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Learn how to make your own magnets with print sublimation!

A simple magnet is one of the cutest ways to show off your personality! They’re perfect decorations for so many metallic surfaces, from car magnets to fridge magnets and all the different types of magnets in between! You can even stick them to chalkboard signs with magnetic surfaces for an extra color pop! If you’re looking for a quick and easy project, let me show you how to make your own magnets using print sublimation!

Want to save this project? Enter your email address below and we’ll send the project straight to your inbox. 

Watch the full step-by-step tutorial on how to make your own magnets:

Get the free SVG cut file for this project

While I love a printed sticker magnet with a custom shape, they all too often turn out to be temporary magnets. Sticker paper fades and sometimes peels, and they’re always one accidental spill away from ruin! But sublimated refrigerator magnets are a game changer! Since the special ink is absorbed into the magnet’s surface, the design stays just as bright as the day you pressed it. Plus, they’re completely waterproof! So if you’re looking for permanent magnets, sublimation is the way to go!

Four sublimated message magnets on a fridge: "Be fearless," "find joy," "choose kindness," and "stay positive."

For my set of DIY magnets, I chose four encouraging messages for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day: “be fearless,” “find joy,” “choose kindness,” and “stay positive.” Then I put them each on a colorful background with a unique design so they’ll catch your eye from across the room! They put a smile on my face every time I walk through the kitchen, and I’m positive they’ll do the same for you! My video tutorial will guide you through the steps to make your own message magnets using sublimation, so you can have your own set in just minutes.

If you’re interested in custom photo magnets for a more personal touch, I can teach you how to create your own design in my Advance with JenniferMaker program! My special workshop shows you how to use Canva, a free online design tool, to add your own text and images to personalize your magnets. Plus, you’ll have access to my personal collection of background images and design elements in your member library! Click here to learn more about the Advance program!

Six sublimated magnets on a fridge. Four message magnets that say "Be fearless," "Find Joy," "Choose Kindness," and "Stay Positive." Two photo magnets, one with Jennifer's dogs Chloe and Hunter, one with Jennifer's cat Butterscotch.

Once your designs are ready to go, I’ll show you how to upload them to Google Docs for printing. My high resolution images are quite small, so you can fit four to a page and save paper! I’ll show you exactly how to add and position the designs so you can easily print a whole set. Even though you can fit four to a page, I recommend separating the prints after they dry, so you’ll want a pair of sharp scissors or a paper trimmer handy.

Jennifer stands in front of a fridge holding up a magnet that says "Be fearless."

Now, sublimating a magnet can be tricky, but I’ve found a simple way to do it. Solving common issues starts with having the right materials. Specifically, the flat back magnet blank I have in my materials list below. Other magnet blanks can warp and bubble during pressing, but I rigorously tested my blank using various methods, and it has withstood everything I’ve thrown at it!

I even cranked up the temperature and pressed much longer than recommended. Let me tell you, this is one strong magnet blank! With other magnet blanks, you might need to use a silicone pressing mat or a mat with a metal surface to prevent sublimation mishaps. But for these blanks, a regular Cricut Pressing Mat will do. No need to make an extra purchase! 

Much of the success of sublimation comes from using the right time and temperature during heat pressing. Every blank is different! In my tutorial, I share the settings that worked the best for my magnet blanks.

Jennifer stands in front of a fridge holding up a magnet that says "Stay positive."

If your blanks are made from a different material, check out my Sublimation Cookbook. It’s packed with loads of information to help you achieve great results consistently, including recommended time, temperature, and pressure settings for tons of unique materials.

Jennifer's magnets beside a copy of her "Sublimation Cookbook."

These magnet blanks are small so you might be tempted to press them all at once. Resist the temptation! These magnets will turn out much better if you press them individually.

If you press them one at a time, you don’t have to worry about uneven coverage or pressure affecting your ink transfer. Just make sure to use heat-resistant tape to secure the blanks to the design to keep them from moving while you press. This will help you avoid blurring or ghosting, too.

Jennifer stands in front of a fridge holding up a magnet that says "Choose kindness."

