Learn the best sublimation blanks to use for professional-looking craft projects!
Have you ever picked up a shirt, tote bag, or mug blank from your craft stash and asked yourself, “Can I sublimate this?”
That question comes up a LOT, and for good reason. Sublimation transfer crafting opens the door to so many beautiful, colorful projects, but it also has one important rule: the blank has to be the right kind of blank.
Nobody wants to spend time making or finding a design, printing it, taping it carefully, and pressing it… only to find the blank wasn’t right. So let’s make this easier.
In this post, I’ll show you what makes a blank sublimation-friendly, which different types of sublimation blanks are best for beginners, and how to choose the right sublimation-ready blanks for shirts, mugs, tumblers, bags, coasters, home décor, gifts, and more.
I also made a free downloadable “Can I Sublimate This?” cheat sheet to help you check your blank before you use up your time and materials. It’s a simple little guide you can reference when you’re shopping for blanks, sorting through supplies, or standing in your craft room wondering, “Will this work?”
Ready to learn about the best sublimation blanks for your craft projects? This post will introduce you to many of my favorite sublimation blanks, so you can spend less time deciding what to make and more time making projects with full-color sublimation techniques! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience, which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I may earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more! Read my full disclosure policy.
What Are Sublimation Blanks?
Sublimation blanks are items made to work with the sublimation transfer process. They are the shirts, mugs, bags, tumblers, coasters, ornaments, signs, mouse pads, and other items you decorate with sublimation prints.
The best sublimation blanks are usually white or light-colored and made with polyester fabric or a polymer sublimation coating. During the process of craft sublimation, heat turns sublimation ink into a gas, and that gas bonds with the polyester fibers or coating on your blank. Once it cools, the design becomes part of the blank instead of sitting on top like adhesive vinyl or iron-on vinyl.
That is why the blank matters so much. Without enough polyester or the right coating, your design may look faded, blurry, patchy, or disappear after washing. When the blank is right, you get the best results that last!
What Makes a Blank Good for Sublimation?
A good sublimation blank needs the right surface, the right color, and the right heat tolerance.
For fabric blanks, look for enough polyester. A 95-100% polyester shirt, bag, pillow cover, or flag will usually give the most vibrant colors. Polyester blends can work, too, as long as they’re at least 65% polyester, but the finished design may look soft or vintage due to less ink transfer.
For most blanks, look for wording like:
- Sublimation blank
- Sublimation coated
- Poly-coated
- Made for sublimation
- Compatible with sublimation
- Compatible with Infusible Ink
The best sublimation blanks are usually white or light-colored because sublimation printers do not print white ink. The ink is transparent, so the blank’s color will show through your sublimation design. Colored blanks are tricky because the design won’t show up the same way it does on a white surface. For example, these colorful tumblers’ backgrounds impact the design.
You’ll also want a blank that can handle high temperatures. Most sublimation projects use a lot of heat, so the blank needs to be made for that process.
Before you press, ask yourself:
- Is the blank made from polyester or coated for sublimation?
- Is it white, or light enough for my design to look right?
- Can it handle the recommended heat?
- Can my heat source press it evenly?
- Do I know the correct time, temperature, and pressure?
If you’re unsure, pause before pressing and check. That one tiny pause can save your ink, your blank, and your crafty patience.
My Sublimation Cookbook shares hundreds of time, temperature, and pressure “recipes” for popular sublimation blanks, so you can spend less time guessing and more time making.
What are the Best Sublimation Blanks for Beginners?
The best sublimation blanks for beginners are flat, small, and easy to press.
Flat blanks are easier because your paper can stay in full contact with the surface. That means fewer worries about wrapping, shifting, seams, curves, or uneven pressure. And small blanks are guaranteed to fit under your heat press.
