Sublimation Training with Subli Genius Print

Upgrade your sublimation skills with Subli Genius Print. Our expert training covers equipment, techniques, and design for stunning results.

Our sublimation training program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and techniques to excel in the world of sublimation printing. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Subli Genius Print will guide you to create exceptional personalized products.pen_spark

Sublimation for Beginners

Get a clear and up-to-date understanding of the basics of sublimation printing in this beginner-friendly guide.

Sublimation printing is a method where heat turns solid dye into gas and embeds it directly into polyester surfaces. The design becomes part of the material, not something that sits on top. No peeling. No cracking. Just smooth, long-lasting color.

How It Works

Here’s the basic idea:
You print your design using special sublimation ink on sublimation paper. Then you apply heat and pressure using a heat press. The ink turns into gas and bonds with the fibers of polyester or a polyester-coated surface.

It only works with light-colored items that contain polyester—usually at least 65% or higher for fabric. Cotton doesn’t cut it here. The ink won’t bind.

Sublimation vs Other Methods

Method	Material Compatibility	Durability	Feel	Setup Cost
Sublimation	Polyester, hard surfaces	High – becomes part of surface	Smooth, no texture	Medium
HTV (Vinyl)	Most fabrics	Medium – can peel over time	Slightly raised feel	Low
Screen Printing	Cotton, blends	High – with proper care	Slight ink layer	High
DTF (Direct to Film)	All fabrics	High – flexible and durable	Slight texture	Medium-High

Each method has its place, but sublimation stands out for producing vivid, photo-quality prints with no hand feel.

What Can You Make With Sublimation?

This technique isn’t limited to t-shirts. The list of blanks you can use is wide-ranging, and always growing:

• Mugs, tumblers, and water bottles
• Coasters, mousepads, and puzzles
• Tote bags, socks, and polyester shirts
• Phone cases, keychains, and ornaments
• Wall art, signage, and business merchandise

If it has a poly coating, you’re good to go.

Who Should Learn Sublimation?

Sublimation is popular among:

• Crafters and DIYers: For personal gifts, home decor, and creative outlets
• Etsy sellers and print-on-demand shops: Personalized goods are top sellers
• Small business owners: Brand merch, promo items, uniforms
• Hobbyists: Anyone who enjoys working with design and print

It’s also great for people who want to build a low-overhead business from home. Many sublimation setups cost under $500 to start, especially when using converted Epson EcoTank printers.

Getting Started with Sublimation

Before you hit “print,” it’s worth getting your setup right. A smooth start saves materials, time, and frustration.

➤ Equipment Checklist

You don’t need a full-blown studio to begin—but you do need the right tools. Checklist.

✅ Sublimation Printer

• Epson EcoTank (converted)
• Sawgrass SG500 (plug-and-play)

✅ Sublimation Ink

• Must match your printer type
• Look for brands with strong ICC profile support

✅ Sublimation Paper

• Works with high-temp transfers
• A-Sub and Koala are solid starter options

✅ Heat Press Machines

• Flat press for shirts, coasters, and boards
• Mug press for 11–15 oz mugs
• Hat press for curved surfaces
• Tumbler press for drinkware

✅ Polyester Blanks

• Shirts: 65%+ polyester
• Mugs, keychains, coasters: Must have a poly coating

✅ Butcher Paper & White Cardstock

• Butcher paper protects your press
• White cardstock goes inside garments to prevent bleed-through

✅ Heat-Resistant Tape

• Keeps the design in place during transfer

✅ Lint Roller

• Removes dust and debris from fabric blanks

✅ Design Software

• Free: Canva, Inkscape
• Paid: Photoshop, Affinity Designer, CorelDraw
• Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio for cutting machines

✅ Computer or iPad

• Ensure it supports your software and has stable internet for updates

🖨️ Tip: Add this checklist as a printable PDF download or interactive icon-based guide for better user experience.

➤ Setting Up Your Workspace

Create a space that’s safe, clean, and easy to work in. Here’s what to plan for:

🧴 Ventilation
Sublimation releases fumes. Set up near a window or use a small air purifier.

🖥️ Dedicated Desk or Table
Keep your heat press on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface. Avoid wobbly tables or plastic tops.

🗂️ Storage Solutions
Use labeled bins or drawers for blanks, ink, paper, and tape. Clutter slows you down and causes mistakes.

🔥 Heat-Resistant Mats
Place under your press or on surfaces where you handle hot items. Silicone or felt mats work well.

Sublimation Printing Techniques

Learning the process is one thing, nailing the results every time is another. This section walks you through each step and offers tips to help you print with confidence and consistency.

