Getting started with sublimation: some advice

Sublimation is an easy and affordable customization method that requires few materials to personalize items like phone cases , mugs , keychains , and many other items. Here are some tips for making your sublimation projects successful:

Choose the right equipment

• Sublimation printer: Invest in a good sublimation printer. Brands like Epson or Ricoh are specially designed for sublimation.
• Heat press : Use a heat press suitable for the objects you want to enhance. For mugs, use a mug press; for shin guards, a shin guard press , for flat items, use a flat press. At coque-sublimation, we also offer mini presses (17x20cm) which are practical if you only carry out sublimation on small objects.

Use appropriate consumables

• Sublimation paper : Use good quality sublimation paper to ensure better ink transfer.
• Sublimation Inks : Be sure to use sublimation-specific inks to achieve vibrant, long-lasting colors.
• High temperature resistant tape ( also called adhesive tape)

Prepare your designs

• Design software: Use suitable software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or the free GIMP, to create or modify your designs.
• Image quality: Make sure your images are high resolution to avoid pixelation when enlarged.
• Mirror Mode: Remember to print your images in mirror mode so that they appear correctly when transferred.

Set up your heat press

• Temperature and Time: Each type of material may require different temperature and time settings. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations for these settings.
• Even Pressure: Make sure the pressure applied by the press is uniform to avoid incomplete or uneven transfers.

Maintain your equipment

• Cleaning: Keep your printer and heat press clean to avoid technical or print quality issues.
• Regular use: Use your sublimation printer regularly to prevent the print heads from drying out.

Train and take tests

• Testing: Test on samples before moving on to your final objects to adjust your designs and parameters.
• Learn from mistakes: Every failure is an opportunity to learn and improve your techniques.

• Protection: Use protective gloves and glasses when handling hot objects and inks.

With these tips, you'll be well equipped to start or improve your sublimation projects, transforming ordinary objects into personalized, professional works of art.