Good beginner sublimation blanks include:
- Coasters
- Magnets
- Mouse pads
- Flat ornaments
- Bookmarks
- Keychains
- Small metal signs
- Polyester pillow covers
- Polyester T-shirts
- Polyester tote bags
These are great options because they help you learn how sublimation behaves without adding too many extra challenges at once.
Once you feel confident with flat blanks, then you can move on to sublimation mugs, tumblers, and travel mugs, along with other curved or shaped blanks. They’re fun, but they do need a little more TLC to get right. A curved blank requires careful measuring, tight taping, and even heat all the way around the design.
Best Fabric Sublimation Blanks
Fabric blanks are a great way to start because they are useful, easy to personalize, and usually simple to press.
They also make wonderful gifts. A shirt, bag, or pillow feels personal while being really easy to sublimate.
Polyester T-Shirts
Blank T-shirts are one of the most popular options for sublimation, and they are a great choice when you want a wearable project.
Look for white or light-colored polyester shirts. A 95-100% polyester shirt usually gives the brightest color. A polyester blend can still work if it has enough polyester (at least 65%), but the finished design may look a little softer.
And that softer look is not always a bad thing! Sometimes a blend gives a worn-in, vintage-style result that looks really pretty. But if you want the boldest color, use a 95-100% polyester shirt.
If you are making your first shirt, my Sublimation T-Shirt Ideas for Beginners tutorial walks through the process step by step.
And if you are comparing settings, my guide on how long to heat press sublimation shirts can help you understand time and temperature.
Sublimation Tote Bags
Tote bags are one of my favorite beginner-friendly blanks because they are flat, useful, and very easy to personalize.
You can make library bags, teacher gifts, craft supply bags, grocery totes, lunch bags, or a special bag for someone who always seems to have one more thing to carry. Which is most of us, right?
Look for white or light polyester tote bags made for sublimation. Some bags have a canvas look but are actually polyester or include a sublimation-friendly panel. Always check the material before pressing.
A tote bag is a great way to use a larger sublimation or Infusible Ink design, and the finished project is something you can actually carry and enjoy.
Pillows, Garden Flags, and Soft Home Décor
Sublimation is a beautiful way to make soft home décor because the design becomes part of the fabric. No vinyl edges, no peeling layers, and no extra texture on top.
Some good fabric home décor blanks include:
- Pillow covers
- Garden flags
- Microfiber kitchen towels
- Polyester blankets
- Polyester aprons
- Zipper pouches
Garden flags and pillow covers are also a great option for holidays, housewarming gifts, and photo projects.
Just remember to check the fabric content. If the blank is less than 65% polyester, it is not the best option for sublimation.
Best Drinkware Sublimation Blanks
Drinkware is one of the most exciting sublimation categories because the finished projects are so giftable. A custom mug or tumbler can be sweet, funny, useful, sentimental, or all of the above.
But drinkware is also where we need to be extra careful. Regular drinkware usually will not work. You need sublimation mugs, tumblers, and cups with a special coating made for the sublimation process.
Sublimation Mugs
Sublimation mugs are popular options because they are useful, affordable, and easy to personalize.
You can add names, photos, quotes, teacher designs, holiday artwork, encouragement, or a funny little message for someone’s morning coffee. Coffee mugs are also a great beginner drinkware blank if you have a mug press, because the press helps hold the paper close and apply even heat.
Look for mugs that clearly say they are for sublimation. A plain ceramic mug from the store usually will not work unless it has the proper coating.
If you want to try one, my tutorial on how to sublimate mugs shows the full process with DIY designs.
Tumblers, Travel Mugs, and Water Bottles
Tumblers are some of the best sublimation blanks when you want a big, impressive reveal. The full-wrap designs can look amazing, especially when the seams line up nicely and the colors press well.
Straight skinny cups and tumblers are usually easier than tapered tumblers because the design wraps more evenly. Tapered tumblers, handled tumblers, and shaped cups are doable, but they need more measuring and careful taping.
