What Is Sublimation? The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Sublimation Printing at Home
If you’re new to the world of crafting or small product-based businesses, you may have heard the term “sublimation printing” floating around. But what does it really mean? And how can you get started with it from home? This guide is for complete beginners who want to understand what sublimation is — without the technical overload. You’ll learn how it works, what tools you need, and how to start creating professional-quality products like mugs, shirts, and tumblers in your own workspace.
What Is Sublimation Printing and How Does It Work?
Sublimation printing is a process where a special type of ink is transformed from a solid into a gas using heat. That gas then bonds to materials that are either made of polyester or have a polymer coating. Instead of laying ink on top of the surface like vinyl or screen printing, sublimation actually becomes part of the material. That means no peeling, no fading, and no cracking — just long-lasting, vibrant color.
Learn more about the sublimation process from Printful’s beginner guide.
Why Crafters and Creators Love Sublimation
One of the biggest reasons sublimation has exploded in popularity is because it combines pro-level results with home-level accessibility. With just a printer, heat press, and a few supplies, you can make products that rival what big manufacturers offer. There’s no sticky vinyl, no weeding, no layering — just bold color that blends seamlessly into your blank.
For creators selling on platforms like Etsy, this is a game-changer. You can print detailed photos, logos, or patterns onto items that feel premium — and you can do it fast. There’s no drying time, no ink smearing, and very little cleanup.
What Surfaces Can You Sublimate On?
Sublimation doesn’t work on everything. To be successful, you need to print on materials that either contain polyester or have a special polymer coating. For fabrics, the higher the polyester content, the better. 100% polyester gives you the most vibrant results, while 65%+ blends will still work (with slightly muted tones).
Popular sublimation blanks include:
- White or light-colored polyester t-shirts
- Poly-coated mugs, tumblers, and water bottles
- Mousepads, coasters, and puzzles
- Metal signs, photo slates, keychains, and ornaments
You can’t sublimate on cotton, uncoated ceramic, wood, or dark-colored blanks unless they’ve been treated with a sublimation coating — and even then, results may vary.
Want help choosing the right materials? Explore our curated sublimation blanks section for beginner-friendly picks.
How Sublimation Differs From Other Printing Methods
Unlike HTV (heat transfer vinyl) or screen printing, sublimation doesn’t just sit on top of your blank — it fuses into it. This gives a smooth, professional finish with full color and no edges. There’s no lifting over time, and the design lasts as long as the product itself.
If you’re familiar with Cricut Infusible Ink, that’s actually a form of sublimation. The big difference is that Infusible Ink uses pre-printed transfer sheets with fixed designs, while traditional sublimation lets you print your own graphics using a printer and software. It’s more flexible, cost-effective, and customizable in the long run.
What Do You Need to Start Sublimation at Home?
Good news: you don’t need a huge budget or workspace to get started with sublimation. Many successful creators begin in a small corner of their home. Here’s what you’ll need:
Sublimation Printer: You’ll either need a dedicated sublimation printer like the Sawgrass SG500 or a converted inkjet printer like the Epson EcoTank. Epson EcoTank printers can use sublimation ink instead of regular inkjet ink. Once converted, you can’t go back to regular ink – so dedicate it to sublimation only.
Sublimation Ink & Paper: Sublimation ink is specially formulated to activate at high temperatures. You’ll need to pair it with sublimation paper that holds the ink during printing and releases it onto your blank during pressing. Here’s the paper we recommend.
- Heat Press Machine: A heat press is essential. For shirts and flat items, a 15×15 press is a great all-purpose tool. For curved items like mugs or tumblers, you’ll need a specialty press or a convection oven that is strictly for crafting use.
- Sublimation Blanks: Start with easy wins like polyester shirts or pre-coated mugs. These blanks are affordable, forgiving, and perfect for learning. See our favorite blanks for beginners.
- Accessories:
You can either find all accessories separately, or buy a accessory starter kit- Heat-resistant tape – Holds your design in place
- Butcher paper or protective sheets – Protects your press
- Lint roller – Removes dust/fibers before pressing fabric
- Heat gloves – Prevents burns when handling hot items
- Microfiber cloth – Cleans hard blanks like mugs and keychains
Step-by-Step: How to Sublimate at Home
Here’s how a typical sublimation project works from start to finish:
- Design: Use software like Canva, Photoshop, or Affinity to create your graphic. Mirror your image before printing.
- Print: Load your sublimation printer with ink and paper. Print your design at high quality settings.
- Prep: Clean your blank. Tape the design to the item using heat-resistant tape.
- Press: Use your heat press at the correct settings. For example, press a shirt at 400°F for 60 seconds with medium pressure.
- Peel: Let the item cool slightly. Remove the paper to reveal a bright, permanent transfer.
Common Beginner Questions About Sublimation
Can I sublimate on black shirts? Not with traditional sublimation. Sublimation ink is translucent and works best on white or light-colored fabrics.
Can I use any printer? No. You will need a sublimation printer or convert an Epson inkjet printer (like Epson EcoTanks). You must use sublimation ink and paper.
Can I use a Cricut EasyPress? Yes — for small projects. But a clamshell or swing-away heat press gives better pressure and consistency.
What software do I need? You can start with free tools like Canva or Design Space. For more flexibility, try Photoshop or Affinity Designer.
Where to Buy Sublimation Supplies
We’ve curated everything you need to get started. Shop trusted beginner-friendly supplies below:
- Epson EcoTank Printer Bundle
- Sublimation Ink to Convert the Printer into a Sublimation Printer
- 15×15 Heat Press
- Sublimation Paper
- Blanks for Mugs, Shirts & More
Keep Learning
Once you’ve made your first project, you’ll be hooked. Continue learning with these helpful beginner guides:
- How to Use Canva for Sublimation
- Can You Make Your Own Sublimation Blanks?
- Explore More Beginner Tips
You’re now ready to start sublimating at home! With a little practice and the right materials, you can create vibrant, lasting products that impress — whether you’re gifting, crafting, or building a business.