Because sublimation is such a scientific process, you need specialized equipment to get the job done. The big three are your sublimation printer, your sublimation ink, and your sublimation paper. Your regular inkjet printer with cartridges and copy paper won’t work for this project.

I use a converted Epson EcoTank filled with high-quality Hiipoo brand sublimation ink and loaded with A-SUB sublimation paper for beautiful prints every time. I also recommend wearing heat-resistant gloves and turning on a fan for better ventilation. Safety matters! You can find everything else you need to get started in my supply list for this project.

Jennifer stands in front of a fridge with the six magnets she designed.

These message magnets make wonderful handmade gifts, but you can also keep them for your personal use, too. And if you’re a business owner, custom magnets are a versatile marketing tool–hand them out in place of business cards to increase brand awareness and attract potential customers! Don’t forget to check out Advance for my custom magnet workshop.

Now all that’s left is to get started! Before you know it, you’ll have tons of amazing magnets you sublimated yourself. Your world is about to explode with color and positivity!

So, want to learn how to make your own magnets with sublimation? Let me show you how fun and easy it is! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

Materials to Sublimate a Message Magnet

View my Amazon shopping list with the exact items I used.

  • Design #750 (My free PNG design files are available in my free library – get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page)


Want to make this? Design #750 is free at jennifermaker.com/750. Make your own magnets. A set of six magnets on a fridge: four with positive messages, and two with Jennifer's pets.

How to Make Your Own Magnets

Sublimation magnets displayed on a refrigerator.

How to Make Your Own Magnets

Yield: A set of four (4) magnets
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Estimated Cost: $1

Learn how to make your own magnets with print sublimation!

Materials

Tools

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE MESSAGE MAGNET DESIGNS

First, download my Message Magnet designs from my free library – look for Design #750. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

In the PNG folder, you’ll find four designs with positive messages ready to print for sublimation: “be fearless,” “choose kindness,” “find joy,” and “stay positive.”

TIP: If you’re not sure how to download Zip files and upload designs, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs. The steps are similar for PNGs and Google Docs.

STEP 2: MEASURE YOUR SUBLIMATION MAGNET BLANK

  1. Lay your magnet blank flat on your work surface in landscape orientation.
  2. With a ruler, measure the width from left edge to right edge, then the height from the top to bottom.

    NOTE: My magnets measure 2.95” W x 2.16” H. Your sizing might be different even if you use the blank I recommend, so always be sure to measure.

    Use a soft measuring tape to measure the height and width of the sublimation magnet blank.

    TIP: Most sublimation designs should completely cover the blank to fill all the white space.
  3. Record your measurements, and set aside your notes for now.

STEP 3: PRINT YOUR DESIGN IN GOOGLE DOCS

  1. Open Google Docs in the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.

    NOTE: You will need a free Google account to use the free Google Docs software.

    TIP: You can also download and open the Google Docs app, but you won’t be able to install or access any printer profiles from a mobile device, and you’ll also have limited access to features, so I do not recommend it on a mobile device.
  2. Click “Blank document” at the top left to open a new document.

    In Google Docs, click on Blank Document to open a new page.
  3. Go to the File menu and select “Page setup.”
  4. Make sure the box next to “Landscape” is checked.
  5. Change your margins to “0” to use more of the page.
  6. Make sure your Paper Size matches your sublimation paper size.

    NOTE: I’ll set mine to 8.5” x 11” or letter-size.

    In the Page Setup screen, set all of the margins to 0 and change the orientation to landscape.
  7. Click “OK” to apply the settings.
  8. Click the area that says “Untitled document” at the top and type a name for the file.
  9. Go to the Insert menu, select “Image,” and select “Upload from Computer.”
  10. Select the PNG file with your first magnet’s design.

    Upload the magnet PNG designs from your computer.

    TIP: You’ll most likely find it in your Downloads folder.

  11. Click “Open” to add the image to your document.
  12. Select the image and click “Image Options” at the top of the page.

    NOTE: You can also open the menu by going to “Format,” “Image,” and “Image Options.”

