Sublimation Basics For Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide & Tips

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE SUBLIMATION DESIGNS

First, download my Sublimation Basics for Beginners designs from my free library – look for Design #725. 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 labeled and unlabeled versions of my special Sublifly design. I made these designs with the help of AI art generation and adjusted them with image editing software.

There is also an SVG folder with a silhouette of the Sublifly shape that you can use in Cricut Design Space, and a PDF folder with versions you can print and cut by hand.

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 BLANK

FOR T-SHIRTS

1. Use a tape measure to measure the width across the chest, leaving empty space on both sides.
2. Then measure about half the length of the shirt, starting a couple inches below the collar.
3. Or, find the recommended maximum design size for your shirt using the guides below:
   
   
   
   

FOR COASTERS

1. Lay your coaster face up on your work surface.
2. With a ruler or tape measure, measure the coaster from the left edge to the right edge at the widest part and write down your measurement.
3. Then measure the coaster from the top to the bottom at the highest part and write down your measurement.
   NOTE: The coasters in my supplies list measure 3.75” x 3.75”. Your sizing might be different even if you use the blanks I recommend, so always be sure to measure.
   
   

FOR MUGS

1. Measure the mug’s height to find your design’s maximum height. Write down your measurement.
   NOTE: The 15 oz. mug in my supplies list is 4.5” high.
   
   
2. Wrap a looped measuring tape around the mug under the handle. When the numbers start to distort, stop and note that measurement. That’s the widest your design can be without needing to turn the mug to see it.
   NOTE: The maximum design width of the 15 oz. mug in my supplies list is about 4.25”.
   
   

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’ll 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.
   
   
3. Go to the “File” menu and select “Page setup.”
4. Make sure the box next to “Landscape” is checked to match the design orientation.
5. Change all of your Margins to “0” to use more of the page.
6. Change your Paper Size to match your sublimation paper size.
   NOTE: I’m using 8.5” x 11” or letter-size paper.
   
   
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 one of the Sublifly PNG files.
    TIP: You’ll most likely find it in your “Downloads” folder.
    NOTE: I’ll choose the “unlabeled” version.
    
    
11. Click “Open.”
12. To resize the design, click “Image Options” at the top of the page.
    TIP: Keep your browser window full-size to find the options easily!
    NOTE: You can also open the menu by going to “Format,” “Image,” and “Image Options.”
    
    
13. Select “Size & rotation.”
14. Keep the “Lock aspect ratio” box checked to maintain the design’s proportions.
15. For T-shirts, change the “Width” field to match the width of your blank’s design area. The “Height” field will automatically adjust proportionately.
    NOTE: I’ll make the design 10.5” wide for my Large Unisex shirt. If you’re making a different size shirt, you can adjust the design size to fit the area you want to fill, as long as it will fit your printer paper with at least a 0.25” margin around all sides of the design.
    
    
16. For coasters, change the “Width” field to match the width of your blank minus 0.25” to leave a margin around the design. The “Height” field will automatically adjust proportionately.
    NOTE: I’ll make the design 3.5” wide for my coaster.
    
    
17. For mugs, subtract at least ½” from your height measurement to allow room at the top of the mug to drink without touching the design. The “Height” field will automatically adjust proportionately.
    NOTE: I’ll make the design 3” high for my 15 oz. mug.
    
    
18. Once you’ve sized your design, click the “Text wrapping” heading on the “Image options” panel and select “Wrap text.”
    NOTE: This setting lets you move the design anywhere on the page.
    
    
19. Click and drag the image to the center of your page, as that ensures it won’t get cut off at the edges.
    
    
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.”
    
    
23. Your print menu may look different from mine - just make sure that you “flip horizontally” to mirror the image and select the highest print quality and the best matte photo paper setting. Double-check the sublimation printer and paper size settings to make sure they’re still correct.
    
    
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.
    
    NOTE: The printed design will appear lighter before pressing.
27. Your image is ready to press!
    

STEP 4: TRANSFER YOUR DESIGN

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

ON A T-SHIRT, WITH A HEAT PRESS

1. Set the temperature of your EasyPress to 385℉ (196℃), and set the timer for 10 seconds.
   
   TIP: I followed the time and temperature settings for 100% polyester T-shirts 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.
3. Use a lint roller to remove any excess lint or debris from your shirt.
4. Fold your shirt in half vertically and press it for 10 seconds along the crease.
   TIP: This makes a center line in the fabric to help align your design and pre-heats your shirt at the same time.
   NOTE: Always remember to place your press back on the base after use.
   
   
5. Unfold your shirt and lay it face up on the pressing mat.
6. Slide a piece of white cardstock inside the shirt under where your design will be to protect the back layer.
7. Use scissors or a paper trimmer to trim the print close to the design, or gently tear the edges to smooth out the transition and minimize pressing lines at the edges of the paper.
   
   
8. Gently curve your printed design along its vertical center, and crease it at the top and bottom of the paper. Don’t fold through any of the printed image!
   
   
9. Lightly place the design about 2-3” below the shirt’s collar, ink-side down, lining up the creases on the paper with the crease on the shirt.
   NOTE: To get the best placement for your design, use one of my free T-Shirt Rulers.
   
   
10. Use heat-resistant tape on all four sides to secure the design to the fabric, making sure it’s smooth.
    NOTE: Avoid placing tape over the design to prevent discoloration when pressing.
    