➤ Step-by-Step Guide

1. Print Your Design
Use high-resolution artwork (at least 300 DPI). Always mirror the image before printing. Load your sublimation paper correctly—print side facing up.

2. Prep the Blank
Wipe the surface with a lint roller or microfiber cloth to remove dust or fibers. Moisture or debris can ruin the final result.

3. Press With Precision
Follow the recommended time, temperature, and pressure for your blank. For example:

• Polyester T-shirt: 400°F for 60 seconds
• Ceramic Mug: 400°F for 180 seconds
• Hardboard Coaster: 385°F for 60 seconds

Use butcher paper above and below your blank to prevent ink bleed.

4. Let It Cool Down
Remove the blank from the press and let it cool on a flat surface. Avoid touching the print area until it sets fully. Then check the transfer quality—look for even color and no ghosting.

➤ Tips for Better Results

Design Sizing & Placement
Measure twice, print once. Center your design properly, especially for garments. Use templates or guides to keep things aligned.

Color Management (ICC Profiles)
Install the right ICC profile for your printer and ink combo. It helps your prints match your screen colors more accurately. Without it, reds can look orange and blacks can turn brownish.

Avoid Ghosting & Blowout

• Use heat-resistant tape to hold the transfer in place.
• Avoid opening the press too quickly—slow, steady pressure helps.
• Always use firm pressure unless your blank requires light pressure.

Getting the technical stuff right makes a big difference. One small tweak—like changing pressure or using the right ICC profile, can turn a “meh” print into something worth showing off or selling.

Choosing the Right Sublimation Materials

The right material can make or break your final product. Get it wrong, and you’ll waste ink, time, and blanks. Get it right, and your designs will pop off the surface like they’re meant to.

➤ Compatible Substrates

Not every surface plays nice with sublimation. Here’s what works—and what doesn’t.

✅ What Works Well

• 100% Polyester Fabric – Delivers bold, long-lasting color. Ideal for t-shirts, flags, and pillow covers.
• Poly-coated Ceramics – Great for mugs, tiles, and ornaments. Needs an even poly layer to bond with the ink.
• Sublimation-Ready Metals – Think aluminum photo panels or keychains with a special coating.
• MDF Boards & Hardboards – Used for signage, plaques, or coaster sets. Must be labeled “sublimation-compatible.”

❌ Avoid These

• 100% cotton fabrics (the ink won’t stick)
• Uncoated wood or ceramics
• Surfaces without a poly finish—even if they look similar

📌 Pro Tip: If it’s not labeled for sublimation, assume it won’t work unless you coat it yourself.

➤ Recommended Products

Avoid cheap supplies that ghost, bleed, or fade. These brands are tested and trusted by the community.

🖨️ Ink Brands That Perform

• Hiipoo – Popular among Epson EcoTank users. Easy to load and budget-friendly.
• Cosmos Ink – Known for color accuracy and strong support for ICC profiles.
• Sawgrass Sublijet – Premium ink designed specifically for Sawgrass printers. Reliable and vibrant.

📄 Top Paper Picks

• A-Sub 125g or 120g – Great for sharp prints and smooth transfers. Works with most substrates.
• TruePix Classic – Made for Sawgrass printers. Delivers consistent results on hard blanks.

🖨️ Printer Showdown: Epson EcoTank vs. Sawgrass

Feature	Epson EcoTank	Sawgrass SG500
Price	Lower upfront cost	Higher upfront cost
Ink Type	Aftermarket (Hiipoo, etc.)	Sublijet OEM ink
Print Quality	Great with ICC profiles	Excellent out of the box
Ease of Use	Needs manual setup	Plug-and-play
Warranty Support	Not covered for sublimation use	Covered under Sawgrass support

💡 Want pro-level prints without tinkering? Go with Sawgrass. Willing to DIY for a lower budget? Epson’s your move.

Design for Sublimation

Good design isn’t just about looks, it’s the blueprint for a perfect transfer. From software to setup, here’s how to prep your artwork the right way.

➤ Beginner-Friendly: Start with Canva

Canva’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to start designing, even if you’ve never touched graphic software before.

• Use a custom canvas size (in inches) that matches your blank
• Add your design elements, then mirror the image before printing
• Download your file as PNG or PDF-Print for high-res quality

📌 Tip: Use guides and margins in Canva to avoid cutting off key elements during transfer.

➤ Advanced Tools: Illustrator & Inkscape

For cleaner edges and scalable designs, vector software is your best friend.