    In the document screen and with the image selected, click "Image Options."
  13. Select “Size & Rotation.”
  14. Keep the “Lock aspect ratio” box checked to maintain the design’s proportions.
  15. Change the “Width” field so it’s about a quarter inch larger than the width measurement you recorded to ensure your blank will be fully covered.

    NOTE: My magnets measured 2.95” wide, so I’ll set the width to 3.2”.

    Change the width of the design to 3.2" and the height will automatically change to 2.4".
  16. The “Height” field will automatically adjust proportionately.
  17. Click the image and select the “Wrap text” icon from the menu that appears below it.

    Click on the wrap text icon to freely move the image on the document page.

    NOTE: This setting lets you move the design anywhere on the page.

  18. Click and drag the image to the center of the page’s top left quadrant.

    Place the first design in the upper left quadrant of the Google docs page.
  19. Repeat Steps 9-18 to add the remaining three magnet designs to your document, dragging each one to the center of a different quadrant.

    Upload the three additional designs and place them spaced out on the Google docs page.
  20. Go to the File menu and choose “Print.”
  21. Select your sublimation printer under “Destination.”
  22. Click the arrow beside “More Settings” to select “Print Using System Dialog.”

    Select to print the document with the system dialogue settings.
  23. Your print menu may look different - just make sure that you “flip horizontally” to mirror the images and select the highest quality matte paper setting. Double check the sublimation printer and paper size settings to make sure they still match.

    Toggle on to flip the document horizontally which will mirror the design.
  24. Load a sheet of sublimation paper correctly into your sublimation printer.

    NOTE: Check the packaging for information on how to load the paper.

  25. Click “Print.”
  26. Allow the print to dry before handling it, as the ink can smear.

    Print the sublimation magnet designs on a sublimation printer.

    NOTE: The printed designs will appear lighter before pressing.

  27. Your images are ready to press!

STEP 4: SUBLIMATE YOUR MAGNET

IMPORTANT: As with all sublimation projects, open a window and turn on a fan to improve your ventilation before beginning.

  1. Set the temperature of your EasyPress to 360℉ (183℃), and set the timer for 5 seconds.

    Preheat the EasyPress to 360 degrees for 5 seconds.

    TIP: I followed the time and temperature settings for MDF magnets in my Sublimation Cookbook. Inside, you can find the settings for tons of other sublimation projects, too!

  2. Place your pressing mat on your work surface with a piece of protective white cardstock on top to protect it from any ink that may escape during the sublimation process.

    TIP: Your cardstock should be clean and free of any ink or other marks that could transfer to your blank during the sublimation process.

  3. If there’s any residue on your blank, wipe it away using alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Or use a lint roller to remove any dust or debris that accumulated during handling.

    TIP: If your magnet blank came with a protective film, be sure to remove it before cleaning. You can use tweezers or a weeding tool to carefully lift the film if it’s really stuck.

  4. Place the magnet sublimation-side up on your pressing mat, then cover it with a sheet of white, uncoated butcher paper.
  5. Cover the entire area of your magnet with the EasyPress and preheat the blank with medium pressure for 5 seconds to remove moisture.

    Press the magnets for 5 seconds to remove any moisture from the blanks.
  6. Lift the EasyPress away from your blank.

    NOTE: Always place your press back on the base after using.

  7. Carefully lift away the butcher paper and make sure the preheated magnet is cool enough to touch, then set it aside to cool completely.
  8. Use scissors or a paper trimmer to cut your printed designs down to size, leaving about ½” white around the ink’s edges.

    Use a paper trimmer to separate the sublimation prints leaving a small white border around the prints.
  9. Place the printed design for your first magnet face up on your work surface.
  10. Center the magnet blank face down on the print so an even amount of ink shows around all four sides.

    Place the magnet face down in the center of the sublimation print.
  11. Use heat-resistant tape to secure each side of the magnet to the paper so the pieces don’t shift during pressing.

    Use heat resistant tape to secure the magnet to the sublimation print.
  12. Carefully flip the blank over onto the cardstock so the print is face down.