I share helpful tips for cleaner seams and brighter designs in my tips for better sublimation tumblers tutorial.
Best Hard Sublimation Blanks
There are so many other coated surfaces you can personalize, like coasters, ornaments, signs, mouse pads, and home décor pieces. Just like sublimation mugs and tumblers, they need a sublimation coating so the ink has something to bond to when heat is applied.
Coasters
Coasters are one of the best blanks for beginners because they are small, flat, and practical.
They are also a great way to test colors or try a new sublimation design without using a lot of paper or ink. You can make one coaster, or a whole matching set.
There are different coaster types, including ceramic, MDF, neoprene, and car coasters. Follow the instructions for the specific blank you are using, because each material can press a little differently.
My how to sublimate coasters tutorial shows several coaster options. I also have fall sublimation coaster designs if you want a seasonal set.
Mouse Pads
Mouse pads are easy, useful, and beginner-friendly. They are a good choice for office gifts, craft room desks, teacher gifts, and personalized workspaces.
Most sublimation mouse pads have a fabric top and rubber backing. The fabric top holds the design, and the rubber backing helps the mouse pad stay put. They press flat, which makes them much less fussy than curved blanks.
Ornaments
Sublimation ornaments are a sweet way to make keepsakes for holidays, memorial gifts, family photos, pet photos, names, dates, and special places.
Flat ornaments are the easiest to start with. You can find sublimation ornaments made from aluminum, ceramic, MDF, hardboard, and other coated materials.
One mistake to watch for: protective film. Some hard blanks have a clear film on one or both sides. Remove it before pressing, or your design may not transfer correctly.
My DIY Sublimation Ornaments tutorial is a good place to start making sublimated ornaments.
Keychains, Bookmarks, Bag Tags, and Small Gifts
Small blanks are wonderful when you want quick wins.
Try:
These affordable sublimation blanks are nice to keep on hand for gifts, stocking stuffers, party favors, and practice projects. They do not take much ink or paper, and they help you build confidence.
Best Sublimation Blanks for Home and Kitchen Projects
If you like gifts that are both pretty and useful, there are a wide variety of blanks for the home and kitchen.
These projects can feel really special because they become part of everyday life. A cutting board in the kitchen, a pillow on the couch, a coaster on the coffee table, or a sign by the front door can all feature a design you picked or designed yourself.
Charcuterie Boards and Cutting Boards
Sublimation charcuterie boards and cutting boards make beautiful gifts for weddings, housewarmings, holidays, and family keepsakes.
These blanks usually have one coated side for sublimation. Some are decorative only, while others may have a food-safe side. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions so you know how the finished piece should be used.
You can make one yourself following my Sublimation Charcuterie Board tutorial.
Pot Holders, Oven Mitts, and Kitchen Towels
Kitchen blanks are useful, cute, and fun to personalize.
Look for blanks made for sublimation, made of polyester or with polyester panels. Some pot holders and oven mitts have a white sublimation area on one side and heat-safe material on the other.
These are great for holiday designs, printing with family recipes, funny kitchen sayings, hostess gifts, and gift baskets. You can sublimate your own with my sublimation oven mitt tutorial.
Signs and Photo Panels
Sublimation signs and photo panels are a great way to make custom wall art.
You can use family photos, favorite quotes, seasonal artwork, or other meaningful images. Acrylic and metal photo panels often give crisp, bright color when they are made for sublimation.
This is where sublimation can really shine as home décor because the finished piece looks polished without needing paint, vinyl, or extra layers. I walk you through how to sublimate an aluminum sign in my Quick Sublimation Projects tutorial.
Acrylic Night Lights
Acrylic night lights are a beautiful way to turn a sublimation design into something that glows. The acrylic blank looks pretty on its own, but once it slides into the light base, the design catches the light and feels extra special.
