Learn How to Sublimate Glasses Cleaning Cloth Projects

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Learn how to sublimate a glasses cleaning cloth!

Regular glasses cleaning cloths can get the job done, but wouldn’t they be even more fun with an adorable image sublimated onto them? You can do this with white microfiber polyester cloths. It’s the perfect project for anyone new to sublimation! In this tutorial I’ll teach you how to sublimate glasses cleaning cloth projects with my delightfully bespectacled animal designs. They’ll add some serious cuteness to any glasses wearer’s collection!

Ever have dirty glasses lenses, and nothing to clean them with? Having a reliable solution can make all the difference in keeping your perfect frames nice and clean. Especially with kids, it can feel like you need an industrial cleaning solution just to get the smudges off! I can’t wait to share these with all my friends and family who wear glasses!

Paper towels can scratch a delicate eyeglass lens, and pre-moistened eyeglass wipes can dry out your hands. That’s why I love soft microfiber cleaning cloths! Especially when I can decorate them with a cute image. 

Sublimation has easily become one of my favorite crafts, and new products like lens cloths are now on my favorites list! They’re the perfect beginner sublimation project because of the low cost of the blanks, and the fact that they’re flat and easy to press — plus the glasses-wearers in your life will love having cleaner lenses, thanks to you. 

I used an AI image generator to create these absolutely adorable animals with glasses designs, then made them even better with image editing software. If you want to learn more about the process, check out my AI Art Design Workshop on creating and using AI-generated images in your crafts.

You can sublimate glasses cleaning cloth blanks and use them to clean sunglasses or prescription glasses. Make a bunch so you always have one handy! Does your child have new glasses? Help them learn the best care for their eyewear by putting together a eyeglass care kit with a customized cleaning cloth and appropriate cleaners. A thoughtfully put together glasses care kit can really encourage kids (and adults!) to take the best care of their eyewear.

First, I’ll show you how to prepare the designs in Google Docs. You’ll need a free Google account to use it. You’ll also need some necessary equipment like a sublimation printer and a heat press, along with sublimation paper and the right sublimation ink.  Since this is a small format project, you can even print several of them (one to a full page unless you’re using larger paper) and sublimate multiple lens wipes quickly. 

Good ventilation is super important any time you use sublimation. The safe way to sublimate is to have your windows open and a fan going to help the sublimating ink dissipate quickly. And don’t breathe in very close to your projects while they’re still warm.

You’ll need white microfiber lens cleaning cloths that are 100% polyester, and some basic sublimation supplies like white cardstock, white butcher paper, and heat tape, all of which are just a quick order away on Amazon (my shopping list below makes it easy)!

Cleaning glasses has never been cuter! These really make easy, inexpensive projects for sublimation crafters of any skill level. And don’t forget, an all inclusive eyeglass cleaning kit can really help glasses wearers protect their quality investment and take good care of their specs!

Let me show you how to sublimate glasses cleaning cloth designs! 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, there is no additional cost)! Read my full disclosure policy.

How to Sublimate Glasses Cleaning Cloth Blanks

Sublimate A Glasses Cleaning Cloth

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $1 - $5

Learn how to sublimate glass cleaning cloth designs!

Print

Materials

• One 7" x 6" white microfiber lens cleaning cloth
• One (1) Sheet of 8.5” x 11” A-Sub Sublimation Paper
• One (1) Sheet of 12” x 12” White Cardstock (for Sublimation)
• White Uncoated Butcher Paper
• Design #607 (My free PNG/PDF design files are available in my free resource library – get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page)

Tools

• Sublimation Printer or Printer Converted for Sublimation
• Sublimation Ink
• Heat Press - I used my EasyPress, but you can also use an Autopress or a traditional heat press
• Cricut EasyPress Mat
• Proper Ventilation - I like to use this fan
• Heat Resistant Tape
• Brayer
• Lint Roller
• Measuring Tape
• Scissors

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE ANIMALS WITH GLASSES DESIGNS

First, download my Animals With Glasses Sublimation designs from my free library – look for Design #607. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

There are

I used an AI art generator to create the designs, then made them even more fantastic with image editing software. If you want to learn more about the process, check out my AI Art Design workshop on creating and using AI-generated art in your crafts.

STEP 2: PREPARE AND PRINT YOUR DESIGNS

1. Open Google Docs in the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.
   NOTE: You can also download and open the Google Docs app, but be aware that you won’t be able to install or access any printer profiles from a mobile device, and you’re also limited in features, so I do not recommend it on a mobile device. You will need a free Google account to use the free Google Docs software.
2. With Google Docs open, click on Blank in the upper left corner to open a new document.
3. Go to the File menu and select Page setup.
4. Change your margins to “0” and change your Paper Size to match your sublimation paper size.
5. Go to the Insert menu, select Image, and select Upload from Computer.
6. Locate the sublimation design you want to use for the back (hint: it’s probably in your Downloads folder), and click Open. 
7. Resize the image to 7.25 x 6.25, or about 1/8" larger than your cloth in both directions.
   NOTE: Either select the image then click and drag a corner or you can right-click the image and select Image Options and change the size in the fields.
8. Click on “Wrap text” from the menu that appears below the design.
9. Click and drag the image to the middle of the page as that ensures it won’t get cut off at the edges and you have plenty of space for taping.
10. Give your document a name so you can find it later (you don’t have to worry about auto-saving, as it saves itself as you go).
11. Go to the File menu and choose Print.
12. Select your printer under “Destination.”
13. Click the arrow beside “More Settings” and click on “Print Using System Dialog.”
14. Your print menu may look different - make sure your sublimation printer is selected, you “mirror” the print, and select the highest quality matte settings.
    NOTE: The printed designs will appear lighter before pressing.