    Flip the magnet over and place it on a piece of white cardstock.
  13. Place a fresh piece of white uncoated butcher paper on your project to completely cover it.
  14. Make sure the temperature of your EasyPress is at 360℉ (183℃), and the timer is set for 55 seconds.
  15. Cover the entire area of your magnet with the EasyPress and hold it in place with firm pressure for 55 seconds.
    TIP: Keep pressure even on both sides of the press for best results.

    Set the EasyPres to 55 degrees and press firmly on the press and magnets.

    NOTE: I recommend only pressing one magnet at a time to prevent ghosting or blurring.

  16. When the time is up, lift the EasyPress straight up to avoid ghosting.
  17. The blank will still be a little hot, so put on your heat-resistant gloves and then remove the butcher paper.

    Carefully remove the butcher paper from the magnet an print using heat resistant gloves.
  18. Once the blank is cool enough, remove the tape and design, then let it cool completely.

    One the magnet is cool to touch, remove the sublimation print from the magnet.
  19. Place a fresh sheet of white cardstock on your pressing mat, then repeat Steps 3-18 to sublimate each of your remaining magnets.
  20. Your magnet set is ready!

STEP 5: SHOW IT OFF

You now have a set of four long-lasting sublimated magnets!

My four finished, colorful, sublimation magnet designs.

Notes

Care Instructions: Use a damp cloth to clean the magnets.

Print Sizes: 3.2” x 2.41”

Blank Sizes: 2.95” x 2.16”

Fonts Used:
Foghe
Free Alternative: Kaoly

© JenniferMaker
Project Type: DIY Magnets / Category: DIY Home Decor

Answers to Your Questions About How to Make Your Own Magnets with Sublimation

Q: Is there an easier way to create a custom design for my magnet in Canva?

A: You can learn how to design your own custom magnets using Canva Frames in my ADVANCE program. Learn more about ADVANCE here!

Q: How do I find images for my custom magnet? 

A: You can use any of the images included in the project files, or find more in our library! You can also use your own photos and designs, images created through AI generators, graphics from Canva or other online sources, or stock photos for your custom magnet. 

Q: How long do you press a magnet made from MDF material?

A: Just follow the tutorial with my free files to learn what times and temperatures work when learning how to sublimate magnets! I walk you through each step of making your own magnet, including how to design a magnet in Canva. It’s so much fun!

Q: Can you use sublimation paper twice?

A: Though it may look like there’s ink left on your sublimation transfer after pressing, there’s not actually enough to create another press. You can try, but your second attempt will probably look super faded and not the way you expect. 

Q: Can a Cricut do sublimation printing?

A: While a Cricut cutting machine can be useful in some sublimation projects, it does not sublimate or print sublimation ink. However, you can use a Cricut and Infusible Ink pens to draw designs onto paper which can be sublimated, or use a Cricut to cut SVG designs out of Infusible Ink transfer sheets. If you want to sublimate your magnets, you’ll need a sublimation printer, a heat press, and other tools and materials you can find above in my materials list. 

Q: Can I make and sell sublimated magnets?

A: If you want to use my designs and projects for commercial use, please familiarize yourself with my important licensing information before selling your crafts. 

Get my free PNG files to learn how to make your own magnets!

(If you do not see the signup form above, click here.)

I love seeing your sublimated projects, and how you display them! Once you’ve learned how to make your own magnets using sublimation, inspire others and share a photo of your sublimated designs in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.

Love,

JenniferMaker.com

Want to remember this? Save this How To Make Your Own Magnets Tutorial to your favorite Pinterest Board!

Make your own magnets with this Jennifer Maker tutorial! Four positive message magnets on top fridge door: "Be fearless," "find joy," "choose kindness," and "stay positive." Two magnets on lower fridge door: Jennifer's dogs Chloe and Hunter, and Jennifer's cat Butterscotch.

Jennifer Maker is a designer, an enthusiastic crafter, a lifelong teacher, and a proud overcomer of a variety of life's challenges. In her spare time she loves to play D&D and video games, garden, sew costumes, and go to Disney. She lives a full, happy life in beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan with her partner Greg, her daughter Alexa, their two dogs, Hunter and Chloe, and their sassy orange cat, Butterscotch. Jennifer is looking forward to one day moving to her new home on Maker Farm!

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