Sublimation mugs are a popular first sublimation project because the results look professional when done right.
What you need
- A sublimation printer with sublimation ink
- Sublimation paper
- Sublimation coated mug blanks (regular ceramic mugs will not work)
- A mug press or a convection oven with mug wraps
- Heat resistant tape and heat resistant gloves
Steps
- Design and size. Make the design to fit the printable area of your mug. Mirror the image before printing.
- Print on the printable side of sublimation paper using your printer’s sublimation settings.
- Wrap and tape the print tightly around the mug, print side against the surface.
- Press. Follow the time and temperature that your blank supplier recommends. These vary by mug and press.
- Cool and reveal. Carefully remove the paper with gloves.
Troubleshooting
- Faded colours: check the mug is sublimation coated and the press reached temperature.
- Blurry edges or ghosting: the paper moved. Tape it tighter.
- Uneven colour: the press pressure may be uneven. Adjust it.
Safety: presses and mugs get very hot. Work on a heat safe surface and keep kids and pets away.
TREVOR: add photos of a finished mug and the exact settings that worked for your press and blanks.
