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How to use Sublimation Transfer Paper

Written by Kimberly Coffin · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

2.6K shares

Beginners Guide to Sublimation. Learn How to Get Flawless Sublimation Transfers with EasyPress in Just a Few Simple Steps! Scroll down for my Step-by-Step Photo Instructions and Video Tutorial!

How to use Sublimation Transfer Paper, a tutorial featured by top US craft blogger, Sweet Red Poppy

If you've read my Cricut Infusible Ink post you're probably somewhat familiar with the idea of sublimation.

Sublimation is the process of turning a solid (in this case ink) into a gas using a heat press at a temperature of 400 degrees.

The process of sublimation allows the dye to become part of the fibers of the fabric. Sublimation can be used on polyester fabrics or on materials with a polymer coating.

For the very best results, use a shirt that is at least 70% polyester. A lower percentage of polyester can yield a slightly vintage look with less vibrant colors. 

How to use Sublimation Transfer Paper, a tutorial featured by top US craft blogger, Sweet Red Poppy

Supplies Needed

  • Polyester Shirt
  • Easy Press or Heat Press (must reach 400 degrees)
  • Pressing Mat
  • Butcher or Craft Paper
  • Sublimation Transfer Sheet
  • Heat Resistant Tape
  • Copy Paper
  • Lint Roller

Order your Sublimation Transfer Paper

I ordered my sublimation transfer sheet from this shop on Etsy. They offer a variety of different size options, I selected the 8.5" x 11".

You can download some of my free Crafty SVG files HERE.

Prepare Your Fabric

Pro Tip- Wipe down your table before laying out any of your materials to remove any fibers, dust, or lint which can interfere with the design.

Lay your T-shirt or bag on top of a pressing mat, slide a piece of white copy or cardstock paper inside of the item you are planning on pressing. This will protect the backside of the item from possible ink leaking through from the transfer sheet.

Use a lint roller to remove any hair, debris, or lint from the surface of your fabric. Most of the time these specks aren't even visible to your eye but they can cause blue dots to appear after pressing or imperfections if they aren't removed.

Gently press the wrinkles out of the shirt with your EasyPress. Wrinkles can also interfere with the design pressing properly.

How to use Sublimation Transfer Paper, a tutorial featured by top US craft blogger, Sweet Red Poppy

Center your Sublimation Transfer Paper

Using heat resistant tape, center the design on the shirt. I like to place my design a few inches from the neckline. You can use a ruler to measure on either side of the transfer to ensure that it's centered.

How to use Sublimation Transfer Paper, a tutorial featured by top US craft blogger, Sweet Red Poppy

Place a sheet of butcher or craft paper over the design. It should completely cover the area that will be pressed.

How to use Sublimation Transfer Paper, a tutorial featured by top US craft blogger, Sweet Red Poppy

This will protect the t-shirt from scorching during the transfer process and protect the heat press from getting any ink on it.

Heat Press Transfer

Press the sublimation transfer paper for 45 seconds at 400 degrees Fahrenheit with medium pressure. Double-check that all of the design is underneath the Heat Press.

How to use Sublimation Transfer Paper, a tutorial featured by top US craft blogger, Sweet Red Poppy

Ensure that the transfer sheet does NOT move at all during this process as it can cause ghosting. Remove the heat press when the time is up.

Remove Transfer

Allow the sublimation transfer paper to cool and peel off the tape and remove the piece of paper to reveal the design. Remove the transfer sheet in one fluid motion to prevent any ghosting of the design.

Enjoy your vibrant-long lasting results!

Don’t forget to join my Facebook group where you can show us what you’re making, ask questions, and learn from others! Follow me on Instagram for daily crafting inspiration and a look behind the scenes.

Beginners Guide to Sublimation. Learn How to Get Flawless Sublimation Transfers with an EasyPress in just a Few Simple Steps!
« DIY How to use Epoxy Resin for Beginners
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vernessa says

    June 20, 2020 at 4:36 pm

    Do you have to have a special kind of printer to do sublimation? What kind of printer do you use?

    Reply
  2. aj says

    June 29, 2020 at 5:41 pm

    Great!!

    Reply
  3. Lennell says

    August 31, 2020 at 1:32 pm

    I have turned this over and over again and its not working. I dont know what i am doing wrong.

    Reply
  4. Charbel says

    July 20, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    I have hp printer and I print a picture on the sublimation paper and I did put it in the heat press and didn’t work any special printer for that ? Thank you

    Reply
    • J says

      August 29, 2021 at 12:54 am

      The sublimation inks usually works on Epson printers

      Reply
  5. Karen says

    February 02, 2022 at 3:02 pm

    How do you get the files mentioned? I clicked on the poppy club but it doesn't really say how to become a member or how to get the files.

    Reply
  6. Cruz m says

    June 21, 2022 at 11:44 pm

    Thanks for
    This amazing tutorial, I have a heat press the temperature will be the same ? And for how long ?

    Reply

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Ready, Set, Sew! An online sewing course for beginners by top US sewing blogger, Sweet Red Poppy.

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I’m a wife, mother to 3, seamstress, and lover of all things crafty! Sweet Red Poppy is my creative outlet where I find and create inspiration. It’s a place where I can share my never-ending sewing projects and my love of learning!

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Ready, Set, Sew! An online sewing course for beginners by top US sewing blogger, Sweet Red Poppy.

Hello, I’m Kimberly, the creator of Sweet Red Poppy!

I’m a wife, mother to 3, seamstress, and lover of all things crafty! Sweet Red Poppy is my creative outlet where I find and create inspiration. It’s a place where I can share my never-ending sewing projects and my love of learning!

Read more about me →

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