What are /r/Sublimation's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

I'm still pretty new to sublimation, but here's what I've learned so far:

I use jiffyshirts.com and alldayshirts.com for blanks. Both sites are super user friendly, and you should be able to find all blends of shirts. The ones that are 100% polyester are best for sublimation, but the blends will work, too. The more cotton, the lighter the design will turn out. I did a 100% cotton shirt for my husband, and it gave it a cool vintage look with the faded colors, so the all cotton shirts have a place in sublimation world, too! The more important shirt consideration is the color. White/light colors work much better than darker colors.

I don't use Teflon sheets. From the videos I've watched, they actually recommend not using them. The ink can transfer onto them then onto your next project (I do a lot of vinyl work so that was definitely a concern for me). Instead use parchment or butcher paper. I bought a giant roll from Sam's Club, and a cutter and mount from Amazon. I'll probably be able to pass that roll onto my grandkids. Lol

For paper, I use Printers Jack. It's all I've used so far, so I can't really compare it to others, but I'm pleased with it so far! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08164FN5T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_.EncGb4F330FZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Hope this helps!

Amazon!

A-SUB Sublimation Paper Heat Transfer 110Sheets 13 x 19 Inches Super Size Compatible with Inkjet Printer 120gsm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DXWG734/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_mgPbGb8AK1Z8M

This one from amazon, ordered it almost 2 years ago for a different project. Hopefully its still the same because I'm going to order some more. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0727Y2S7W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this press:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078L3K1M4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

So far, I haven't done a design that's too big for it! Most T-shirt designs aren't bigger than 11", so it's perfect for me. Plus I love the extra attachments. I made a few tumblers with it yesterday, and the hat attachment should work well once I figure out the whole laying a design on a curved surface thing.

Amazon. They've got a few different shapes too. They arrived MUCH faster than the estimate said. Took like maybe 2 weeks to arrive. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VFN2PK9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_eCLKFbJ2E853N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I was in the same boat about 2 weeks ago, and I'm still learning. The two methods I have tried thus far are:

1. Easysubli
2. Sublimating an image onto clear sublimation HTV with a white HTV base

• HTVront is the brand I used for the clear sublimation HTV. I use siser white HTV.

Although Easysubli is costly, it does save time compared to method #2.

I typically use Easysubli for more detailed projects and use the clear HTV method for smaller prints/logos and less detailed designs.

Yes, Blanks
For the Acrylic, Im using these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084T6ZQ3X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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For the Cotton shirts, 400 Degrees for 40sec.

I got HTVRont 10x10 Heat Press it is $99 but also has a $15 off coupon right now. I only sublimate small items (think burp cloths, cloth wipes, etc) so I opted for the smaller size. It has worked very well for me so far and is very consistent!

OK I found this, but it may be too pricey for a 2 yo

Simplicity Kids Boys Girls Bath Cover up with Belt & Pockets, Cute Hooded Design,12 Month-12 Years https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P5RJHNV/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_48GH8P28FRBWK6NA5KZK

This maybe?

link

Fancierstudio has uneven heating issues with some. I would recommend Powerpress. You can refer Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0773Y1TNX/ref=sspa\_dk\_detail\_0?psc=1p13NParams&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVEJPVFZRU0pWWUFaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDE2OTUxM1BOS0RYQkkzNFEwRSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzc5OTkyVU1CRlNUWUI3RUYwJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0Y...

I just got this one. I’ve only used it twice so I can’t say for sure how durable it is. But it worked for my two shirts.

PRIBCHO 5 in 1 Heat Press Machine 15 x 12 Inch T Shirt Pressing Machine 360-Degree Swing Away Heat Transfer Sublimation Combo for T Shirts Mugs Hat Plate Cap Bottle https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B09DBCWKKJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_AGT8YPBSYH21DXGWG5VQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Dovov Heat Press 15x15, Clamshell Heat Press with Digital Controller, Sublimation Heat Press Machine for T shirt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G6DF1C7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_0K1D5MY373Z6KNC83JK9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

sublimation requires a polyester coating to be received by the substrate.. (your wood piece) that is 'plastics or other stuff'
there is no inexpensive technology I know that applies well.
a flat bed printer CAN do it.. hella expensive though.

handheld printer depending on size is inexpensive.
you get under 2" at a time
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QZ1GBHW

I’m just kind of lurking this sub. I make merch for a living but never really done sublimation. So I’m not exactly sure what features you need in a design app. BUT I am a graphics professional and have been using photoshop since the 90s and PhotoPea.com is the best ps clone I’ve ever encountered. Highly recommend.

“Convection oven” generally describes an apparatus that uses a fan to move air around for even temperatures, so all of your examples fit that bill in some regard. A household toaster oven would meet your requirements assuming it’s “convection” style, and would likely be the most cost effective option.

Air fryer ovens accomplish the same task, but circulate air at a much higher rate. For sublimation, the amount of air moved inside the oven isn’t as relevant as just maintaining temperature.

Pressure is a key factor that none of these options address, so you will have to ensure that your items are wrapped as tightly as you can reasonably get them. That is the major difference between using a toaster oven and the considerably more expensive vacuum heat presses that are available (i.e. $59 for a toaster vs $700 for a vacuum press).

