How to Fix Dull Sublimation
Quick answer: Dull sublimation usually comes down to five fixable problems: over-pressing (too much heat or pressure, which can burn the blank and cause yellowing), not using enough time or heat (leaving the design faded), a blank without a high enough polyester count or polymer coating, incorrect color profiles, and using the wrong press. Fix them by using the correct time and temperature for your specific blank, reading each blank’s instructions, choosing textiles with a 60% polyester count or higher (or a good polymer coating on items like tumblers), downloading the right printer drivers and ink color profiles, and pressing with an actual heat press when you can. A helpful sweet spot for sublimation temperatures is between about 380 and 395 degrees Fahrenheit when you can’t find the exact setting.
If your sublimation is dull, you may be struggling to try to figure out how to fix it. Well, you’re in luck. We are here to help! In this blog post and video, we’re going to go over 5 reasons for your dull sublimation and how you can fix it. This can be a fun craft project creation method once you are understand just what to do and what not to do when it comes to sublimation.
How to Fix Dull Sublimation
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Problem #1: Over Pressing
Sometimes we think that the more heat and the more pressure we apply, the better the results will be. But what can actually happen is that your blank can burn. You’ll end up with yellowing on your design.
How to fix it >>> Use the correct time and temperature for the blank you are using.
Problem #2: Not Using Enough Time or Heat
Some people get nervous about over-pressing, so they go in the opposite direction. They use a heat setting that is too low, or they don’t press long enough. You may end up with a design that appears faded and not fully saturated in color.
How to fix it >>> Read the instructions with each sublimation blank you buy. Don’t assume that the same items from different manufacturers automatically have the same times and temperatures.
Pro Tip: We have found that there is a sweet spot when it comes to sublimation temperatures. That is between about 380 to 395 degrees Fahrenheit. This is helpful to know if you can’t find the specific time and temperature for that particular item.
Problem #3: The Blank Doesn’t Have a High Enough Polyester Count or Doesn’t Have a Polymer Coating on It.
With sublimation, you print your design with sublimation ink on sublimation paper. Then, you place your design on the blank, adhering it with tape, and pressing it. The combination of heat and pressure turns that sublimation ink into a gas. The gas then attaches to the polymers. Without enough polymers, your design will turn out dull because it just simply didn’t have enough to attach to.
How to fix it >>> Be sure to use blanks with a high enough polyester count (for fabrics) or a polymer coating on it. Double-check the counts for items you use, especially those that aren’t marked specifically as sublimation blanks. For textiles, you want something with a 60% polyester count or higher. The less polyester it has, the duller the results you will get. With other items, like tumblers, you need to have a good polymer coating. Sometimes, items marketed as being for sublimation are of poor quality. If you’re planning to purchase one that you haven’t used before, make sure you read the reviews. We have had good luck with blanks from Coastal Business Supply, Johnson’s Plastic, Unisub, Heat Press Nation, Heat Transfer Warehouse, and 143Vinyl.
Problem #4: Color Profiles
The colors in the project above are fine, but they weren’t the colors that we saw on our screen. Clearly, our color profiles were not correct.
How to fix it >>> You will need to download the printer drivers for your specific printer and have a color profile that is specific for the brand of ink you are using. Most companies that sell sublimation ink will provide you with color profiles. In our Makers Gonna Sublimate course, we also have a guide to color profiles that we created after extensive testing.
Problem #5: Using the Wrong Press
Sublimation requires heat and pressure. You can sublimate with a Cricut EasyPress that is large enough to cover your design, but the results will tend to be duller than what you would get from an actual heat press.
How to fix it >>> Invest in an actual heat press when you are able to. If you’re using a convection oven for your tumblers, be sure to use either shrink wrap or a silicone wrap to add the necessary pressure needed to get good results. Otherwise, you could use a tumbler press.
Are you ready to start making sublimation projects? We can’t wait to see them!
Frequently Asked Questions
What polyester count do I need for good sublimation?
For textiles, use something with a 60% polyester count or higher. The less polyester it has, the duller the results, and for items like tumblers you need a good polymer coating instead.
What temperature should I press sublimation at?
Always use the correct time and temperature for the specific blank you’re using. If you can’t find it, there’s a sweet spot between about 380 and 395 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I sublimate with a Cricut EasyPress?
Yes, if it’s large enough to cover your design, but the results tend to be duller than an actual heat press. Invest in a real heat press when you’re able for better color.
