Sublimation Times & Temperatures
There are many variables to printing sublimation items as this is an Art rather than a precise Science. The temperature and time combinations below are a guide but you many find that depending on your heat press equipment you need a different combination. Keep a written record of what works best for you.
Ceramics
Mugs
European, 11oz, Sparta, Latte, Espresso, El-Grande, Beer Steins.
In our mug presses we recommend: Idle temperature of 110 degrees.
Operating temperature of 170 degrees.
Time of 140 seconds from the time the mug is placed in the mug press (at idle temperature).
In other mug presses, a time of 3-3.5 minutes at a temperature of 180 degrees is recommended. Good firm pressure.
As a guide for Ricoh printers we would recommend:
Idle temp of 110 degrees, operating temp of 170 degrees time of 140 seconds.
WOW/Reveal: same as European but lighter pressure.
Mugs
Bone China Mugs (DF12 Blanket) Sawgrass Ink Press at 170 degrees for 120 seconds, medium pressure.
Tiles
Press at 200 degrees for four minutes, medium pressure.
Pet bowls
Cook in oven for 16-18 minutes at 190 degrees.
Hard Materials
Wood
Most wooden products are pressed at 190 -200 degrees for 50-60 seconds with firm pressure.
Products:
Coasters, Placemats, Clocks, Basketball Goals, Jigsaws, Key Hangers, Wall Hangers, Easels, Post It Note Holders, Plaques.
FRP Plastics
Press 190 degrees for 50-60 seconds, medium/firm pressure.
Products:
Luggage Tags, ID Badges, Fridge Magnets, Keyrings, Door Plates, Door Hangers, Christmas Ornaments, Clocks.
Glass
Press at 190-205 degrees for 3.5 to 4 minutes, heavy pressure.
Products:
Clocks, Chopping Boards, Tiles
Glass Mugs press at 160 degrees for 4 minutes, medium pressure. (Preheat at 60/80 degrees for 5-6 minutes).
Whisky Glass Press at 155 degrees for 4 minutes medium/light pressure. (Preheat at 60-80 degrees for 5-6 minutes).
Metal
Press at 190 degrees for 50-60 seconds, medium/firm pressure. If you find the image looks a little blurred then reduce the time to around 40-45 seconds.
Products:
Keyring inserts, Book Marks, Car signs, Keepsake Box Inserts, All Custom Metals, Coasters, ID Badges, Fridge Magnets, Business Cards, Ruler Inserts, Pet Tags, Clocks, Plate Insert, Pendants.
Travel Mugs Press at 180 degrees for 90 seconds, medium pressure.
Lighter Press at 185-195 degrees for 115-125 seconds, heavy pressure.
Fabrics
Neoprene
Most wooden products are pressed at 190 -200 degrees for 50-60 seconds with firm pressure.
Products:
Coasters, Placemats, Clocks, Basketball Goals, Jigsaws, Key Hangers, Wall Hangers, Easels, Post It Note Holders, Plaques.
Polyester
Press 190 degrees for 50-60 seconds, medium/firm pressure.
Products:
Luggage Tags, ID Badges, Fridge Magnets, Keyrings, Door Plates, Door Hangers, Christmas Ornaments, Clocks.
Other
Press at 190-205 degrees for 3.5 to 4 minutes, heavy pressure.
Products:
Clocks, Chopping Boards, Tiles
Glass Mugs press at 160 degrees for 4 minutes, medium pressure. (Preheat at 60/80 degrees for 5-6 minutes).
Whisky Glass Press at 155 degrees for 4 minutes medium/light pressure. (Preheat at 60-80 degrees for 5-6 minutes).