For this kind of project, make sure you use acrylic that is made for sublimation. Acrylic can soften and become flexible when heated, so handle it carefully with heat-resistant gloves and keep it flat while it cools. My Sublimation on Acrylic tutorial shows how to make these glowing night lights step by step.
Best Outdoor Sublimation Blanks
Outdoor blanks are fun for porches, patios, gardens, and seasonal decorating.
Some outdoor sublimation blanks include:
If the blank will live outside, check whether it is meant for outdoor use. Sun, rain, humidity, and temperature changes can be rough on sublimation projects, even when the transferred image looks beautiful at first.
For a super useful outdoor project, see my Plant Care Garden Markers tutorial. It combines sublimation crafting with QR codes to make smart plant labels.
Where Can I Find Sublimation Designs for Blanks?
Once you choose your blank, the next step is choosing a design that fits it.
Some blanks work with simple square or rectangle designs. Others need a shaped template, like a mug wrap, tumbler wrap, coaster design, ornament shape, or tag layout. Each of my tutorials shows how to adapt designs to your blanks for the best results.
If you need designs to practice with, visit my collection of free sublimation tutorials and designs. You’ll find PNG files and project ideas for shirts, mugs, tumblers, bags, and more.
And if you are new to sublimation overall, my Sublimation for Beginners guide explains how sublimation works, what supplies you need, and what you can make.
Watch the full step-by-step video tutorial on how to do sublimation for beginners:
How Do I Know if I Can Sublimate a Blank?
This is the part where I want you to feel confident, not worried. You don’t have to guess. You just need to check the blank before you press.
That is why I made my free “Can I Sublimate This?” cheat sheet. It walks you through the big things to look for, like fabric content, coatings, blank color, heat safety, and surface shape.
It is especially helpful when you are shopping online or at your craft store and trying to decide if an item is actually a good sublimation blank for your project.
Get My FREE “Can I Sublimate This?” Cheat Sheet
Keep your cheat sheet with your sublimation supplies, and it will help you figure out if a shirt, mug, tumbler, coaster, ornament, or mystery blank is likely to work for sublimation.
This is a great way to save time, save ink, and avoid disappointing moments, like when a project does not turn out because the blank wasn’t right.
Because once you know what to look for, choosing the best sublimation blanks gets much easier!
What Sublimation Blanks Should I Buy First?
If you are new to sublimation, start small. I know the options are really cool and fun, but you do not need one of everything on day one.
Choose one or two beginner-friendly blanks and learn those first.
My favorite beginner sublimation blanks are:
These are some of the best options because they are useful, beginner-friendly, and easier to press than many specialty blanks. And if you mess up? You’ve still got a perfectly usable item, even if it doesn’t look the way you expected. Dress up a mess-up with a vinyl decal or repurpose a T-shirt into a smock for painting!
If you want help avoiding common sublimation mistakes, my Sublimation Survival Guide walks you through the issues that can make sublimation projects look faded, blurry, uneven, or just plain frustrating. It’s a great companion to this cheat sheet because once you know which blanks can be sublimated, the next step is learning how to get cleaner, brighter, more consistent results.
Practice With These Beginner Sublimation Projects
1. Start with the basics
This beginner-friendly tutorial walks you through the three big things you need to understand first: the right blank, the right ink, and the right heat, then shows how one design behaves on a shirt, mug, and coaster.
Try this tutorial: Sublimation Basics for Beginners
2. No sublimation printer? No problem
Want to try sublimation before buying a sublimation printer? This tutorial shows five creative ways to make sublimation projects without one, with fun bookmark ideas and helpful tips for getting bright, lasting results.
Try this tutorial: How to Sublimate Without a Printer
3. Sublimation magnets
Magnets are a quick, colorful project for fridges, lockers, signs, and gifts. My tutorial shows how to make bright message magnets that are more durable than sticker-style magnets.
Try this tutorial: Make Your Own Sublimation Magnets
4. Quick sublimation projects
This tutorial shows how to use free software with an Epson sublimation printer so you can size your designs correctly and make quick projects like lens cloths, puzzles, and aluminum signs.
