat against the surface of the mug with no air pockets or bubbles as you wrap it around. Wrap the mug. You may use either shrink wrap or a mug silicone wrap. Shrink Wrap - Place the shrink wrap over the mug. Use a heat gun to allow the shrink wrap to tightly form around the mug. For best results, hold the handle while using the heat gun to make sure the shrink wrap is flat where the design is. Do not heat it too much or the shrink wrap will stretch and break open. Silicone Wrap - Place a piece of parchment or butcher paper in between the silicone wrap and the mug. If you have the silicone wrap that has the lock, squeeze the metal clasp or tighten the screw (adjust as needed to ensure tightness). If you have the regular wrap, secure the ends with heat tape. With silicone wraps, you must allow them to completely cool in between uses to avoid stretching the silicone. Check the oven. Turn on your convection oven so that it can reach the optimal temperature for the substrate. You should have received instructions from the vendor where you purchased the mug. Based on your equipment, the temperature may vary and you may have to adjust. For example, my convection oven runs cooler than it should, so I have to adjust it to 425F instead of 400F as recommended by the vendor. It took many mugs to determine what works for my equipment. Don’t forget….the Custom Crafting Companion is great for this…hint, hint. Check the oven…again. Once the convection oven is ready, make sure the correct time and temperature are set. Cook the mug. Place your mug into the oven and start the time. I do one mug at a time to be safe, but multiple can be done with an increase in the time to ensure all items get enough heat. Again, you would have to determine what would work for your equipment. Remove mug from oven and paper from mug. Once time is up, put on your heat gloves and remove the mug from the oven. Remove the transfer paper and tape from the mug. If you have a ceramic mug, immediately dip the mug at an angle and very quickly into the tub or bowl of water. This will allow the sublimation process to cease. Keep in the water for at least one minute or until cool to the touch. Remove the mug from the water and wipe the excess water off. If using a stainless steel mug, set aside and allow to cool.

Mugs are one of the most popular items to sublimate on. Let's check out how it's done.