7 Amazing Sublimation Techniques You Need to Try

Learn 7 amazing sublimation techniques that you can use to create unique and stunning designs on different products, such as t-shirts, mugs, signs, and more.

Sublimation is a digital printing process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto different materials, such as fabric, metal, ceramic, or wood. Sublimation creates vibrant, durable, detailed prints that become one with the surface, unlike other methods that lay on top of it.

Sublimation is also versatile, as you can create various products, such as t-shirts, mugs, tumblers, signs, and more.

But did you know that there are different techniques that you can use to create unique and stunning designs? In this article, I will show you 7 fantastic sublimation techniques you need to try and how to do them step by step. Let’s get started!

7 Amazing Sublimation Techniques

1. Layering Sublimation

Layering is a technique that involves printing two or more designs on separate sublimation papers and then pressing them onto the same product, one on top of the other. This way, you can create a layered effect or mix and match different colors and patterns.

To do layering, you will need:

• A sublimation printer
• Ink
• Paper
• A heat press
• A product that is suitable for sublimation, such as a polyester t-shirt

To sublimate your designs:

1. Print mirrored designs on sublimation ink.
2. Cut out with a small margin.
3. Pre-press product briefly.
4. Place the design, align it, and cover it with a protective sheet.
5. Press per recommended time and temperature.
6. Remove the sheet and paper, and let it cool.
7. Repeat for additional designs, if any.

2. Distressed Sublimation

Distressed sublimation is a technique that involves creating a distressed or vintage look on your sublimation product by using a textured or crumpled sublimation paper. This way, you can add character and style to your design, making it more authentic and original.

To do distressed sublimation, you will need:

• A sublimation printer
• Sublimation ink
• Sublimation paper
• A heat press
• A product that is suitable for sublimation, such as a ceramic mug

To create a distressed sublimation product, follow these steps:

1. Print your design on sublimation paper and cut it out.
2. Crumple the paper and wrap it around your product.
3. Secure the paper with heat-resistant tape, then press it in a heat press.
4. Remove the product and peel off the sublimation paper.

3. Glitter Sublimation

Glitter sublimation is a technique that involves adding some sparkle and shine to your sublimation product by using glitter sublimation paper or glitter vinyl. This way, you can create a glamorous, eye-catching design that will stand out.

To do glitter sublimation, you will need:

• A sublimation printer
• Sublimation ink
• Glitter sublimation paper or glitter vinyl
• A heat press
• A product that is suitable for sublimation, such as a metal sign

To create a glitter sublimation product:

1. Print and cut your design on glitter sublimation paper or vinyl.
2. Pre-press your product to remove wrinkles and moisture.
3. Press the glitter paper or vinyl on the product.
4. Remove the paper or vinyl and let the product excellent.

4. Watercolor Sublimation

Watercolor sublimation is a technique that involves creating a watercolor effect on your sublimation product by using a watercolor sublimation paper or a watercolor brush. This way, you can create a soft and artistic design that will look like a painting.

To do watercolor sublimation, you will need:

• A sublimation printer
• Sublimation ink
• Watercolor sublimation paper or watercolor brush
• A heat press
• A product that is suitable for sublimation, such as a canvas

To watercolor sublimate a design:

1. Print on sublimation paper.
2. Cut out the design.
3. Pre-press the product.
4. Position the paper on the product and cover it with a protective sheet.
5. Press the design based on the recommended temp and time.
6. Remove the protective sheet and paper, and let it cool.

Alternatively, use a watercolor:

• Print your design on sublimation paper using sublimation ink. Mirror your image and adjust the size and position according to your product.
• Cut out your design, leaving a small margin around the edges.
• Place your product on the heat press and pre-press it for a few seconds to remove any wrinkles and moisture.
• Place your sublimation paper on the product, aligning it to your desired location. Cover it with a protective sheet like parchment paper or Teflon sheet.
• Press your design for the recommended time and temperature, depending on your product and heat press. For example, for a canvas, you can use 400°F for 60 seconds.
• Remove the protective sheet and the sublimation paper, and let the product cool down.
• Use a watercolor brush to apply water to your product, creating a watercolor effect. You can use different colors and strokes to create different patterns and textures.
• Let your product dry completely, and enjoy your watercolor sublimation product!

5. Marble Sublimation

Marble sublimation is a technique that involves creating a marble effect on your sublimation product by using a marble sublimation paper or a marble spray. This way, you can create a classy and elegant design that will look like a natural stone.

To do marble sublimation, you will need:

• A sublimation printer
• Sublimation ink
• Marble sublimation paper or marble spray
• A heat press
• A product that is suitable for sublimation, such as a coaster

To sublimate a design on your product:

1. Print the design on marble sublimation paper with sublimation ink, mirror the image, and adjust the size and position.
2. Cut out the design, leaving a small margin.
3. Pre-press the product to remove wrinkles and moisture.
4. Place the marble sublimation paper on the product, cover it with a protective sheet, and press for the recommended time and temperature.
5. Remove the protective sheet and marble paper, and let the product excellent.

