Sublimation Heat Press Settings Unveiled: Your Path to ...

While dye-sublimation stands out as a go-to for customization businesses, nailing down the best sublimation heat press settings continues to spark widespread discussion. With the material and substrate list expanding annually, staying informed on the latest information is crucial, presenting a significant challenge for newcomers to the industry. Luckly, we would provide essential starting figures for calibration and pro tips in this post to guide beginners towards achieving optimal results. Keep reading and prepare for some pleasant surprises in your printing journey.

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Why Sublimation Heat Press Settings Are Important?

The three main and essential settings for any sublimation heat press machine is temperature, time and pressure settings. The temperature and time settings determine how much heat applied to sublimation inks and substrates while the pressure setting determines to how much extend the ink is engaged with the substrates. Getting these tree settings right has vital importance for print success.

Poor Results from Excessive Heating

Setting the temperature, time, and pressure values too high may result in the following issues:

• Color Fading or Distortion: Excessive temperature can cause the sublimation dyes to overheat, leading to color distortion or fading in the final print.
• Ghosting or Blurring: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and pressure might result in ghosting or blurring of the image, as the dyes may diffuse beyond the intended area.
• Wrinkling or Shrinkage: Overly long exposure times can lead to the material becoming wrinkled or even shrinking, compromising the integrity of the final product.

Poor Results from Insufficient Heating

Conversely, if the temperature, time, and pressure values are set too low, the prints might encounter the following issues:

• Incomplete Transfer: Inadequate temperature and pressure may lead to incomplete sublimation, causing only partial transfer of the dye onto the substrate. This results in a faded or incomplete image.
• Poor Color Saturation: Insufficient heat can result in poor color saturation, leading to dull or muted prints that lack vibrancy and visual appeal.
• Adhesion Issues: Low pressure may result in inadequate contact between the sublimation paper and the substrate, leading to poor dye adhesion and potential peeling or flaking over time.
• Inconsistent Results: Using values that are too low may cause variations in the quality of the prints, introducing inconsistencies and reducing the overall reliability of the sublimation process.

Sublimation Heat Press Settings: Temp & Time & Pressure Chart

Before moving to the sublimation heat press settings chart, explore our comprehensive heat press guide that includes temperature, time, and pressure charts for various heat transfer processes such as DTF, HTV, plastisol, and laser transfer printing. This guide is particularly useful if you use your heat press for multiple printing techniques. In the sublimation section, we&#;ve compiled a list of settings for a wide range of materials and substrates. It&#;s worth noting that these recommended settings have undergone rigorous testing and verification with the Galaxy heat press machine and our own sublimation blanks from LOPO tech.

MaterialSublimation BlanksTemperature (° C)Time (S)PressureRemarksFabricBackpackMedium/FabricWaffle Grid FabricMedium/FabricMaskMediumFlatten surface before pressingFabricPolyester Peach Skin FabricMedium/FabricPoly PUHeavy/FabricFleeceHeavy/FabricT-shirtsMedium/FabricFacial MaskMedium/FabricTeddy Bear T-shirtMedium/LinenPillow Case/Xmas SackHeavyExtend time for darker colorLinenOven MittHeavy/CanvasOven MittMedium/Aluminum SheetPhone Cases/Other BlanksMedium/Aluminum SheetDarker Color/Large SizeMedium/Photo SlateSmall SizeLight/Photo SlateLarge SizeLight/PUPhoto Panel Of Small SizeMedium/PUWatch BandMedium/PUDartboardHeavy/NeopreneWine BagHeavyPre-heat to remove moistureSequinPillow CaseHeavy/FeltAir Freshener OrnamentsMedium/MDFPhoto PanelMedium/PETNotebookMedium/PETKeychainMedium/GlassCutting BoardMedium/GlassCup/Tumbler/CrystalCrystal CubeMedium/CeramicMugsMedium/CeramicCeramic OrnamentsMedium/Stainless Steel Bottleby 205B Mug Press175For 25S, flip and press for another 10SMedium/Stainless Steel Bottleby Sublimation Oven/Ensure a tight wrap before pressingSandstoneCoasterLight/Flip FlopFlip FlopHeavy/CardboardPuzzleMedium/HatsHatsMedium/HPPOrnamentsMedium/Note: All settings are based on Galaxy sublimation paper and ink.

