Blank phone cases for sublimation are one of the easiest products to start with if you want to make personalized gifts, sell on Etsy, or add small custom products to your sublimation business.
They are affordable, lightweight, easy to ship, and popular all year. People love custom phone cases with names, photos, pet portraits, floral designs, business logos, and trendy patterns.
The hard part is choosing the right blank phone cases for printing. Some sublimation phone case blanks press beautifully with bright colors and sharp details. Others look dull, scratch easily, or do not fit the phone well.
If you are still learning the basics, start with our What Is Sublimation? A Beginner-Friendly Guide. If you already have your printer and supplies ready, this guide will help you choose the best blank phone cases for sublimation for beginners, hobby crafters, and small business sellers.
What Are Blank Phone Cases for Sublimation?
Blank phone cases for sublimation are phone cases with a special polymer coating that lets sublimation ink bond permanently with the surface when you apply heat and pressure. A regular phone case will not work: you need a blank made specifically for printing.
You will see these sold under a few names that all mean the same thing: sublimation phone case blanks, blank phone cases for printing, and blank phone cases for sublimation. When you shop, look at the coating and the phone model fit rather than the exact wording in the title.
Best Blank Phone Cases for Sublimation: Quick Comparison
| Phone Case Blank Type | Best For | Main Benefit | Possible Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Plastic Sublimation Cases | Beginners and practice projects | Affordable, direct print, simple to press | Less protective, less premium feel |
| Metal Insert Sublimation Cases | Etsy sellers, photo designs, premium gifts | Crisp, vibrant, photo-quality image | Insert is attached after pressing |
| Metal Insert with TPU / Rubber | Sellers who want quality plus protection | Same print quality, with a protective bumper | Usually costs a little more |
What to Look for in Sublimation Phone Case Blanks
1. Good Sublimation Coating
The coating is what allows sublimation ink to bond with the blank. A better coating usually means brighter color, cleaner details, and better durability.
Low-quality blank phone cases for printing can look faded even when your printer, ink, and paper are working correctly.
2. Popular Phone Models
Choose blanks for phone models people are actually buying. iPhone and Samsung Galaxy cases usually have the strongest demand.
For small shops, it is smart to start with a few popular models instead of buying every size available.
3. Case Protection
Some customers only care about the design, but many still expect the case to protect their phone. Metal insert cases with a TPU or rubber edge usually feel more valuable and protective than a basic hard-shell case.
4. Easy Pressing Process
Beginners should start with phone case blanks that are simple to press. Flat sublimation panels are much easier than curved or complicated blanks.
For a full beginner setup, read How to Get Started With Sublimation.
The Two Main Types of Blank Phone Cases for Sublimation
Hard Plastic Sublimation Phone Cases
Hard plastic sublimation cases are usually the easiest and cheapest option, which makes them great for practice, beginner projects, party favors, and simple personalized gifts. The design is sublimated directly onto the case itself, so there is no insert to attach. They are affordable, simple to press, and available for most popular phone models, which makes them perfect for testing designs without spending much money. The trade-off is that they feel less premium and offer less drop protection than insert or armor cases, so they may not sell for as high a price.
Best for: beginners, hobby crafters, practice projects, low-cost gifts.
Hard Plastic Phone Case
Beginner-friendly sublimaton blank
Metal Insert Sublimation Cases
Metal insert cases are the workhorse of the phone case niche and the style behind almost every Amazon bestseller, including brands like JUSTRY, Konohan, and FOQENCCI. The design is pressed onto a flat aluminium insert that then snaps into the case, which gives you crisp, vibrant, photo-quality results — ideal for family photos, pet portraits, memorial gifts, wedding designs, and detailed artwork.
It is worth knowing that many cases marketed as “hybrid” or “rubber edge” cases are simply metal insert cases with a TPU or rubber bumper around a plastic body. They belong in this same category. That combination is exactly why these are the best all-round choice for Etsy shops and small businesses: you get sharp prints and a protective edge in one blank. The only real downside is the extra assembly step, and the fact that adhesive and insert quality vary between suppliers, so it pays to test a brand before you commit.
Metal insert cases come in a few variations, and it is worth knowing them before you order:
- Glossy vs matte inserts: glossy makes colors pop and suits photos; matte hides fingerprints and gives a softer, more modern look.
- Plain plastic body vs TPU / rubber edge: the plain version is cheaper and lighter; the TPU-edge version (the “hybrid”) adds grip and drop protection.
- Full-back vs partial inserts: a full-back insert lets your design cover the whole case, while a partial insert leaves a colored or clear border.
For most sellers, a metal insert case with a TPU edge and a glossy full-back insert is the safest all-round pick.
Best for: Etsy shops, small businesses, photo gifts, premium custom cases.
Phone case with TPU
Blank Phone Case with Metal Insert and TPU for extra protection
Phone case with TPU
In a wavy shape and in bright colors! TPU for extra protection.