Alternatively, use a marble spray:

• Print your design on sublimation paper using sublimation ink. Mirror your image and adjust the size and position according to your product.
• Cut out your design, leaving a small margin around the edges.
• Place your product on the heat press and pre-press it for a few seconds to remove any wrinkles and moisture.
• Place your sublimation paper on the product, aligning it to your desired location. Cover it with a protective sheet like parchment paper or Teflon sheet.
• Press your design for the recommended time and temperature, depending on your product and heat press. For example, for a coaster, you can use 400°F for 60 seconds.
• Remove the protective sheet and the sublimation paper, and let the product cool down.
• Spray your product with a marble spray, following the instructions on the can. You can use different colors and angles to create different patterns and effects.
• Let your product dry completely, and enjoy your marble sublimation product!

6. Tie-Dye Sublimation

Tie-dye sublimation is a technique that involves creating a tie-dye effect on your sublimation product by using a tie-dye sublimation paper or a tie-dye kit. This way, you can create a colorful and fun design that will look like a handmade craft.

To do tie-dye sublimation, you will need:

• A sublimation printer
• Sublimation ink
• Tie-dye sublimation paper or tie-dye kit
• A heat press
• A product that is suitable for sublimation, such as a pillowcase

To sublimate a tie-dye design, follow these steps:

1. Print mirrored design on sublimation paper.
2. Cut out the design with a margin.
3. Pre-press the product to remove wrinkles and moisture.
4. Align the design and place it on the product with a protective sheet.
5. Press at the recommended time and temperature.
6. Remove the protective sheet and let the product excellent.

Alternatively, use a tie-dye kit:

• Print your design on sublimation paper using sublimation ink. Mirror your image and adjust the size and position according to your product.
• Cut out your design, leaving a small margin around the edges.
• Place your product on the heat press and pre-press it for a few seconds to remove any wrinkles and moisture.
• Place your sublimation paper on the product, aligning it to your desired location. Cover it with a protective sheet like parchment paper or Teflon sheet.
• Press your design for the recommended time and temperature, depending on your product and heat press. For example, for a pillowcase, you can use 400°F for 60 seconds.
• Remove the protective sheet and the sublimation paper, and let the product cool down.
• Use a tie-dye kit to dye your product, following the instructions on the package. You can use different colors and techniques to create different patterns and effects.
• Let your product dry completely, and enjoy your tie-dye sublimation product!

7. Foil Sublimation

Foil sublimation is a technique that involves adding some metallic shine to your sublimation product by using a foil sublimation paper or a foil transfer sheet. This way, you can create a luxurious, sophisticated design that looks like a premium product.

To do foil sublimation, you will need:

• A sublimation printer
• Sublimation ink
• Foil sublimation paper or foil transfer sheet
• A heat press
• A product that is suitable for sublimation, such as a notebook

To sublimate your design onto a product using foil sublimation paper:

1. Print your design on foil sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
2. Cut out your design.
3. Pre-press your product to remove wrinkles and moisture.
4. Place the foil paper on the product, align it, and cover it with a protective sheet.
5. Press the design at the recommended time and temperature.
6. Remove the protective sheet and foil paper, and let the product cool.

Alternatively, use a foil transfer sheet:

• Print your design on sublimation paper using sublimation ink. Mirror your image and adjust the size and position according to your product.
• Cut out your design, leaving a small margin around the edges.
• Place your product on the heat press and pre-press it for a few seconds to remove any wrinkles and moisture.
• Place your sublimation paper on the product, aligning it to your desired location. Cover it with a protective sheet like parchment paper or Teflon sheet.
• Press your design for the recommended time and temperature, depending on your product and heat press. For example, for a notebook, you can use 375°F for 45 seconds.
• Remove the protective sheet and the sublimation paper, and let the product cool down.
• Place your foil transfer sheet on the product, aligning it to the areas where you want to add metallic shine. Cover it with a protective sheet like parchment paper or Teflon sheet.
• Press your foil transfer sheet for the recommended time and temperature, depending on your product and heat press. For example, for a notebook, you can use 375°F for 15 seconds.
• Remove the protective and foil transfer sheets, and admire your foil sublimation product!

Explore the world of sublimation and printers with Subli Genius Print our comprehensive guide, for more information or a step-by-step how-to guide.

Final Thoughts:

Sublimation is a wonderful way to express your creativity and personalize your products. By using different sublimation techniques (Sublimation Method), you can achieve various effects and styles, and make your designs stand out.

Whether you want to add some sparkle, texture, color, or shine to your sublimation products, there is a technique for you. I hope you found this article helpful, and I encourage you to try these techniques and see what you can create. Have fun and happy sublimating!