How to Sublimate on T-Shirts and Hoodies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sublimation on t-shirts and hoodies is one of the most popular ways to create personalized, high-quality apparel. Whether you’re designing a fun gift, launching a small clothing brand, or adding new inventory to your online shop, this guide will walk you through the basics. At Your Lucky Blanks, we specialize in sublimation-ready t-shirt and hoodie blanks so you can shop with confidence.
Why Sublimate on T-Shirts and Hoodies?
Sublimation printing bonds the ink into the fabric’s fibers (especially polyester or poly-blend garments), resulting in long-lasting prints that resist fading and cracking. Here are a few benefits:
- Vibrant Colors: Sublimation ink soaks into the fabric, producing bold, eye-catching designs.
- Soft Feel: There’s no raised or rough texture—your prints stay as soft as the shirt or hoodie itself.
- Durable Results: Sublimated designs typically withstand many washes without peeling or fading.
What You’ll Need
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Sublimation-Ready T-Shirt or Hoodie Blank
- We offer hand-selected, high-polyester count garments at Your Lucky Blanks.
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Sublimation Printer & Ink
- A dedicated sublimation printer is best for consistent results.
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Sublimation Paper
- Regular copy paper won’t work—use paper designed for sublimation.
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Heat Press
- A standard heat press with adjustable temperature and pressure is ideal for apparel.
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Heat Tape (Optional)
- Helps keep your design in place, especially on hoodies or larger garments.
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Lint Roller & Pressing Pillow (Optional)
- A lint roller removes stray fibers, and a pressing pillow can help even out seams or zippers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Design & Print
- Create Your Artwork: Use design software (e.g., Canva, Photoshop) sized to fit your shirt or hoodie.
- Mirror Your Image: Sublimation prints must be reversed before transferring.
- Print on Sublimation Paper: Check your printer settings for correct color profiles.
2. Pre-Press Your Garment
- Set Heat Press: Most sublimation projects use a range of 385–400°F for about 45–60 seconds, but follow the paper or printer manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Lint Roll the Shirt/Hoodie: Stray fibers can create unwanted blue specks.
- Pre-Press: Press the garment for a few seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
3. Position & Tape
- Align Your Design: Place the printed image face-down where you want it on the garment.
- Secure Edges (optional): A bit of heat tape keeps the paper from shifting when you close the press.
4. Press & Transfer
- Place in Heat Press: Use medium pressure—too light can cause incomplete transfers, too heavy can distort the design.
- Time It: Press for the recommended duration (often 45–60 seconds).
- Lift Carefully: Open the press gently to prevent ghosting (any movement that blurs the image).
5. Cool & Reveal
- Remove the Paper: Peel off the sublimation paper while it’s still hot (or as directed by your sublimation paper instructions).
- Admire Your Results: You should see bright, crisp colors embedded into the fabric.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- Design Faded or Light? Increase pressing time or temperature slightly. Confirm you have the right ink and paper.
- Ghosting/Blurry Edges? Often caused by shifting paper when the press opens. Tape down corners or open slowly.
- Specks or Lines? Lint or fibers can sublimate blue. Always lint roll before pressing.
Why Shop with Your Lucky Blanks?
At Your Lucky Blanks, we offer sublimation-friendly t-shirts and hoodies with high polyester content for optimal printing results. Every product is tested for durability and performance, so you can focus on creating beautiful, long-lasting designs. From everyday wear to special event merch, our blanks are curated to meet crafters’ needs.
Ready to Get Started?
Check out our full range of sublimation-ready apparel at Your Lucky Blanks—and if you have any questions, drop us a comment below or send us a message. We’re always here to help you craft with confidence!
Happy crafting!
– The Your Lucky Blanks Team