To achieve perfect customisation, you need to know some sublimation tips that aren't always found in the manuals. These tips are like having an ace up your sleeve to ensure your customisable items turn out flawlessly.

In this post, we present 14 practical tips that are not found in the manuals, but will help you remarkably improve your sublimation projects.

Make sure to use the correct side of the paper.

It is a common mistake among beginners, but not so rare. Ensure that the printed side of the paper is in direct contact with the surface of the product you are going to print on. For a correct process, first place the product, then the paper with the printed side facing down on the product, and finally the protective paper to ensure optimal transfer.

Preheat the material

The ambient temperature in your workshop can vary significantly depending on the location and time of year, which affects the operating time of the transfer press. On cold days, add a few extra seconds to the pressing time to ensure a correct transfer.

Therefore, it is advisable to preheat the material before sublimation. This will help ensure that, even on the coldest days, the final product comes out perfect and without issues.

Remove the moisture from the sublimation paper.

Environmental and storage conditions can cause the sublimation paper to absorb moisture, affecting the print outcome. When damp paper is pressed, the steam can transfer to the product, resulting in outcomes like these:

To resolve it, preheat the paper 5-10 cm away from the hot plate of the iron for 20 to 40 seconds. This will allow the heat to evaporate the moisture. The colours on the sublimation paper may appear faded. Do not worry, this is normal. The colour adjustment will occur during the heat transfer process.

And you might wonder: how do I know if it has moisture? It's very simple. If the edges of the paper are lifted, it might have moisture. To prevent this issue, store the paper in a dry place, in containers or resealable bags.

Carefully remove the film

Some sublimable substrates have a clear protective plastic film that must be removed before sublimation. Ensure the surface is clean before starting. When removing the film, be careful not to damage the edge of the product.

The best method to remove the film is to use the adhesive side of another film that has been previously removed. Glide the adhesive part over the product's surface from one corner towards the centre. If you do not have another film, you can use your fingertip to gently lift the edge.

Prepare the design with bleed

To ensure precise alignment and complete sublimation of the product, add a "bleed" or margin to the design. Extend the background of the design to be 3 to 6 mm larger than the sublimable product.

Once printed, place the product face down on the printed paper, ensuring it is centred with an even margin on all sides. Then, fold the edges of the paper over the back of the product and secure them with heat-resistant tape to keep it in place.

Avoid shadows in your sublimations

To prevent shadows or double images when opening the transfer press or removing the paper while hot, use a sheet of paper larger than the surface of the product. Secure the paper with heat-resistant tape on the back of the material to be printed.

Additionally, whenever possible, wait for the product to cool slightly before removing the sublimation paper and the adhesive tape. This will help you achieve a clean and professional finish without printing defects.

Time and temperature for sublimation

When sublimating, the standard recommended temperature for most products is 200ºC, with the press pressure set to medium or strong. However, sublimation times vary depending on the material, so it is crucial to consult the supplier's technical sheet for specific recommendations.

For larger products, especially those exceeding 22 x 30 cm, it is advisable to increase the pressing time by 15 seconds more than indicated, adjusting in 10-second intervals as necessary to achieve optimal colours. Bear in mind that excessive time can negatively affect the final result.

Careful, it's hot!

When removing a product from the transfer press, such as a mug at high temperatures, always ensure you use thermal gloves to protect yourself from burns. Keeping your hands safe while working is essential.

How to prevent buckling

To prevent warping in large flat surfaces, such as metal, wood, or plastic, cool them face down on a flat surface and place a heavy object on top. This helps to keep them straight during cooling.

Never attempt to bend an object while it is hot, as you could damage both the surface and the print. This ensures that your sublimation work maintains its original quality and shape.

Solution to sublimation irregularities

Faded areas or uneven colours in your sublimations may be due to uneven heat distribution, excessive pressing time, or incorrect pressure.

To ensure a constant and even temperature across the surface of the press, we recommend using a pad or a Teflon sheet and to verify it, use a laser pointer thermometer. These accessories help to balance the heat, reducing the likelihood of irregularities and improving the quality of your prints. Always adjust the time and pressure according to the supplier's recommendations.

Stains in sublimation

Residual ink from previous jobs can leave stains on your future sublimations. To prevent this, ensure the heat plate of the press is always clean. You can use cleaning products or, better yet, protect it with a Teflon sheet.

Furthermore, it is essential to use protective paper on both the lower and upper plates of the press. This not only helps to keep the press spotless but also protects your future customised products from unwanted stains.

Double-sided prints

Although it is possible to sublimate both sides of a product simultaneously, it is not recommended, except for aluminium products. The ideal approach is to sublimate one side first, allow it to cool completely, and then work on the second side.

When printing on the second side, ensure you fold the paper behind the product and secure it with heat tape to prevent any movement during the process. This ensures a clean sublimation and avoids alignment issues.

How to store freshly sublimated products

To prevent inks from migrating between sublimated surfaces that are still hot, it is important not to stack the finished products directly on top of each other. Place a sheet of paper between each one to separate them.

Additionally, avoid wrapping sublimated products in film or plastic bags, as this can cause condensation and affect the print quality. Instead, wrap each product individually with paper before shipping, ensuring proper protection and presentation.

Durability outdoors

Although some sublimable products include UV protectors to extend the lifespan of the print, they are not designed for permanent outdoor use. Over time, the print will fade, depending on the ink used.

Although it has been shown that increasing print time enhances outdoor durability, this can negatively impact image quality. It is advisable to assess the necessary exposure and protection to optimise the durability of outdoor prints.

▶️ 🧐SUBLIMATION PROBLEMS and their SOLUTION 🙏 !!

If you wish to get more tips on sublimation, common issues and their solutions, we recommend that you read this article dedicated to this topic on our blog. You can also watch the video below, where we show you the most common sublimation mistakes and how to avoid them:

We hope these sublimation tips are very useful to you! We would love to hear about your own experiences and suggestions. What tips can you share for achieving optimal results in sublimation?

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave us a comment. We are here to assist you. Additionally, you can contact our Customer Service team for more information or to address any concerns.

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