Sublimation Heat Press Settings

 

The following chart should serve only as a starting place. Producing quality end products is a matter of suitable substrates, a calibrated heat press, smart color management, following manufacturer guidelines, testing and practice!

If you are having difficulty or the substrate is not listed below, contact your reseller or the substrate manufacturer for their specific recommendations.

We also recommend checking out our heat press videos on our channel:

 

Surface

Press Time

Temp

Pressure

Tips/Comments

Ceramic Mugs

150-210 seconds 350-400° F 40 psi (medium) Time varies with press. Mugs should be cooled down after transfer paper is removed in either a bucket of warm water or using a cooling plate.

Stainless Steel Tumblers

60 - 90 seconds 365° F
185 C
40 psi (medium) Time varies with press. If you are doing a full wrap, press for 60-90 sec. then rotate your tumbler 180 degrees and press a second time for 60-90 sec.

Polyester Fabric

35-45 seconds 400 - 410° F
204 - 210 C
40 psi (medium) Pre-press shirt for 3-5 seconds to eliminate moisture. Tack spray transfer and use blow-out sheet to avoid ghosting.

Vapor Apparel

45-55 seconds 380°-390° F
193 - 199 C
40 psi (medium) See vaporapparel.com for tips on reducing press lines.

Polyester with Foam Backing (Koozie / Mousepad)

45 seconds 400° F
204 C

40 psi (medium)
Look for a tight knit and high white point for more vibrant color.

Metal/Chromaluxe (Unisub brand)

60 seconds 400° F
204 C
40 psi (medium) Remove plastic coating before pressing. Use blow-out paper.

Metal (Other Brands)

60 seconds

375°-400° F
190 - 204 C
40 psi (medium) Time varies with metal manufacturer (always consult 40 psi manufacturer for correct time and temp). Place absorbent sheet on bottom of heat press. Then, place product transfer side DOWN on top of the absorbent sheet.

Unisub Products

60 seconds 400° F
204 C
40 psi (medium) Remove plastic coating. Remove transfer paper immediately after pressing.

Glass or Ceramic Tiles

 

300 - 720 seconds 400° F
204 C
40 psi (medium) Time varies depending on tile type and size. Always consult manufacturer. Press tiles from back (transfer side down). Press into silicon pad.

Fire Retardant Plastics

40-75 seconds 350 - 400° F
177 - 204C
40 psi (medium) Remove plastic coating. Remove transfer paper immediately after pressing.

Hardboard

60 seconds 400° F
204 C
40 psi (medium) Remove plastic coating and press with the transfer paper on top. Remove immediately after pressing unless the surface is textured, then wait for substrate to cool and remove the transfer paper

Glass

180 - 240 seconds 360 - 400° F
182 - 204 C
40 psi (medium) Be careful not to put too much pressure on the glass. This can shatter it. Wear protective gear. Always check with the substrate manufacturer for pressure and heat settings.

Felt

60 seconds 400° F
204 C
30-40 psi (light/medium) Felt can curl as it cools. Place a heavy object on the substrate immediately after pressing and allow to cool while compressed.

Marble

120 seconds 390° F
199 C
40 psi (medium) Peel transfer paper while hot. If the marble has attachable cork or material, wait for the substrate to cool before attaching.

Siser EasySubli

15 - 30 seconds 310° F
154 C
40 psi (medium) Make sure to remove the backing before pressing. You can press with a mask if needed. Peel mask immediately after pressing. Do not wash for at least 24 hours.

Polyester Linen

55 - 65 seconds 385 - 425° F
196 - 218 C
40 psi (medium) Press with substrate facing up and transfer paper on top. Press with substrate facing up and transfer paper while hot. 

Wood

60 seconds 400° F
204 C
40 psi (medium) Remove any plastic coating. Press with the transfer on top.

 

If you are still experiencing issues or have further questions regarding the press process, please contact our Sawgrass Care Team for assistance by click the 'Help' button on the bottom right of the page, or click here.