What colour mugs can I sublimate onto?

Sublimation works best on white or light-coloured mugs because the dye bonds to a special polymer coating and stays slightly transparent. White gives the most accurate, vibrant results, while light shades like cream, pale grey, and soft pastels will subtly tint your design. You can sublimate onto stainless steel only if it is specifically made for sublimation (white or light-coloured polymer-coated surface). Dark finishes or bare stainless steel aren’t suitable because the print won’t show clearly.

Enamel mug sublimation settings

For enamel mugs in a standard mug press, the recommended settings are 375-400°F (190-204°C) for 80-270 seconds with medium to moderate pressure. Thinner mugs typically need around 80-90 seconds, while thicker 12oz camp-style mugs may require up to 240-270 seconds. Apply medium to moderate pressure to avoid distorting the enamel. After pressing, submerge the hot mug in room-temperature water to cool it and set the sublimation ink.

How To Sublimate Mugs

Q: Why does the image on my screen differ from the final printed result?

A print from a sublimation printer can look different from the image on your computer screen because sublimation inks often change colour during the heat pressing process. The ink can become brighter and more vibrant when heated. We recommend testing each design on a product before starting a batch order.

Q: Can I use an iron instead of a heat press?

No. Continuous, even heat and pressure applied simultaneously to the entire surface area is required, which can only be achieved effectively using a heat press.

With customers set to spend £1 billion on personalised gifts over the next 12 months, is now the time to take advantage? What better way than by offering the simple yet effective printed mug? Take a look at our guide to sublimating mugs below...

1. Using our recommended template, print your design in mirror.

2. Once printed cut around your design. When printing a block design leave a few millimetres around the edge of the print when cutting out.

3. Position your design face down onto the mug and tape the long edges.

4. Using a standard mug element, place the mug in a heat press. We would recommend that you press for 200 seconds with medium pressure at 180°C. If your design features a lot of black, the pressing time can be reduced to 180 seconds.

5. Once your mug has been pressed, remove it from the heat press and peel hot.

6. Admire your finished sublimated mug!

Sublimation is speedy and efficient, making it perfect when you need smaller batch orders turned around quickly. It really shines with more complicated designs, giving you the creative freedom to bring intricate artwork to life with excellent results.

You can choose a design that covers nearly the entire product if you want maximum impact, and the best part? Your designs won't crack, peel, or fade over time, so they'll keep looking sharp for years to come.

View Sublimation Blanks

View Sublimation Printers

1. What equipment is required for sublimation?

For a full sublimation setup, we recommend the following equipment:

Heat press (for mugs , a specific mug press is required)
Sublimation printer & ink
Computer or tablet for designing
Heat transfer tape
Protection sheets/pillows
Sublimation paper

2. Why can’t I sublimate on dark garments?

It isn't possible to sublimate on dark coloured garments because there is no white sublimation ink.

We do offer black mugs with white squares for sublimation as a close alternative.

3. Why does the image on my screen differ from the final printed result?

A print from a sublimation printer can look different to the image on your computer screen. This is because sublimation inks often change colour during the heat pressing process.

As the ink reacts when it is heated, it sometimes becomes brighter and more vibrant than the image printed on the sublimation paper. We highly recommend that, during your testing stage, you heat press the image onto a product to see the final result before beginning a batch order.

4. Can I use an iron instead of a heat press?

No. You need a continuous, even heat and pressure to be applied simultaneously to the entire surface area. This can only be effectively achieved using a heat press.

Get Started Sublimating T-shirts

Now that you know how to sublimate a t-shirt, you’re ready to start creating professional-quality, personalised garments. Explore the full range of sublimation printers, blanks, and accessories to bring your unique designs to life.