Bottom line - go to Walmart or Amazon and buy something like this:

Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Countertop Toaster Oven, Fits 9” Pizza, 4 Slice Capacity, Powerful Circulation, Auto Shutoff, Stainless Steel (31403) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CW95ZFR/

Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner and Copier - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PW3Q92W/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_KW3476T9J1500WFXD55W

That's the one I have!!

Thank you! Hiipoo Sublimation Ink for EcoTank Supertank Inkjet Printers ET-2720 ET-2760 ET-3760 ET-4700 ET-7710 ET-7720 ET-15000 L3110 L3150 Printer Heat Press Transfer on T-Shirt Mug https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZMRT4H5/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_QJ3WB724JFTVBWZTMXQ7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

That's what I use!

My Heat Press combo unit came with heating plates to be used for flat dinnerware, bowls and such. I have had to put all my sublimation on hold for a few months and have not experimented with these accessories. You may find some useful information if you research them. This link is a machine that has the plate accessories: https://smile.amazon.com/Slendor-360-Degree-Multifunction-Transfer-Sublimation/dp/B08HN5QSNM/ref=sr_1_9?crid=C9GG45662XXA&keywords=sublimation+heat+press+machine+15x15&qid=1639101348&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=sublimination+heat+press%2Carts-crafts%2C243&sr=1-9

Here's the link for those who are interested:

Sublimation Notebook: All your Settings for your Sublimation Projects! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095TGVPXG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_KXPGMK3ER3S2S1KDD9GN

Ceramic isn't perfectly flat so you always need some silicone pads to make sure the pressure is even all over the surface. You can get special sublimation pads of varying thicknesses but I always use 3 of these stacked up

Cute, but the first one is sort of dumb, as those are muffins, not biscuits, and one does not knead muffins ... :-p

Ah, looks like some dope took the art from this https://www.amazon.com/Fucupcakes-Framed-Poster-Outdoor-Personalized/dp/B08PKQ3YHJ/ and put it with the words from the biscuit sign.

Some of the components of that brand's art are old clipart, some seems to be new art they've created as needed. I doubt they would be selling the art files, as they are in the business of selling printed products.

An inverter with a car battery or just get a UPS for a computer. A typical printer takes a lot of power so if your just using an Epson a few hundred watts should work, may need a true sine wave.

Something like this should work.

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Intelligent-Protector-Uninterruptible-Computer/dp/B0928529JW/ref=sr_1_54_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=cheap+ups&qid=1632624292&sr=8-54-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzR1FSSE5VUzdYRDVZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTQ0NjQyMjFNQ1dFQzk5VDc3TCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjI0OTI4MlI0WkwzNzEyTDA4VCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

If you are meaning portable as in walking around with it I don't thing that exists for Sublimation.

Coastal has a 5 pack for $12 and Amazon has 10 for $13

It's possible your paper is just a tad too thick. I had the same problem and found that EcoTanks aren't really built to print on cardstock so I switched to buying the A-SUB brand of paper at 105G. Since then I havent had any problems with banding or random black spots.

Alot of places recommended using A-SUB, or any other brand of paper, at 120-125G. But the 105G is what worked out for me. Its lighter than cardstock and holds a pretty good amount of ink; I've done full blown ink prints with it.

Using this I also have the settings set to high quality, slow printing, and plain paper.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SH5KPXJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_DEHXTRJ6DSYE6EQD68Y0

I have the ET-2760 (I think they're about the same as the 2720) that I converted for sublimation and had the exact same issues you just descibed: random black spots all in a line or just randomly out of nowhere that can only been once you sublimate. I had tried everything down to cleaning the nozzle head, alignment, power cleaning and adjusting the paper settings, etc.

Originally I was using the A-SUB brand paper of 125G and later found out that these EcoTank printers don't really support printing on cardstock or thick paper.

I eventually switched over to using the same A-SUB brand but at 105G, which is a bit more lighter and less thick but still good enough to hold a good amount of ink) and since then have never had the same problems.

I also keep the paper settings on plain paper and high quality.

I bought the A-SUB 105G paper here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SH5KPXJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_8T3QTX4MJKJQJMB58WAF

If you want to do the 20oz skinny tumbers or the wine glass tumblers, those are hard to do in a press. Heat Press Nation now has an insert available for the longer tumber for their Signature series mug press but you still have to do a rotation to fully sublimate a tumbler. I use this oven from Amazon. The knobs aren't really accurate so you definitely need a separate thermometer to monitor temp. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DR5QRY8/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o05\_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

No, I'm just a hobby crafter so I use a toaster convection oven for mugs and a manual heat press (Cricut Easy Press) for flat objects. Some sort of wrap (silicone mug wrap or mug shrink wrap) is necessary when using the convection oven.

But for the price, you can get a 5-in-1 (or 11-in-1 or whatever) heat press that comes with a bunch of attachments. Here's an example:

PRIBCHO Heat Press 12x15 Inch 8 in 1 Heat Press Machine 360-Degree Swing Away Digital Multifunction Sublimation Combo for T Shirts Mugs Hat Plate Cap Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0995Z59Z2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_YFZK3WZ918P7KMZKQYXS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

They also have stand-alone mug/tumbler presses that might be longer if you want to cover the whole tumbler. But those will eat up your entire budget.

