Why is My Sublimation Not Transferring Properly?
You have your design printed, your press is hot, and you’re ready to reveal a masterpiece… but then you lift the paper, and it's all messed up. Faded colors. Barely-there lines. Or worse, a completely blank spot where your image should’ve been! Sublimation fails can feel like a cruel joke, especially when you thought you did everything right.
But before you throw your heat press out the window (please don’t), let’s slow down and figure out what went wrong. Whether you’re a beginner or have a few hundred prints under your belt, the reasons sublimation doesn’t transfer properly often come down to a few common culprits.
You’re about to learn exactly what’s behind those failed transfers and how to fix them.
Understanding Sublimation Blanks and the Process
To fix a problem, you must know what you're working with. Sublimation is a process in which special ink is heated until it becomes a gas and bonds with a material’s surface. But that material has to be the right kind. Sublimation doesn't work on just anything.
A sublimation blank is a product specifically designed to accept dye sublimation. Think of it like a sponge for the ink gas—it needs the right coating or fiber content to soak it up properly. These blanks come in all shapes and forms, from shirt blanks for sublimation to tumblers, mugs, coasters, keychains, and infant blank shirts. Each one has been prepped to ensure your design transfer is clean, vibrant, and permanent.
If your blank isn’t made for sublimation, your beautiful design won’t stick, no matter how hot your press gets. And that’s just the start of what can go wrong.
Common Reasons Sublimation Doesn't Transfer Properly
The heat press is on, the design is printed, and the blank is in place, but the result still falls flat. It's frustrating when a sublimation transfer comes out faded, spotty, or completely blank. The good news is most sublimation issues boil down to a few familiar problems. Once you know what to look for, it's much easier to troubleshoot and fix.
Wrong Type of Substrate
Let’s be blunt: if you’re trying to sublimate onto cotton or uncoated surfaces, it won’t work. Sublimation only bonds to polyester or specially coated materials. Transferring a design onto regular cotton is like yelling into a void. No matter how loud (or hot) you go, you won’t get a response.
Check the product description before buying. Whether you're working with drinkware, apparel, or accessories, ensure it's labeled for dye sublimation.
Low Polyester Content or No Coating
Even if your shirt has polyester, the percentage matters. Sublimation thrives on high-poly blends — ideally 65% or more. The lower the poly count, the more faded your design will look. It’s not about effort but chemistry.
For hard goods like coasters, glass, or wood blanks, make sure they have the appropriate coating. No coating = no transfer. Always buy from trusted suppliers with tested sublimation blank products.
Poor-quality Sublimation Ink or Paper
Your finished print is only as good as what goes in. If you’re using cheap ink or generic paper, don’t be surprised if your results look… sad. Sublimation ink is specially formulated to gasify and bond with the blank. Regular printer ink? It’ll sit on top and peel off or wash away.
The same goes for paper. When heated, the ink needs to be released properly. A good sublimation printer setup paired with reliable transfer paper is one key factor for success.
Incorrect Heat, Time, or Pressure
Sublimation has a sweet spot. If your press isn’t hot enough, or you pull too soon, your image won’t fully transfer. Too much time or pressure, and you might get burning, fading, or ghosting.
While we won’t list specific settings here (since every blank is different), Bubbakins Blanks includes product-specific suggestions for items like sublimation tumblers, mugs, and apparel. Always follow what's listed on the product page to ensure success.
Moisture, Lint, or Wrinkles
Sublimation has a sweet spot. If your press isn’t hot enough, or you pull too soon, your image won’t fully transfer. Too much time or pressure, and you might get burning, fading, or ghosting.
While we won’t list specific settings here (since every blank is different), Bubbakins Blanks includes product-specific suggestions for items like sublimation tumblers, mugs, and apparel. Always follow what's listed on the product page to ensure success.
Troubleshooting Heat Press Issues
Your transfer will suffer if your press doesn’t maintain even heat or pressure. Hot spots or cold zones can result in uneven colors or incomplete designs. Cheap presses might fluctuate in temperature or apply pressure unevenly across the surface.
A reliable heat press is essential, especially for larger items like blank sublimation shirts or signs. If you're working with drinkware, tools like a mug press or tumbler attachment help ensure even contact on curved surfaces.
Also, don’t forget to check your form and technique. How you open or close your press can cause shifts. Make sure it’s steady and secure before the timer starts ticking.
Avoid These Common Causes of Poor Sublimation Transfer
Sometimes, the biggest mistakes in sublimation are the smallest oversights. You can have the proper blank, the best ink, and perfect press settings, but your transfer might still fall short if one simple step is missed. These two common slip-ups can easily ruin a project, but the good news is they’re also easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Forgetting to Mirror Your Design
It’s the oldest trick in the “oops” book — printing your design the right way up, then pressing it only to find your text is backward. Always mirror your design before printing. Most design software and free templates give you a simple checkbox to flip the image.
Design Movement During Transfer
If your transfer paper shifts even slightly during pressing, you’ll end up with ghosting or double lines. That movement usually happens during the closing or opening of the press — or from not securing the paper properly.
Use heat-resistant tape or spray adhesive to hold your paper in place, especially on round items like tumblers, mugs, or keychains.
Pro Tips for Perfect Blank Sublimation Transfers
Want to level up your results? Keep these habits in your back pocket. These small steps can save you from big headaches and help you get consistent, high-quality transfers every time.
- Always use a lint roller on fabric blanks.
- Pre-press garments and other soft goods for 5–10 seconds.
- Use clean butcher paper above and below your blank to prevent ink bleed.
- Test small projects before large ones, especially when using new supplies.
- Store blanks in a dry, clean environment to prevent moisture issues.
- Don’t rush the peel. Wait for your blank to cool (unless your product instructions say otherwise).
- Keep a notebook to track what settings worked best for which items. Over time, you’ll build your own reference guide for future sublimation success.
By making these steps part of your regular process, you’ll avoid common mistakes and get cleaner, more vibrant results. A little prep work upfront leads to smoother presses and fewer wasted materials — making every project feel like a win.
Choosing the Right Sublimation Blanks
Even perfect technique can’t fix a poor blank. When you’re choosing high-quality sublimation blanks, look for options designed explicitly for the sublimation process. Bubbakins Blanks offers premium quality apparel and accessories made to take ink beautifully.
Their selection includes everything from sublimation sweatshirts and hoodies to coasters, tumblers, and more. Many items come in various sizes and colors and have fast shipping and bulk pricing for larger cart orders. The stock is constantly updated, and you can use the quick view feature to make choosing even more manageable.
Working with the right materials improves your success rate and makes creating more enjoyable from start to finish.
The Final Transfer: Ready to Create Like a Pro?
Sublimation doesn’t always go smoothly, but your odds of a perfect press go way up with the right tools, techniques, and products. Whether you're working with ornaments, mugs, engraving blanks, or apparel, using reliable sublimation blank products makes all the difference.
At Bubbakins Blanks, you’ll find everything you need to create with confidence, from exclusive deals and educational resources to a wide variety of blanks in every shape and style imaginable. Head over to shop at Bubbakins Blanks today and explore top-tier supplies, unbeatable price options, and a community of happy customers who know quality when they see it.
