5 Reasons Why You Can Sublimate on Canvas Tote Bags

Yes, you can sublimate on canvas tote bags. It’s necessary to use a canvas tote bag that has been sublimated. The reason for this is that sublimation ink is limited to polyester or polyester-coated materials.

Using a canvas tote bag that is not sublimation-coated will result in ink not adhering correctly and washing away.

Canvas tote bags are accessories that can be used for multiple purposes due to their versatility, durability, and eco-friendliness. Canvas tote bags can be used as a shopping bag, lunch bag, laptop carrier, or gift bag. Did you know that sublimation is also possible on canvas tote bags?

Can Sublimate on Canvas Tote Bags

It’s possible, but it’s dependent on the canvas’s material composition. Sublimation-ready canvas material or coating can ensure vibrant, long-lasting prints. For 100% cotton, consider alternatives or coatings for limited success.

Requirements:

1. Material Matters:
   • Polyester Blend: Sublimation works best on synthetic fibers (50%+ polyester). The dye bonds to polyester under heat, creating vibrant, lasting prints.
   • Polymer-Coated Canvas: Some cotton canvas totes are treated with a special coating to accept sublimation ink. Check if your tote has this coating.
   • 100% Cotton: Untreated cotton won’t hold sublimation dye well—colors will appear faded and wash out.
2. Workarounds for 100% Cotton:
   • Polymer Spray: Apply a sublimation coating spray (Polyart, Siser EasySubli) to create a printable surface. Results may be less durable than polyester.
   • Sublimation Blanks: Purchase pre-coated canvas totes designed for sublimation.

Process Steps

1. Pre-Press: Remove moisture and wrinkles with a heat press (5-10 seconds at 300–320°F/150–160°C).
2. Print Design: Mirror your design on sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
3. Press: Secure the paper on the tote. Use a heat press at 380–400°F (193–204°C) for 45–60 seconds with medium pressure.
4. Cool & Peel: Let the tote cool before removing the paper.

Alternatives if Sublimation Isn’t Viable

• Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): Works on any fabric, including cotton.
• Screen Printing: Ideal for bold designs on cotton.
• Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: For complex artwork on untreated cotton.

Key Considerations

• Washability: Sublimated polyester blends retain color better. Coated cotton may degrade over time.
• Test First: Experiment with a small area to check vibrancy and adhesion.
• Durability: Polyester or coated totes will yield the most professional results.

Steps on how to sublimate on a canvas tote bag:

1. Create your design in a sublimation-compatible design software.
2. Print your design on sublimation paper using a sublimation printer.
3. Mirror your design.
4. Preheat your heat press to the suggested temperature for sublimation on the canvas.
5. Place the sublimation paper on the tote bag with the design face down.
6. Cover the tote bag with heat-resistant tape.
7. Put the tote bag in the heat press and close it.
8. Apply pressure for the recommended amount of time.
9. Remove the tote bag from the heat press and allow it to cool.
10. Peel away the sublimation paper.

Your design will now be permanently sublimated onto the canvas tote bag.

Tips for sublimating on canvas tote bags:

• Use a high-quality sublimation printer and sublimation ink.
• Make sure your design is high resolution.
• Use a sublimation-coated canvas tote bag.
• Preheat your heat press to the correct temperature.
• Apply the correct amount of pressure for the correct amount of time.
• Allow the tote bag to cool completely before peeling away the sublimation paper.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and durable sublimated canvas tote bags. In this post, I will share five reasons you can sublimate on canvas tote bags and how to do it.

1. Canvas tote bags are made of polyester or cotton.

The first reason you can sublimation on canvas tote bags is that they are made of either polyester or cotton fabrics. Polyester is a synthetic material ideal for sublimation because it can absorb and bond ink molecules under high heat.

Cotton is a natural material unsuitable for direct sublimation because it does not have the same properties as polyester. However, you can still sublimate on cotton canvas tote bags using a special coating spray or a heat transfer vinyl (HTV) that acts as a barrier between the fabric and the ink.