For sure no problemo!

I've never heard of that brand before. I have used a couple brands but the best so far has been this.

Omg yeah, not all of them but you can definitely sub a couple types. I like their clear glass mugs to sub on. I just use their ceramic pieces for practice or gifts. If you need practice I would recommend going to thrift stores and finding ceramic plates and mugs. Cause I'm extra I will get the floral plates and mugs and sub over the designs so that is the background if that makes sense. They are much cheaper than practicing on shit from those sub stores. But if you want to sub on other stuff I would look into water based polyurethane coating on different items like wood plaques, canvases, picture frames.

My electric griddle goes up to 450 on the dial, it stays within a tolerance of 10°F +/- they also sell some heating elements for turkey cookers or thinks of that nature for higher Temps and the spacing seems efficient, what are your thoughts on this as far as spacing? Temp ranges from 50-450, it's 1500w 110v and I was thinking of getting pumice or pizza stone, or aluminum and coating it in silicone. I think the aluminum would be easier to work with and transfer heat faster but not as evenly or stable as the stone. And may need channels routed in it to distribute the heat more evenly.

Stanbroil Replacement Part Electric Smoker and Grill Heating Element with Adjustable Thermostat Cord Controller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PNPXWCR/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_glt_i_1136QD99YJJFS7Z00ZQ1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Your post intrigues me. I'm going to make a bunch of guitar straps for myself. Up until ~2 hours ago - my plan was to buy fabric and make the straps the old-fashioned way.

But then I learned about sublimation for the first time. I'm totally hooked on it even though I'm still trying to understand it and I don't even own a printer. I hope I can ask you some questions.

1. 100% polyester produces much better results. So - is that what the material was? And is it webbing? Or a ribbon? Or trim?

2. You can't print on a black fabric. So was the material white and the black and orange is sublimated? Or did you do it a different way?

3. How did you feed transfer paper (is that the right term?) through the printer? Did you use a bypass tray (is that the right term?)

4. How did you get the transfer onto the fabric? Did you use something like this - Transfer Crafts T-Shirt Heat Press - a few times?

If I understand the process correctly - to make the fabric part of the strap (not including the leather ends) - I need...

• A computer

• A sublimation printer - I'm thinking of buying an Epson F170 - if I can. Amazon doesn't even have it.

• Various items (for the transfer process, etc)

• A heat press

• Fabric stuff - ideally 100% polyester. Is the following right? White will give the truest colors but other light colored 100% polyester fabrics might give good results but the "white" will be the color of the fabric.

Am I forgetting anything?

By the way - those skull coasters and the mug are awesome.

I got a 3D heat press and it can fit 4 11 oz coffee mugs at once. Came with the stuff to do shot glasses, tumblers, couple mugs (the ones that nestle into each other). You can also buy the thing to do phone cases. It’s been awesome so far! The silicone wraps need to be stretched a bit so you can get them on.

https://www.amazon.com/Sublimation-Transfer-Printer-Machine-Multifunction/dp/B019DA3WZ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&qid=1612748079&sr=8-3&srs=13600298011

https://www.amazon.com/Sublimation-Coating-T-Shirts-Including-Polyester/dp/B08N8RP1BJ/ref=pd_lpo_201_t_2/132-4911229-3600900?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B08N8RP1BJ&pd_rd_r=163338bb-76ee-4725-82f3-eb4b5b949b62&pd_rd_w=StnhC&pd_rd_wg=w9mnz&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=J1PA0Z4XF1Z541PBCPQT&psc=1&refRID=J1PA0Z4XF1Z541PBCPQT

Thanks that's what I originally thought but after going through the Amazon questions I found people are still getting great results (for transfer paper) out of normal ink. So I still don't know wether to just use the sublimation ink already installed in the printer or buy normal jet ink and wash it through for a better result or not?

PPD Inkjet T Shirt Transfer Paper A4 for Dark Fabric x 10 Sheets PPD-4-10 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000W4KV2G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DTd5Bb1P95X43

Get a temp and humidity gauge like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H1R0K68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iwfuFbSD9VW62

And just keep an eye on it. If the humidity gets too high get a dehumidifier. Vice versa. You may end up having to purchase both a humidifier and dehumidifier for use depending on the time of year or weather.

A-sub is really good

A-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inches for Any Inkjet Printer with Sublimation Ink 110 Sheets Letter Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSB4M8J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_S79KDb4MQDKW5

Its not even listed on Amazon anymore. But they have a few that look the exact same. I'd say buy one with prime and if its horrible then at least you get an easy return.

This is just an example of what it looks like, https://www.amazon.com/F2C-Swing-away-Transfer-Sublimation-Multifunction/dp/B0140Y47QY

I don't know which one you posted, it's blocked on my browser at work, however, I got the artisan 1430 because it's a larger format than other Epson setups I've seen.

printer

Ink

I used Velcro to stick the tank to the side of my printer.