We began with how to do sublimation on dark shirts, followed by an explanation of what is dye sublimation printing is, and now I’ll teach you how to sublimation on mugs.
We’ll go through a couple of different sublimation procedures which is the most effective. Continue reading to find out!
Sublimation on Mugs in below seven steps:
Supplies Needed
- Sublimation Printer
- Mug Press Machine
- Sublimation Coffee Mugs
- Sublimation Dye Ink
- Heat-Resistant Tape
- Sublimation Transfer Paper
Once you have your sublimation printing materials, follow these steps to print a high-quality image on a ceramic mug using a thermal mug printing machine.
1. Choose your graphic
The first step in sublimation printing is to select the image or graphic to be printed on the mug.
If you are printing with a Sawgrass Virtuoso SG400 or SG800 printer. These printers come with an easy-to-use program called Creative Studio.
Creative Studio includes hundreds of templates, a huge library of carefully selected images, cloud storage, and more.
You can also design your own products using Photoshop, CorelDRAW, or Illustrator.
And if you don’t feel like crafting any yourself, you can download mug templates here, here, and here.
Tips to Remember
- When choosing the size of your sublimation graphic, remember that a typical 10- or 11-ounce mug measures 3 inches by 9 inches (3 inches high by 9 inches wide).
- Also, remember that a specially coated mug must be used for sublimation printing. These cups are specially coated at the factory. It is not possible to coat them yourself.
When choosing the size of your sublimation graphic, remember that a typical 10- or 11-ounce mug measures 3 inches by 9 inches (3 inches high by 9 inches wide).
Also, remember that a specially coated mug must be used for sublimation printing. These cups are specially coated at the factory. It is not possible to coat them yourself.
It is also possible to print all over the top and bottom of the mug, but please note that some mugs have a knocker that makes transfer difficult.
So if you are sublimating a ceramic mug that is tapered at the top or bottom, you will need to print a quarter inch from the top and bottom rim.
We also recommend that you copy and paste your chosen design onto a single sheet of paper as many times as possible to keep printing costs down and production efficient.
Once you have decided on your sublimation graphic, you can proceed to step
2. Print the selected graphic
When printing, you can use a full-size transfer paper (8.5 x 11 inches) to cut out your image, or you can use a transfer paper that fits a typical mug size, such as 10 oz, 11 oz, or 15 oz.
- Make sure you have the correct printer settings for your mug sublimation graphics.
- Specifically, check the Mirrored Image box and use a resolution of 300 DPI or less (higher values will waste ink and take longer to print than necessary).
- Make sure you choose the right printer with sublimation ink and sublimation transfer paper.
- Also, it is important to print on the coated side of the paper.
- When all the work is done, you can print the graphic and proceed to the next step.
3. Cut the graphic to fit the ceramic mug
Cut the transfer paper with scissors so that the size of the image on both sides is slightly smaller than the size of the mug (to make it easier to glue).
- Turn the transfer paper over so that the image is facing the mug.
- Wrap the transfer paper tightly around the mug.
- Make sure the paper is firmly placed on the mug’s surface.
- Use heat-resistant tape to secure both ends of the transfer paper.
4. Adjusting the sublimation cup press setting
To set up the sublimation cup press, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
- Set the pressure level to “medium-high” and the timer to 4-6 minutes*.
- The exact time will vary depending on the manufacturer of the heat press and the beaker.
- For best results in sublimating ceramic mugs, experiment gradually with time, temperature and pressure.
5. Place the mug in the heat press
Once the mug in the heat press reaches 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 204 degrees Celsius, it is ready to be pressed.
- Carefully place the mug in the heat press so that the transfer paper is not wrinkled or bent.
- This is important. The slightest wrinkle in the paper will ruin the design.
- The press is then carefully closed to start the sublimation process.
- The press should close tightly, but be careful not to apply too much pressure or the mug will break.
6. Remove the beaker from the press
After the specified time has elapsed, open the press and remove the mug using a heat-resistant oven mitt (the mug is very hot).
- Quickly peel the transfer paper off the mug by carefully pulling off the adhesive strip (a thin knife or tweezers are helpful).
7. Allow the mug to cool down
The sublimation process of the mug is almost complete.
- Let the hot mug cool for a long time.
- Let it cool for a long time until it no longer feels hot (a fan running on low will help cool it quickly).
How to Make Dye-Sublimation Coffee Mugs?
The mug press has heating components around the point where it comes into contact with the cup.
When you cook in an oven, you also pre-heat for the same purpose.
You may insert the thing into the press machine after it has heated up. The heat will gently melt the sublimation ink on the paper and transfer it to your glazed ceramic item, such as a coffee cup.
Here are some helpful instructions for making a personalized coffee mug:
1. Create the picture you wish to be printed on your personalized coffee mug.
2. Print the picture on paper and trim it to fit the measurements of the mug you’ve selected.
3. Wrap the paper around your cup and secure it with heat-resistant adhesive.
4. Get the mug press machine ready by heating it up.
5. Place the cup in the machine and wait for it to do its thing.
6. Remove the cup from the oven and set it aside to cool before using.
FAQS (Frequently asked questions):
Q. Is dye sublimation printing durable?
A. The inks used become gaseous when heated and adhere to the fabric to create a permanent print on the fabric. The effect is permanent and does not fade because the ink is embedded in the fabric or substrate and is not overlaid as in normal printing.
Q. Is it possible to sublimate on ceramic tiles?
A. Sublimation on ceramic tiles is not difficult, but to get the best results, you need to know how to do it right. Over the years, these processes and procedures have changed as new tools have become available, and there can be a lot of confusion about how to press ceramic tiles.
Q. At what temperature is sublimation printing done?
A. A temperature of 400°F is recommended for all products. Some force is required to close the press, so apply moderate to strong pressure. Time and temperature may vary depending on the heat press and material thickness.
Q. Can you sublimate a regular mug?
A. White ceramic or ceramic mugs are best for sublimation.