2. Come in different colors and sizes.

The second reason you can sublimate on canvas tote bags is that they come in different colors and sizes. You can choose from white, black, or colored canvas tote bags, depending on your preference and design. White canvas tote bags are the easiest to sublimate because they do not interfere with the colors of the ink.

Black or colored canvas tote bags require a white HTV or coating spray to prevent the ink from blending with the fabric color. You can also choose from small, medium, or large canvas tote bags depending on your needs and the size of your design.

3. Durable and resistant to fading.

The third reason you can sublimate on canvas tote bags is that they are durable and resistant to fading. Canvas is a strong and sturdy fabric that can withstand wear and tear. Sublimation prints are permanent and do not peel, crack, or fade over time. This means your canvas tote bags will look as good as new even after repeated use and washing.

4. Easy to sublimate on

The fourth reason is that they are easy. All you need are a few supplies and tools to get started. Here is a list of what you need:

• A sublimation printer
• Sublimation ink
• Sublimation paper
• A heat press machine
• A pair of scissors
• A ruler
• A pencil
• Heat-resistant tape
• Butcher paper
• A blank canvas tote bag
• A white HTV or coating spray (optional) For more about fabrics for sublimation.

5. Customizable and creative.

The fifth and final reason you can sublimate on canvas tote bags is that they are customizable and creative. You can use photos, designs, logos, texts, or anything else you want to print on your canvas tote bags. You can also mix and match different colors, sizes, and styles of canvas tote bags to create unique combinations. The possibilities are endless when it comes to sublimating on canvas tote bags.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and learned something new about sublimating on canvas tote bags. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Thank you for reading!

Types of Canvas Products Available

• Canvas Tote Bags
• Canvas Pouches
• Canvas Aprons
• Canvas Wall Art & Prints
• Canvas Shoes
• Canvas Hats & Caps
• Canvas Pillow Covers
• Canvas Banners & Signs
• Canvas Notebook Covers
• Canvas Storage Bins
• Canvas Wallets & Coin Purses
• Canvas Laptop Sleeves
• Canvas Backpacks
• Canvas Duffel Bags
• Canvas Table Runners & Placemats

Supplies for Sublimation Printing

To get started with sublimation printing, you’ll need the following supplies:

1. Sublimation Printer & Ink

• A dedicated sublimation printer (e.g., Epson, Sawgrass)
• Sublimation ink (regular ink won’t work)

2. Sublimation Paper

• Specially coated sublimation transfer paper for holding and transferring the ink

3. Heat Press Machine

• A flat heat press for shirts, tote bags, and hard substrates
• A mug press or tumbler press for curved items

4. Sublimation Blanks

• Polyester fabric (shirts, pillowcases, tote bags)
• Hard substrates with a polyester coating (mugs, tumblers, keychains, mousepads)

5. Heat-Resistant Tape & Accessories

• Heat-resistant tape to keep designs in place
• Teflon sheet or butcher paper to prevent ink bleed
• Lint roller for fabric blanks (removes dust for better transfers)

6. Design Software

• Programs like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva for creating designs

Polyester Tote Bag Sublimation: Temperature & Time Settings

For polyester tote bags, sublimation works best when using the correct temperature, time, and pressure. By following these guidelines, you’ll achieve vibrant and durable prints on polyester tote bags. 🎨✨

Optimal Sublimation Settings

Parameter	Value
Temperature	380–400°F (193–204°C)
Time	45–60 seconds
Pressure	Medium to firm (even pressure is key)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Pre-Press the Tote
   • Preheat the bag for 5–10 seconds at 300–320°F (150–160°C) to remove wrinkles and moisture.
   • Use a Teflon sheet or parchment paper to protect the fabric during pressing.
2. Print & Prepare the Design
   • Print your design (mirrored) on sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
   • Trim excess paper to avoid ghosting.
3. Sublimate
   • Secure the design on the tote with heat-resistant tape.
   • Press at 380–400°F for 45–60 seconds.
   • For thicker canvas, extend time to 60–75 seconds (test first!).
4. Cooling
   • Let the tote cool slightly before peeling the paper to prevent smudging.