STEP 3: PREPARE AND SUBLIMATE THE GLASSES CLEANING CLOTH

CAUTION: Good ventilation is important any time you use sublimation. Have your windows open and a fan going to help the fumes dissipate quickly. And don’t breathe in very close to the project while it’s still warm.

1. Set your heat press to the correct temperature and time. According to my Sublimation Cookbook, the EasyPress 2 needs to be set at 400° F (204° C) for 40 seconds with light pressure for polyester fabric.
2. Place your pressing mat on your work surface.
3. Use a lint roller to remove debris from the cleaning cloth, which can interfere with the design.
4. Place the cloth on the pressing mat and make sure there are no wrinkles.
5. Press the cloth for 10 seconds to remove any wrinkles or moisture, which can also interfere with the design's transfer.
6. Set it aside to cool in a clean area.
7. Place a piece of white cardstock on top of the pressing mat to protect it.
8. Put the printed design face up on the cardstock.
9. Place the cleaning cloth face down on the print and center it so there is an even border of color around the fabric and use heat-resistant tape to secure its edges to the paper so it won't shift.
   
10. Turn the taped print over and place on cardstock.
11. Add a sheet of white uncoated butcher paper on top of the design to protect your press.
12. Lower the press straight down on the design and heat it at 400° F (204° C) for 40 seconds with light pressure.
13. When the time is up, lift the press straight up to avoid blurring the design by shifting the materials while the ink is still sublimating.
14. Remove the butcher paper and let the project cool for about 10 seconds.
15. Then flip over the cloth to see your results!

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF

Answers to Your Questions About How to Sublimate Glasses Cleaning Cloth Designs

Q: Can you sublimate on any lens cleaning cloth? 

A: There are regular cleaning cloths available with different product features, but in order for it to be sublimatable, your eyeglass lens cleaning cloth should have at least 65% polyester content and be white so the translucent sublimation ink will show correctly.

Q: Why is my sublimation print color so dull?

A: Sublimation prints look much duller on the paper than they do after they’re sublimated. When you sublimate glasses cleaning cloth projects, don’t worry if your printed images look faded or different colors than you expect. The vibrant colors will show when transferred to the sublimation blanks!

Q: Why is my sublimation not transferring evenly?

A: You may need to tweak your settings if you’re using materials other than the ones in my materials list. The sublimation printing process and transferring has a lot of variables, so follow my notes first on a test cloth, then try adjusting your temperature, time, or pressure if you need to.

Q: What does ghosting mean in sublimation?

A: Handling freshly sublimated items requires a level of care. Ghosting can occur when a newly sublimated object is moved around too much while it’s still hot. If the object and the sublimation transfer are still hot, the image is still sublimating. To avoid this, simply wait until your sublimated item has cooled off before handling or removing the paper, and don’t move it around more than you need to while it’s sublimating. It’s a natural effect of the sublimation process because the ink is in a gaseous state until it’s cooled.

Q: What if I don’t have a sublimation printer?

A: Good news, you can have someone else print the different images for you! There are a whole host of creative entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to help, especially on the Etsy app. Many people on Etsy offer (and others in the global marketplace) to print your designs and send them to you. Just check their average rating, see if they have a minimum order quantity, and make sure their typical production time fits your goals, especially for made-to-order items and those with custom design fees. It’s a bonus if they’re Star Sellers, have many 5-star reviews, and offer free shipping for handmade pieces!

Q: How do you sublimate a glasses lens cloth?

A: Get the best results by following this tutorial! But seriously, it’s simple and so much fun to sublimate a microfiber cloth. I break it down easy step by easy step, and it’s a simple project you can do several in about an hour. And blank microfiber lens cloths are pretty inexpensive, so you can get a few to practice on!

Q: Can you tell me how long to press when you sublimate glasses cleaning cloth?

A: Use 400° F (204° C) for 40 seconds with light pressure when you sublimate glasses cleaning cloth blanks made of polyester microfiber.

Q: What temperature do you heat press glasses cleaning cloths?

A: Sublimation requires pretty hot temperatures! We’ll be pressing our sublimatable len cloth at 400° Fahrenheit (or 204° Celsius). Check out the Sublimation Cookbook with handy one-page “recipes” of recommended settings for over 150+ different sublimation projects with details on the sublimatable substrate options!

Q: Can you overheat sublimation?

A: It’s possible to overheat your sublimation projects and cause ghosting or browning of your design, but highly unlikely if you follow my steps and use reliable heat presses because they’re powerful tools.

Q: Do you peel sublimation hot or cold?

A: Always let your sublimation paper cool completely before removing it from your material. This will ensure a nice, crisp, clear design without any ghosting when you sublimate glasses cleaning cloth blanks. 

Get my free PNG files to sublimate glasses cleaning cloth projects!

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

I love seeing what you make with my designs and how you use them! Please share a photo of your lens cleaning cloths in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.

Love,

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