Try this tutorial: Quick Sublimation Projects
5. Infusible Ink tote bags
This is another easy way to learn sublimation without a printer, using Cricut Infusible Ink sheets instead. The tutorial shows how to layer Infusible Ink on tote bags, which are such a useful blank for gifts, books, craft supplies, and all the little things we somehow end up carrying.
Try this tutorial: Infusible Ink tote bags
Where Can Sublimation Beginners Get More Help?
If you’re still feeling a little iffy about sublimation, that is completely normal. There are a few moving parts with sublimation, especially when you’re learning which blanks work, how hot to press, and how to keep your design from shifting. But you do not have to figure it all out by guessing. Here are a few helpful places I recommend:
JenniferMaker tutorials: My step-by-step sublimation blog posts are a great place to start because you can pause, reread, zoom in on photos, and follow along at your own pace.
JenniferMaker YouTube channel: If you like to follow videos, short videos and full tutorials can help you see exactly what each step looks like in real time.
Sublimation community groups: There are lots of sublimation Facebook groups where sublimation crafters share tips, answer similar questions, and show what worked for them. Just remember that advice can vary, so when in doubt, check the tutorial instructions for guidance. I’d love for you to join us in the JenniferMaker Sublimation Group!
Free workshops: Workshops are a very special place to get more guided help because they give you a focused project and a clear path to follow. Check out my Sublimation Startup workshop!
Manufacturer support: If you have a question about your printer, heat press, mug press, tumbler press, or a specific blank, check the official support pages from that company. I would be careful with random phone numbers or mystery settings you find online, because the wrong time, temperature, or pressure can ruin a blank faster than you can say “oops.”
JenniferMaker Sublimation Survival Guide: I’ve put my best sublimation troubleshooting tips in one place for you! Keep it nearby for frustrating moments.
Between tutorials, videos, community help, and expert help when you need it, you don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Sublimation Blanks
Q: What are the best sublimation blanks for beginners?
A: The best sublimation blanks for beginners are flat, white or light-colored, and easy to press. Good beginner choices include polyester T-shirts, tote bags, coasters, mouse pads, garden flags, flat ornaments, bookmarks, keychains, and small metal signs.
Q: Why do sublimation blanks need to be white or light-colored?
A: Sublimation ink is transparent, and sublimation printers do not print white ink. That means the color of the blank shows through your design. White blanks usually give the brightest results, while colored blanks can change how your design looks.
Q: How do I know if a blank has a sublimation coating?
A: Check the product listing or packaging for words like sublimation blank, sublimation coated, poly-coated, or made for sublimation. If the listing does not say it is for sublimation, do not assume it will work.
Q: Can I use a household iron for sublimation?
A: No, you should not use a household iron because it will not have the high, consistent heat required for sublimation to work. You can find the temperature settings for hundreds of sublimation projects in my Sublimation Cookbook.
Q: Can I sublimate on cotton?
A: No, regular sublimation does not bond well to cotton. Sublimation works best on polyester fabric or hard blanks with a special sublimation coating. Cotton may look faded after pressing and can wash out quickly.
Q: What fabric is best for sublimation?
A: Polyester is the best fabric for sublimation. 95-100% polyester fabric usually gives the brightest color. Polyester blends can work if they have enough polyester (at least 65%), but the finished design may look softer.
Q: Can I sublimate any mug?
A: No, you need a mug made for sublimation. Regular ceramic mugs usually do not have the coating needed to hold sublimation ink. Look for mugs labeled as sublimation blanks, sublimation coated, or made for sublimation.
Q: What color blanks are best for sublimation?
A: White or light-colored blanks are best for sublimation because sublimation ink is transparent. Sublimation printers do not print white ink, so the color of the blank affects the final design. Dark blanks usually do not give bright sublimation results.
