Sublimating a mug is a creative process that allows you to transfer a design, drawing or logo onto a mug using a heat press. Here are the steps to enhance a mug effectively:

Equipment needed to enhance a mug

• Special mug for sublimation: These mugs are coated with a special layer compatible with sublimation inks.
• Sublimation printer: A printer configured with sublimation inks
• Sublimation Paper: A special paper designed to hold sublimation inks .
• Mug press: A machine specially designed to heat mugs to high temperatures.
• Graphic design: The image or text you want to transfer, prepared in graphics software (with the help of Photoshop , Sawgrass Print Manager or Canva )

Sublimation steps

Design preparation

1. Create the design: Use graphics software to create or import your design. Make sure the image quality is high to avoid pixelation.

2. Design Sizing: Adjust the design dimensions to fit the printable area of ​​the mug . We advise you to use templates measuring 9cm x 21cm.

Printing and preparation

3. Printing the design: Print the design in mirror mode on the sublimation paper using the sublimation printer.

4. Cutting the paper: Cut the printed paper to better fit the shape of the mug. This will be necessary if you are printing on A4 paper.

Design transfer

5. Applying the paper to the mug: Secure the sublimation paper around the mug with heat-resistant tape . Make sure the paper is smooth and in full contact with the surface of the mug.

6. Setting the mug press: Preheat the mug press to the recommended temperature, usually between 180-200°C. In our workshop we are used to heating our mugs to 200°C.

7. Sublimation: Place the mug in the press and close it around the mug . Allow the mug to heat for approximately 60 to 240 seconds, depending on your press manufacturer's recommendations. We usually heat our mugs for 4 minutes to ensure the colors are vibrant.

Finishing

8. Removing the mug: Open the press and remove the mug by the handle. We recommend using protective gloves as the mug will be very hot.

9. Removing the paper: Wait a few minutes then carefully remove the sublimation paper.

10. Cooling: Allow the mug to cool completely. The design is now integrated into the mug's liner and will hold up to washing and everyday use.

• Test your equipment: If you're new to sublimation, it might be a good idea to test your settings on a smaller mug to make sure everything works as expected.
• Watch out for placement errors: Make sure the paper is not wrinkled or moved when placing it, as this could create imperfections in the image transfer.
• To vary your creations, you can also personalize colorful mugs !

By following these steps, you will be able to create high quality personalized mugs, perfect for gifts, promotional items, or simply to add a personal touch to your tableware collection.