Sublimation Pressing Instructions

Sublimation turns ink into a gas that bonds right into polyester, so your design becomes part of the fabric: no feel, no cracking, no peeling. Follow these steps for bright, crisp results.

Quick Settings

  • Temperature: 385°F–400°F (start at 400°F for polyester shirts)
  • Time: 45 seconds for apparel (35–60 seconds depending on your press and blank)
  • Pressure: Medium pressure
  • Peel: Hot. Remove the paper right away
  • Second press: None. Do not re-press, because it can cause ghosting and blurring

Step-by-Step

  1. Prep: Lint roll the print area and pre-press the garment for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
  2. Protect: Slip a sheet of blowout or butcher paper inside the shirt so ink doesn't bleed through to the back.
  3. Position: Place the transfer printed side down on the garment and secure it with heat-resistant tape so it can't shift.
  4. Cover: Lay a sheet of blowout or butcher paper over the transfer.
  5. Press: Press at 385°F–400°F for about 45 seconds with medium pressure.
  6. Peel: Open the press and remove the transfer paper immediately while it's hot. Lift it straight up so it doesn't slide.

Fabric and Blank Tips

  • Use white or light-colored garments with high polyester content. 100% polyester gives the brightest colors, and lower poly blends will look more faded or vintage.
  • Sublimation ink does not print white and won't show on dark garments.
  • Will not work on 100% cotton.
  • For mugs, tumblers, metal, ornaments, and other hard blanks, use sublimation-coated blanks and follow the blank maker's time and temperature.
  • Tear the edges of the paper to help avoid press lines.

Care Instructions

  • Wash inside out in cold or warm water.
  • No bleach.
  • Tumble dry low or hang dry.
  • Sublimated prints won't crack or peel because the ink is part of the fabric.

Good to Know

  • Every heat press is a little different. Test on a spare blank first.
  • Colors on your screen may vary slightly from the finished print.
  • Dazzling Darlings Boutique is not liable for damage that happens during or after application.
  • All sales are final. Of course, if we make a mistake, we will be happy to fix it!