Q: Are sublimation blanks expensive?
A: Some sublimation blanks cost more than others, but there are many affordable sublimation blanks for beginners. Coasters, keychains, bookmarks, mouse pads, small ornaments, garden flags, and bag tags are usually good practice blanks.
Q: Why does my sublimated blank look faded?
A: A sublimation blank may look faded if it does not have enough polyester, does not have a sublimation coating, was pressed with the wrong time or temperature, had uneven pressure, or was too dark for the design to show well.
Q: Do I need special supplies to get started with sublimation crafting?
A: Yes, you need sublimation ink or a printed sublimation transfer, sublimation paper, a compatible blank, heat-resistant tape, protective paper, and a heat source. The exact sublimation supplies depend on the blank you choose.
Q: What are the best sublimation blanks for gifts?
A: Great gift blanks include sublimation mugs, tumblers, tote bags, coasters, ornaments, keychains, bookmarks, pillow covers, mouse pads, and charcuterie boards. Choose the blank based on what the person will actually use and enjoy.
Q: How do I choose the best sublimation blank?
A: Choose a blank that is made for sublimation, white or light-colored, compatible with your heat source, and the right shape for your design. For fabric, check the polyester content. For hard blanks, check for a sublimation coating.
Q: Can I sublimate on glass?
A: Yes, but only if the glass is made for sublimation. Look for glass blanks labeled sublimation ready, sublimation coated, or poly-coated. Regular glass will not hold sublimation ink the same way because it does not have the coating the ink needs to bond.
Q: Can I sublimate on wood?
A: Yes, but the wood needs a sublimation coating. Plain unfinished wood will not give the same bright, permanent result as a sublimation-ready wood blank. If you want to sublimate on wood, choose blanks that are specifically made for sublimation.
Q: Can I sublimate on metal?
A: Yes, metal works beautifully for sublimation when it has a sublimation coating. Sublimation aluminum panels, signs, ornaments, bookmarks, and photo panels can give bright, crisp results. Plain metal from the hardware store will not work unless it has the right coating.
Q: Can I sublimate on acrylic?
A: Some acrylic blanks can be sublimated, but they need to be made for sublimation. Always check the product description before pressing, because regular acrylic may melt, warp, or fail to hold the design.
Q: Can I sublimate on dark shirts?
A: Not directly with standard sublimation. Sublimation ink is transparent, so it does not show well on dark colors. For dark shirts, you usually need a special workaround, such as sublimation on white HTV, EasySubli, or another compatible transfer material.
Q: Can I make a regular blank sublimation-ready?
A: Sometimes, but I recommend starting with blanks that are already made for sublimation. Coatings and sprays can be tricky because the results depend on the product, the surface, the application, and the curing time. If you are a beginner, a tested sublimation blank will be much more reliable.
Get My Free “Can I Sublimate This?” Cheat Sheet
Want a quick way to check if something will work for sublimation before you press it? I made a free printable “Can I Sublimate This?” Cheat Sheet you can keep in your crafting space.
It’s an easy to use checklist that helps you quickly find out if your blank is good for sublimation, or if it would be better used with another technique.
Click below to get my free printable “Can I Sublimate This?” reference cheat sheet:
Final Thoughts: Trying New Sublimation Blanks
Once you understand what makes a blank sublimation-friendly, the whole process feels much less mysterious. Instead of guessing and hoping, you’ll know to look for light-colored blanks, polyester fabric, or a sublimation coating before you press. Remember, you can do this!
Start with one simple blank, like a shirt, magnet, or bookmark, and let that first project teach you. Every press helps you learn a little more about your materials, your heat source, and what gives you the results you love.
Before long, you’ll be looking at sublimation blanks with a much better idea of what can become your next full-color project.
And once you make your first projects, I’d love to hear which sublimation blanks you like working with best! Share your sublimation projects in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker so I can cheer you on.
Love,
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