Critical Tips

• Material Check: Ensure the tote is at least 50% polyester (higher polyester = brighter results).
• Avoid Steam: Use a heat press (not an iron) for even heat distribution.
• Pressure: Too little = faded colors; too much = fabric texture flattened.
• Test First: Always run a test print to dial in settings for your specific tote.

Troubleshooting

• Faded Colors: Increase temperature/time or check ink quality.
• Ghosting: Secure the paper tightly with tape.
• Fabric Damage: Reduce temperature if the material scorches.

Post-Sublimation Care

• Wait 24 hours before washing.
• Wash in cold water with mild detergent to preserve vibrancy.

Sublimation Tote Bags Temperature & Time Settings

For best results, always use protective paper to prevent ink bleed and ensure even heat distribution.

Material	Temperature (°F)	Time (Seconds)	Pressure
Polyester Tote Bag	380–400°F	45–60 sec	Medium-Firm
Canvas Tote (with coating)	380–400°F	60 sec	Firm
Cotton Tote (with sublimation spray)	385–400°F	60 sec	Medium-Firm
Jute Tote (with sublimation HTV)	385–400°F	50–60 sec	Firm

Sublimation on Canvas Without Laminate: Does It Work?

Sublimation on untreated canvas without a coating is not viable for long-lasting results. Use a polymer spray, specialty paper, or pre-coated blanks for success! 🎨

We are discussing if you are working with uncoated canvas (like cotton or a cotton blend).

1. Sublimation on Untreated Canvas: Challenges

• 100% Cotton Canvas: Sublimation ink will not adhere—it will wash out or fade quickly.
• Cotton-Poly Blends (50/50): Colors may appear muted, but minimal transfer is possible (not recommended for professional results).

2. Workaround: Add a Polymer Coating

If you want to sublimate on uncoated canvas without pre-laminated blanks, apply a sublimation coating spray to create a polymer layer.

Steps:

1. Clean the Canvas: Remove dust or debris.
2. Spray Coating: Use a sublimation-ready spray (Koala Sublimation Prep, PolyArt Coating, or Siser EasySubli Spray). Follow the product’s drying/curing instructions.
3. Sublimate: Use standard sublimation settings (380–400°F for 45–60 seconds).

⚠️ Note: Results are less durable than polyester or pre-coated blanks. Washing may degrade the coating over time.

3. Alternative: Use a Sublimation Paper with Adhesive Layer

Some specialty sublimation papers (JTrans EasySubli Paper) have a built-in adhesive layer that transfers onto fabrics. This acts like a temporary “laminate” during pressing.

• Process:
  • Print on the adhesive paper.
  • Press onto canvas at 330°F (166°C) for 30–45 seconds.

4. Best Results: Use Pre-Coated Canvas Blanks

For vibrant, wash-resistant results, purchase canvas totes pre-coated for sublimation (Nova Sublimation Canvas Bags or Cosmos Coated Canvas). These have a polymer layer already applied.

If You Skip All Coatings…

• Polyester Canvas Blends (65%+ polyester): Sublimate at 400°F (204°C) for 60 seconds. Colors will be softer than coated surfaces.
• 100% Cotton: Avoid—sublimation ink will not bond.

Key Tips

• Test First: Always experiment with a small section.
• Pre-Press: Remove moisture/wrinkles at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 seconds.
• Post-Press Care: Wash gently in cold water to preserve the design.

Alternatives to Sublimation

If coatings aren’t an option, try:

• Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): Works on any fabric.
• Screen Printing: Ideal for cotton canvas.
• Direct-to-Garment (DTG): For detailed designs.

Check more Is it good for DTG printing on a black shirt?

Explore more about sublimation and printers with our comprehensive guide, for more information or a step-by-step how-to guide.

You can also choose from various colors and sizes of canvas tote bags to suit your needs and preferences. Sublimating on canvas tote bags is a great way to express creativity and style. Try it today and see what you can create!