    
11. If you’re using the T-shirt ruler, remove it.
12. Place a fresh piece of white uncoated butcher paper on top of the design. Make sure it’s larger than the design and the heat press.
13. Make sure the temperature of your EasyPress is at 385℉ (196℃), and the timer is set for 40 seconds.
14. Cover the entire area of your design with the EasyPress and hold it in place. Press with even, light pressure for 40 seconds.
    TIP: Keep pressure even on both sides of the press for the best results.
    
    
15. When the time is up, lift the EasyPress straight up to avoid ghosting.
16. Let the project cool for about 10 seconds to let the ink settle and avoid ghosting, or a shadowy double image.
17. Remove the butcher paper, tape, and print to reveal the design.
18. Remove the cardstock inside the shirt.
19. Your T-shirt is ready!
    
    

ON A COASTER, WITH A HEAT PRESS

1. Set the temperature of your EasyPress to 390℉ (198℃), and set the timer for 5 seconds.
   
   TIP: I followed the time and temperature settings for MDF coasters 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 sublimation.
3. Use a lint roller or isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove any dust or debris from the white sublimation side of the blank.
4. Place the coaster 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 coaster with the EasyPress and preheat the blank with medium pressure for 5 seconds to remove moisture.
   
   
6. Lift the EasyPress.
   NOTE: Always remember to place your press back on the base after using.
7. Use scissors or a paper trimmer to trim around your print, leaving about 0.25” of blank paper on all four sides of the design.
   
   
8. Place the coaster blank sublimation-side up on your work surface.
9. Center the print face down on the coaster.
   
   TIP: To help with alignment, note the center of the design on the back with a little pencil mark. Place your print face down on the prepared blank, then use a ruler to find the center of the blank and line up the pencil mark.
10. Use heat-resistant tape on all four sides of the print to tightly secure it to the coaster, keeping the tape away from the inked areas to avoid discoloration during the heating process.
    
    
11. Place the coaster sublimation-side up on the cardstock with the print face down.
12. Place a fresh piece of white uncoated butcher paper on your project to completely cover it.
13. Make sure the temperature of your EasyPress is at 390℉ (198℃), and the timer is set for 50 seconds.
14. Cover the entire area of your coaster with the EasyPress and hold it in place with medium pressure for the entire length of the timer.
    TIP: Keep pressure even on both sides of the press for the best results.
    
    
15. When the time is up, lift the EasyPress straight up to avoid ghosting.
16. Let the project cool completely, then remove the butcher paper, the tape, and the design.
17. Your coaster is ready!
    
    

ON A MUG, WITH A CONVECTION OVEN

1. Remove the wire tray from your convection oven and set it aside.
   NOTE: This should be a craft-specific convection oven, only! Harmful fumes are released during transfer that can contaminate your food, making it unfit for consumption.
2. Place an oven thermometer in the center to make sure the temperature is correct.
   
   
3. Preheat your convection oven to 400°F (204°C).
   TIP: I followed the time and temperature settings for ceramic mugs (with handles) in my Sublimation Cookbook. Inside, you can find the settings for tons of other sublimation projects, too!
   NOTE: If your mug is a different brand from the one in my list, check the manufacturer’s heating instructions to find the best temperature setting for your blank.
   
   
4. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to clean the surface of your mug blank.
5. Lay the blank on a towel with the top facing away from you and the handle on the opposite side from how you typically hold it (so your design is facing outward as you drink).
   NOTE: I’ll lay mine with the handle to the left side since I usually hold my mug in my right hand.
   TIP: Using a towel stabilizes your mug and prevents scratches to the surface while applying your design. You can also use a mug cradle, instead.
   
   
6. Use scissors to trim around your print, leaving about 0.25” of white around the edges for securing the tape.
   
   
7. Center your print face down on the side of the mug, making sure to keep the design away from the mug’s top edge so your lips don’t touch it while drinking.
8. Use heat-resistant tape on all four sides of the print to tightly secure it to the coaster, keeping the tape away from the inked areas to avoid discoloration during the heating process.
   
   
9. If any areas of your design lift from the mug’s surface, use heat-resistant tape to secure those spots, too.
   NOTE: I’ll tape down my corners, as well.
10. Lay the mug on a shrink-wrap sleeve about 1” from the bottom, with the folded edges of the sleeve on the left and right sides.
    
    
11. Use scissors to trim 3” off the top of the wrap.
12. Hold the wrap at one of the folded edges and slide the mug in, with the handle pointing up toward the folded edge.
13. Hold the wrap in place over the handle, and use scissors to cut the wrap at the top and bottom of the handle.
    
    
14. Cut along the edge to make a hole for the handle, and slide the handle through.
    
    
15. Fold the wrap’s left tab under the mug’s handle and secure it with a piece of heat-resistant tape.
    
    
16. Then pull the right tab under the handle and secure it to the left side with a piece of heat-resistant tape.
17. Take the 3" of wrap you trimmed away earlier and cut along one of the folded edges.
18. Pull the wrap under the handle and around the shrink-wrap sleeve like a belt, and secure it with heat-resistant tape on the opposite side of the mug.
    
    
19. Put on your heat-resistant gloves.
20. Set your wrapped mug inside the bottom of your convection oven.
21. Heat the mug for 15 minutes, rotating once halfway through with your gloves on.
    NOTE: This helps even out the heat on the mug.
22. After 15 minutes, the mug will be VERY hot. With your gloves on, carefully take it out of the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for one to two minutes until it’s safer to handle.
23. While the mug is still warm, carefully peel away the shrink-wrap sleeve, tape, and sublimation paper to reveal your design!
    
    

STEP 5: SHOW IT OFF

You now have a beautiful T-shirt, mug, or coaster bursting with vibrant colors!