• Adobe Illustrator (paid) is industry standard, great for layered designs, logos, and clean edges
• Inkscape (free) gives you similar power without the subscription

✅ Best for: custom logos, shirt tags, templates for bulk production

➤ Drawing by Hand: Try Procreate

Got an iPad? Procreate is ideal for custom, hand-drawn designs.

• Use a 300 DPI canvas
• Make sure your canvas size matches your blank
• Remember to flip the canvas horizontally before printing

🎨 Artists love Procreate for its brush control and layering.

➤ Must-Know Design Tips for Sublimation

Get these wrong, and even a great design can come out looking… off.

• Always Mirror Your Design
  Heat transfers print in reverse. This includes text, logos, and hand lettering.
• Add Bleed Space
  Add 0.125–0.25″ extra on all sides to prevent white edges
• Set Resolution to 300 DPI
  Lower DPI = blurry results
• Use RGB Color Mode
  Sublimation printers work off RGB, even though the print might look dull before heat is applied
• Test Before Scaling Up
  Always test new designs on a sample blank before bulk pressing

➤ Free Downloadable Templates

Skip the setup. Grab ready-made, editable files sized for popular blanks:

• 11 oz mug wrap template (high-res PNG & PSD)
• T-shirt chest logo (standard 4×4″ design)
• Coaster and ornament layouts
• Sublimation print layout checklist

📁 Download Templates Now

Video Library

Visual learners, this is your zone. These handpicked videos break down the sublimation process with real-time demos, expert tips, and practical workflows.

🎥 How to Sublimate T-Shirts Like a Pro

A beginner-friendly walkthrough on pressing polyester shirts, choosing the right settings, and avoiding common heat press mistakes.

Watch here: Subli Genius Print YouTube Channel

🎥 Sublimation Printing Step-by-Step | Textile Vlog

From design setup to pressing techniques, this video explains the full sublimation workflow on both fabric and hard surfaces.

Watch here: Textile Vlog on YouTube

Want to submit your own sublimation videos for a feature?
Email us at support@subligeniusprint.com and get your work in front of the community.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Glitches happen, even with the best setup. Don’t panic. Use the tabs below to find fast fixes and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

🔧 Faded Colors

What’s going wrong?
Your print looks washed out or too light after pressing.

Quick Fixes:

• Check time, temp, and pressure settings. You may need more heat or longer press time.
• Make sure you’re using sublimation paper, not regular copy paper.
• Switch to high-quality ink like Hiipoo or Sawgrass. Low-end inks tend to fade.

Prevent It:

• Use the correct ICC profile for your printer and ink combo.
• Store blanks in a cool, dry place—moisture affects the press.

🖨️ Banding (Lines Across the Design)

What’s going wrong?
Your image prints with visible horizontal or vertical lines.

Quick Fixes:

• Run a nozzle check from your printer settings.
• Perform a head cleaning cycle to clear clogs.
• Set the print quality to “High” or “Best” instead of “Standard.”

Prevent It:

• Print at least once every few days. Idle printers often clog.
• Keep ink bottles sealed and store them upright in a cool spot.

👻 Ghosting

What’s going wrong?
Your design has a faint shadow or double image after pressing.

Quick Fixes:

• Use heat-resistant tape to secure your paper tightly to the blank.
• Avoid moving the press or blank immediately after the transfer.

Prevent It:

• Press on a flat, stable surface. Any wiggle can cause ghosting.
• Let the blank cool completely before removing the paper.

📄 Paper Sticking to the Blank

What’s going wrong?
The sublimation paper tears or sticks to your item.

Quick Fixes:

• Place butcher paper between the heat plate and your item.
• Reduce press time slightly if overheating is the cause.

Prevent It:

• Don’t reuse butcher paper. It can cause moisture buildup.
• Avoid cheap sublimation paper—it often leaves residue.

💧 Ink Not Transferring Fully

What’s going wrong?
Parts of your design didn’t transfer, or look patchy.

Quick Fixes:

• Double-check if your blank is sublimation-ready (poly-coated or polyester).
• Check your press temp—it should usually be 385°F to 400°F for 40-60 seconds.

Prevent It:

• Pre-press your blanks for a few seconds to remove moisture.
• Always apply firm, even pressure during pressing.

🔄 Printer Maintenance Tips

• Weekly Head Cleanings: Run nozzle checks and clean heads every 5–7 days.
• Store Correctly: Keep your printer covered in a dust-free zone.
• Turn It On Regularly: EcoTank printers need to stay active to avoid dried nozzles.
• Use High-Quality Ink: Cheap ink clogs fast and ruins the print head. Stick with trusted brands.

