Heat Press Sublimation Settings (Temperature, Time & Pressure Chart)

Heat press sublimation settings typically range between 350°F and 400°F, with press times from 40 to 240 seconds depending on the material. Medium to firm pressure is standard for most substrates. Exact values vary by material type, coating, thickness, and press model.

Use the quick reference chart below to find correct temperature, time, and pressure settings for common sublimation blanks.

Quick Reference Chart

Use this chart for fast lookup of common sublimation press settings.

Material	Temperature	Time	Pressure	Notes
Polyester Fabric (100%)	385–400°F	45–60 sec	Medium	Light-colored, high-poly content required
Cotton Blend (Coated)	380–400°F	45–60 sec	Medium	Requires sublimation coating or HTV
Ceramic Mug	400°F	180–240 sec	Medium	Mug press or wrap recommended
Metal Panel	385–400°F	45–75 sec	Medium–Firm	Preheat 5 sec to remove moisture
Acrylic	360–380°F	50–70 sec	Light–Medium	Protective film must be removed
Phone Case (Coated)	380–400°F	60–90 sec	Medium	Use insert jig for even pressure
Tumbler	375–400°F	50–60 sec (per rotation)	Medium	Use convection oven or tumbler press
Keychain (MDF/Metal)	380–400°F	45–60 sec	Medium	Remove protective film before pressing

Fabric Sublimation Settings

Polyester (100%)

• Temperature: 385–400°F
• Time: 45–60 seconds
• Pressure: Medium

Notes:

• Use white or light-colored polyester only
• Higher polyester percentage produces stronger color
• Pre-press 3–5 seconds to remove moisture
• Avoid excessive pressure to prevent press lines

For detailed fabric compatibility guidance: Polyester Sublimation Guide

Cotton Blend (Coated Only)

• Temperature: 380–400°F
• Time: 45–60 seconds
• Pressure: Medium

Important limitations:

• Requires sublimation coating or sublimation HTV
• Results vary by coating thickness
• Colors may appear softer than 100% polyester

Direct sublimation on untreated cotton is not effective.

Hard Substrate Settings

Ceramic Mugs

• Temperature: 400°F
• Time: 180–240 seconds (mug press)
• Pressure: Medium

Cooling method:
Remove immediately after pressing. Allow to cool at room temperature or place on a heat-resistant surface. Rapid cooling reduces overexposure and fading.

Metal Panels

• Temperature: 385–400°F
• Time: 45–75 seconds
• Pressure: Medium–Firm

Cooling method:
Remove paper immediately after pressing while hot. Allow panel to cool flat to prevent warping.

• Preheat 5 seconds to remove moisture
• Ensure coated side faces print
• Use protective paper above and below

Acrylic

• Temperature: 360–380°F
• Time: 50–70 seconds
• Pressure: Light–Medium

Cooling method:
Allow acrylic to cool completely before removing transfer paper to prevent ghosting.

• Remove protective film before pressing
• Avoid excessive heat to prevent warping
• Use firm flat support under substrate

For detailed tumbler temperature breakdowns: What Temperature for Sublimation Tumbler

Specialty Items

Tumblers

• Temperature: 375–400°F
• Time: 50–60 seconds per rotation (press) or 5–7 minutes (oven at 375°F)
• Pressure: Medium

Rotate evenly in press. Use shrink wrap when baking.

Phone Cases

• Temperature: 380–400°F
• Time: 60–90 seconds
• Pressure: Medium

Use a jig insert for even pressure. Confirm coating compatibility.

Puzzles

• Temperature: 380–400°F
• Time: 45–60 seconds
• Pressure: Medium

Press face up. Allow to cool before separating pieces.

Keychains

• Temperature: 380–400°F
• Time: 45–60 seconds
• Pressure: Medium

Remove protective film before pressing. Press one side at a time.

Check out Sublimation Heat Guide: Unlocking the Art of Printing

Common Sublimation Problems (Quick Fix Table)

Problem	Most Likely Setting Issue	Adjustment
Dull Colors	Temperature too low	Increase 5–10°F
Brown Tint	Temperature too high	Reduce 5–10°F
Ghosting	Paper movement	Tape securely + reduce pressure
Blurry Image	Time too long	Reduce 5–10 sec
Faded Edges	Uneven pressure	Adjust pressure evenly
Press Lines	Too much pressure	Reduce pressure slightly
Patchy Transfer	Moisture present	Pre-press 5 sec
Overcooked Look	Excessive time	Shorten press duration

For expanded problem diagnostics: Comprehensive Guide to Fixing Sublimation Printing Mistakes

As you continue your sublimation journey with Subli Genius Print, remember that every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. With practice and patience, you’ll find what works best for you and achieve your desired professional results.

What challenges have you faced with sublimation heat press settings, and how did you overcome them? Feel free to share your experiences and tips!

How to Test and Lock In Your Settings

To finalize accurate sublimation settings:

• Test on scrap material of the same type
• Adjust only one variable at a time, temperature, time, or pressure
• Increase or decrease in small increments, 5–10°F or 5–10 seconds
• Record successful settings in a material log

For automated pressure and temperature adjustments, Sublimation Temperature and Pressure Calculator

Documenting your successful settings ensures repeatable results across future jobs.

FAQs:

What temperature is best for sublimation?

Most sublimation transfers work best between 385°F and 400°F. Exact temperature depends on the material and coating.

How long do you press sublimation?

Standard press time ranges from 45–60 seconds for fabrics and flat blanks. Mugs and thicker items require 180–240 seconds.

What pressure should I use?

Medium pressure is ideal for most materials. Increase slightly for metal panels and reduce slightly for delicate substrates like acrylic.

Why are my sublimation colors dull?

Dull colors are usually caused by low temperature, insufficient time, or low polyester content.

Can you sublimate on 100% cotton?

No. Sublimation requires polyester fibers or a polyester-based coating to bond properly.