Best Blank Phone Cases for Beginners
If you are brand new, start with hard plastic or metal insert phone cases. They are easier to press because the sublimation area is flat.
Do not start by buying hundreds of blanks. Order a small sample pack of blank phone cases for printing first, test your colors, check the finish, and make sure the case fits the phone correctly. A sample pack is the cheapest way to compare hard plastic and metal insert cases side by side before you commit to bulk.
If you are using an Epson EcoTank printer, our guide on how to convert the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 into a sublimation printer can help you set up your printer before making products. Choosing the right printer first also matters — see our best sublimation printers in 2026, including the best options for small business.
Where to Buy Blank Phone Cases for Sublimation
Phone cases are just one part of a bigger blank category. If you want to expand your shop later, it helps to buy from a supplier that also stocks mugs, tumblers, and other items so you can combine shipping and keep your coating quality consistent.
Buying in Bulk
Bulk wholesale packs are a buying tier rather than a separate case type. You can buy either hard plastic or metal insert cases in volume. Once a design is selling, ordering in bulk brings the cost per case down and protects your margins, which matters when you are fulfilling steady orders or supplying a market or craft fair. The trade-off is that you tie up money in inventory, so only buy bulk once you know a specific phone model and blank style actually sell, and stick with a supplier you have already tested rather than chasing the lowest price.
Are Blank Phone Cases for Printing Good to Sell?
Yes, blank phone cases for printing can be a good product for beginners and small shops because they are small, customizable, and easy to ship.
They work especially well for:
- Name designs
- Pet portraits
- Mom and family gifts
- Teacher gifts
- Bridesmaid gifts
- Business logo cases
- Seasonal designs
The main challenge is keeping up with phone model trends. New phone models are released often, so avoid buying too much inventory for older phones unless you already know there is demand.
Tips for Better Sublimation Phone Case Results
Use Quality Sublimation Paper
Good sublimation paper helps transfer ink cleanly. Cheap paper can cause dull colors, ghosting, or uneven results.
Secure the Transfer Well
Use heat-resistant tape to hold the design in place. Even a small shift during pressing can blur the image.
Follow Supplier Settings
Temperature and time can vary depending on the blank. Always follow the supplier’s pressing instructions first, then adjust only if needed.
Let the Blank Cool Before Handling
Freshly pressed phone cases can be hot and easier to scratch. Let them cool before packaging or attaching inserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying the Cheapest Blanks Only
Cheap blanks may look attractive, but poor coating can lead to dull designs and unhappy customers.
Not Testing Before Selling
Always make a test case before listing a new blank in your shop. Check color, fit, finish, and durability.
Forgetting to Mirror the Design
Most sublimation projects require mirrored artwork before printing. Forgetting this can ruin text-based designs.
Stocking Too Many Phone Models
Start with popular models first. Expanding slowly is safer than buying lots of cases that may never sell..
Other Creative Products to Try
Fun sublimation blanks that are beginner-friendly, giftable, and great for testing new designs.
Sublimation Phone Wallet
A good alternative for blank phone case!
Custom Phone Grips
For holders for Smartphones and Tablets
Sublimation Pet Bandana
For dogs or any other pet!
FAQ
What are blank phone cases for sublimation?
Blank phone cases for sublimation are phone cases with a special coating that accepts sublimation ink when heat and pressure are applied. They are also sold as sublimation phone case blanks or blank phone cases for printing.
Can you sublimate on any phone case?
No. Regular phone cases usually do not work with sublimation. You need blank phone cases made specifically for printing with sublimation coating.
What type of blank phone case is best for beginners?
Hard plastic cases and metal insert cases are usually best for beginners because the printable area is flat and easier to press.
Are sublimation phone cases profitable?
They can be profitable because they are affordable to make, easy to personalize, and inexpensive to ship. Profit depends on your blank cost, design quality, pricing, and target audience.
Do sublimation phone cases fade?
Good-quality blank phone cases for sublimation should stay vibrant with normal use. Poor coatings, harsh scratching, and heavy wear can reduce the lifespan of the design.
Which phone models should I sell first?
Start with popular recent iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models. Avoid buying too many older models unless you already know your customers want them.
Conclusion
The best blank phone cases for sublimation come down to two real choices: hard plastic for cheap, easy direct printing, and metal insert for crisp, photo-quality results. Beginners can start with either, while Etsy sellers and small businesses usually do best with metal insert cases — especially the TPU-edge version — and then move to bulk wholesale packs once a design is selling steadily.
For the best results, choose blank phone cases for printing with good coatings, test before selling, and start with popular phone models. Once you find a blank that prints well and gets good customer feedback, you can order in larger quantities with more confidence.
If you are still building your sublimation setup, check out our How to Get Started With Sublimation guide and our Best Sublimation Printers in 2026 Compared article next.