Advanced Sublimation Projects

Ready to push your sublimation skills beyond the basics? These advanced projects bring new challenges and creative rewards.

Layered Designs

Stacking multiple design elements can create depth and eye-catching effects. Think of it like painting with layers—each one adds richness.

• Separate your colors and print them in stages.
• Use heat-resistant tape between layers to keep everything aligned.
• Practice on scrap blanks before going all in.

Gradient Blending

Smooth color fades add polish and professionalism to your work. Getting gradients right means mastering your design software and print settings.

• Use vector tools or Photoshop’s gradient options for clean blends.
• Print test strips to check how your printer handles transitions.
• Adjust your ICC profiles to preserve color flow.

Sublimating on Dark Surfaces with Glitter or White HTV

Sublimation on dark fabrics is tricky since sublimation ink is transparent. Here’s a workaround: combine sublimation with heat transfer vinyl (HTV).

• Apply a layer of white or glitter HTV as a base.
• Press your sublimation design on top of the HTV.
• This technique lets vibrant colors pop even on black or navy fabrics.

All-Over Shirt Printing

This method covers the entire garment with your design, no empty spaces left behind. It’s great for bold fashion statements or branded apparel.

• Use specialized all-over sublimation printers or textile printers.
• Design your shirt in sections that match your printer’s dimensions.
• Carefully align each panel during pressing to avoid seams showing.

Sublimation Business Strategies

Starting a sublimation business can be exciting but tricky without a plan. These strategies help cut through the noise and focus on what really works.

Picking Your Niche

Trying to be everything to everyone rarely works. Instead, zoom in on a specific market.

• Custom mugs for pet lovers
• Personalized sports gear
• Corporate gifts and branded swag

Narrowing your focus helps with targeted marketing and builds a loyal customer base.

Branding and Packaging

How your product looks off the press matters just as much as the design.

• Use branded boxes or tissue paper for a pro feel
• Add thank-you notes or care instructions
• Keep packaging consistent with your brand style

A neat presentation can turn a one-time buyer into a repeat customer.

Where to Sell

Online marketplaces offer tons of potential but vary in fees and audience.

• Etsy: Great for handmade and custom products.
• Amazon Handmade: Higher fees but massive reach.
• Shopify: Your own store, full control, but needs marketing effort.

Consider mixing platforms to widen your reach.

Pricing Your Products

Price too low, and you risk losing money. Too high, and customers might look elsewhere.

• Calculate costs: materials, labor, shipping, fees
• Add a fair profit margin (usually 30-50%)
• Check competitors’ prices for similar products

Remember, pricing affects how customers perceive your brand quality.

Legal Essentials

Don’t skip this part—getting your business legit saves headaches later.

• Register your business (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
• Get resale licenses to buy materials tax-free
• Understand sales tax rules in your state

Consult a local accountant or small business advisor if you’re unsure.

Bonus: Downloadable Business Plan Template

Planning your steps boosts your chance of success. Grab this free, easy-to-use business plan template to organize your goals, budget, and marketing ideas.

Download Business Plan Template

Sustainability in Sublimation

Sustainability in sublimation isn’t about perfection. It’s about making smarter choices that protect the planet while growing your business responsibly.

• Best practices for eco-friendly sublimation printing.
• Subli Genius Print’s commitment to sustainable printing solutions.

Eco-Friendly Ink Choices

Not all inks are created equal. Look for water-based or low-VOC sublimation inks that cut down on harmful chemicals. Brands like Hiipoo and Cosmos Ink offer greener options without sacrificing color vibrancy. Switching to these inks means less pollution and safer air quality.

Reducing Blank Waste

Blank items that don’t turn out right add up fast. Avoid waste by:

• Pre-testing designs on cheap blanks
• Adjusting heat press settings carefully before full runs
• Donating or repurposing imperfect items instead of tossing them

This helps save resources and trims costs at the same time.

Using Recyclable Packaging

Swap out plastic wrap and non-recyclable materials for paper-based or compostable alternatives.

• Use kraft paper or recycled cardboard boxes
• Choose biodegradable tape and packing fillers
• Encourage customers to recycle packaging after unboxing

Packaging that’s easy to recycle reflects well on your brand and reduces landfill load.

Your Brand’s Commitment

More customers notice and support eco-conscious businesses. Sharing your sustainability goals builds trust and loyalty.

Consider commitments like:

• Zero landfill waste policies
• Carbon-neutral shipping options
• Partnering with local recycling programs

Even small steps add up when your whole operation works with the environment in mind.

Sublimation Community and Resources

• Forums, social media groups, and events for sublimation enthusiasts.
• Continuing education and professional development in sublimation.