In the artistry of transferring vibrant designs onto a wide array of products continues to captivate creative minds and business entrepreneurs. Whether you’re adorning a polyester t-shirt with a striking graphic or personalizing ceramic mugs with a cherished photograph, the key to mastering this craft lies in understanding the delicate balance of temperature, time, and pressure.
However, here’s the caveat: there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for achieving picture-perfect results in sublimation. The magic, if you will, resides in the combination of these three critical factors, and they’re not universal constants.
The secret sauce to success lies in tailoring these parameters to the specific material or substrate you’re working with. Whether it’s fabric, ceramics, metal, or something altogether unique, the sublimation heat press temperature guide we’re about to delve into will be your compass on this creative journey.
Buckle up, because as we venture into the colorful world of sublimation, we’ll explore how these figures dance and diverge, influenced by the canvas you choose for your artistry. The road to sublimation perfection begins with an understanding of the interplay between temperature, time, and pressure – and it’s a journey well worth taking!
Credit: This article is inspired by US Cutter’s video on Youtube! If you are too lazy to read, then skip straight to the video. ↓
1. Ceramic Mug Sublimation Settings
Sublimating onto ceramic mugs involves a press time of 150 to 210 seconds, with a temperature range spanning from 370°F to 400°F. Maintain a medium pressure, around 40 PSI.
To optimize results, initiate the countdown timer when both the mug and the mug press reach the desired temperature. What’s meant by this is, when you place the mug inside the press, this cools the heat press temperature a little. So wait until it climbs up to the desired temperature before starting the timer!
It’s crucial to remove the transfer only after the mug has fully cooled down to avoid any mishaps.
Breakdown:
- Press Time: 150 to 210 seconds
- Temperature: 370°F to 400°F
- Pressure: Medium (around 40 PSI)
2. Metal Sublimation Settings
When sublimating on metal, whether flat surfaces or round ones like mugs or cups, you’ll require a shorter press time of 60 to 80 seconds and a temperature range of 375°F to 400°F. This is mainly due to metal conducting heat must quicker than ceramic does.
Maintain medium pressure, around 40 PSI. Enhance the process by using heat-resistant tape along the edge of the transfer and employing a non-stick sheet to prevent direct contact with the platen.
Breakdown:
- Press Time: 60 to 80 seconds
- Temperature: 375°F to 400°F
- Pressure: Medium (around 40 PSI)
3. Ceramic & Glass Titles Settings
For ceramic and glass tiles, the recommended temperature range remains consistent at 380°F to 400°F with medium pressure, around 40 PSI. However, notice one of the biggest differences here and that is the time of 300 – 720 seconds.
The unique aspect to consider here is the pressing technique. It’s advisable to press these items from the back, transferring side facing down into a silicon pad. Be cautious, as excessive pressure can lead to breakage, and too much heat might cause yellowing.
Breakdown:
- Press Time: 300 to 720 seconds
- Temperature: 380°F to 400°F
- Pressure: Medium (around 40 PSI)
4. Polyester Fabric (Including Mouse Pads) Settings
Polyester fabric and items like mouse pads require a brief press time of just 45 seconds and the standard sublimation temperature range of 380°F to 400°F, along with a medium pressure setting, around 40 PSI.
To achieve vibrant colors and sharper images, look for fabrics with a tighter knit and a higher white point. A tighter knit minimizes loose threads, ensuring a crisper result.
Breakdown:
- Press Time: 45 seconds
- Temperature: 380°F to 400°F
- Pressure: Medium (around 40 PSI)
5. Square Sequin Pillow Cases Settings
Sublimating onto square sequin pillowcases involves a press time of 45 to 55 seconds, within the temperature range of 380°F to 400°F. Use medium pressure, around 40 PSI, and make the process smoother by using a pressing pillow and a non-stick sheet.
It’s noteworthy that the cloth side can also be used for sublimation, offering flexibility in your designs.
Breakdown:
- Press Time: 45 to 55 seconds
- Temperature: 380°F to 400°F
- Pressure: Medium (around 40 PSI)
6. Unisub Products (Metallic Blanks & More) Settings
When working with Unisub products, be sure to remove any plastic coating that may be present before sublimation. Additionally, peel the transfer away as soon as possible to ensure the best results for this distinct product category.
Breakdown:
- Press Time: 60 seconds
- Temperature: 380°F to 400°F
- Pressure: Medium (around 40 PSI)
7. FR Plastics (Flame Retardant Plastics) Settings
For Flame Retardant Plastics, commonly known as FR plastics, you must consult the manufacturer’s specifications as these materials can have varied instructions.
The reason for this is that these plastics have a higher melting point and necessitate careful handling due to the significant heat applied during the sublimation process.
Breakdown:
- Press Time: 40 to 90 seconds
- Temperature: 380°F to 400°F
- Pressure: Medium (around 40 PSI)
Always remember that these settings serve as a starting point, and it is vital to adhere to the guidelines provided by the substrate manufacturer, as sublimation temperature, time, and pressure settings can vary depending on the materials and inks used. Conducting tests and exercising caution will help you achieve the best results for your sublimation projects.
Find All Settings In One Place
| Substrate | Press Time | Temp | Pressure | Tips & Tricks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Mugs | 150 – 210 | 370 – 400 | 40 (medium) | Start timer when both mug & press are at desired temperature. |
| Metals | 60 – 80 | 375 – 400 | 40 (medium) | Use heat-resistant tape around edge of transfer & non-stick sheet when possible. |
| Ceramic & Glass Tiles | 300 – 700 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) | Cautious of excessive pressure as tile can break & avoid overheating to prevent yellowing. |
| Polyester Fabric | 45 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) | Look for fabrics with a tighter knit and higher white point for better color results. |
| Sequin Pillow | 45 – 55 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) | Use a pressing pillow and a non-stick sheet for the best results. |
| Soft T-Shirts | 35 – 40 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) | Pre-press shirt to eliminate moisture & tack the transfer to avoid ghosting. |
| Vapor Apparel | 45 – 55 | 380 – 390 | 40 (medium) | See Vaporapparel.com for more information. |
| UNISUB Products | 60 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) | Remove any plastic coating if present & peel transfer away as soon as possible. |
| FR Plastics | 45 – 90 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) | Use Non-stick sheet when possible. |