How to Determine the Best Sublimation Heat Press Settings

While the sublimation heat press setting chart offers intricate details and values for a broad spectrum of materials and substrates, achieving optimal results often requires some fine-tuning. Here are key tips for obtaining the best settings:

A. Start with Supplier&#;s Instructions

Typically, heat press machine and sublimation blank suppliers provide products with accompanying heat press setting instructions. While these settings are proven and tested for the supplied substrates, they may not extend to materials or devices from other sources. If you&#;re using sublimation blanks or a heat press machine from a different supplier and lack specific setting information, using the provided instructions as a starting point for calibration can save time and effort.

B. Run Tests

Even when you are using the substrates and devices from the same supplier with detailed instructions, it&#;s also recommended to run few tests until get optimal results before mass production. The other reason to run print tests is to provide guideline for setting caliberation.

C. Caliberate The Settings

After conducting the initial print test, it&#;s crucial to compare the results with the issues arising from excessive or insufficient heating discussed earlier. Identifying which settings require adjustment is key. It may involve running multiple print tests and calibrating several times to achieve the perfect combination. Once the optimal setting values are attained, be sure to document and save them for future printing endeavors.

Tips for Achieving the Best Sublimation Results

• Calibrate for optimal results: For the best printing results, take the time to calibrate your equipment. Instead of rushing to achieve perfection, run a series of tests to fine-tune and identify the optimal settings. This patient and methodical approach ensures that you obtain the highest quality results in your printing endeavors.
• Choose Quality Consumables: Achieving vibrant and durable prints starts with using high-quality ink compatible with your printer and substrate. Equally important is the sublimation paper&#;choose one like that aligns with your printer and substrate to ensure optimal results. Remember, using inferior paper may compromise the print quality, leading to issues like blurriness or fading.
• Acquire Additional Substrates: Calibration is rarely achieved in a single attempt. It&#;s always a best practice to purchase a few extra substrates when buying sublimation blanks.
• Print with sublimation ink and paper: While sublimation transfers are created using a standard inkjet printer, it&#;s essential to use ink and paper specifically crafted for sublimation. Ensuring the right ink and paper compatibility is key when printing your designs.
• Ensure substrates are sublimatable: Sublimation printing exclusively works on polyester-based fabrics and hard surfaces with a polymer coating. Verify that you are utilizing the appropriate fabric or coated sublimation blanks. If you plan to apply sublimation to items like mugs, ceramic plate, or cases, remember to apply sublimation coating by spraying and covering the surfaces.
• Preheat fabric before sublimation: For optimal printing results, it&#;s highly recommended to preheat fabrics for 5-10 seconds. This helps eliminate moisture from the fabric, ensuring the print adheres well to the material and maintains its vibrancy over time.
• Use a Teflon sheet: Employ a Teflon sheet to cover your sublimation paper and substrates. This prevents direct contact with the upper heating platen, avoiding the risk of scorch marks on your prints.
• Use Heat-resistant tape: Use heat-resistant tape to secure your design in place during pressing. This prevents transfer paper movement and eliminates &#;ghosting&#; for a seamless image transfer.
• Settings for T-shirt printing: For T-shirt printing, prioritize lower temperatures to minimize the risk of garment damage. Opt for the lowest temperatures possible during the printing process.
• The cardinal rule: In sublimation printing, remember this basic rule: for a longer press time, use lower temperature and lighter pressure. If your press time is shorter, opt for higher temperatures and firmer pressure. It&#;s all about finding the right balance for successful sublimation results.
• Enhance Colors: When printing, choose high saturation modes like &#;vivid&#; to make your colors stand out and look vibrant. This setting ensures that your designs appear lively and eye-catching, making a strong visual impact.
• Allow ink to dry: Note that inks may take longer to dry, especially for large designs or those with extensive darker color blocks. Exercise patience to ensure thorough drying before proceeding with cutting to avoid potential smudging or transfer issues.
• Embrace Practice: Perfecting your skills takes time, especially as a beginner. Don&#;t expect flawless results right away&#;practice consistently to improve and achieve perfection over time.

Safety Precautions When Using Heat Press Machines

• Avoid Burns: Never reach into the heat press when it&#;s connected and powered on &#; the risk of severe burns is high.
• No DIY Modifications: Do not attempt to open the housing or modify the machine on your own.
• Prevent Liquids and Metals: Keep liquids and metal objects away from the inside of the heat press to avoid damage.
• Fire Safety: Keep liquids away from the heat press, wires, and sockets to reduce the risk of fires and electric shocks.
• Grounded Power Socket: Ensure the power socket is grounded and protected by a ground fault protection switch.
• Disconnect When Not in Use: Unplug the machine if it&#;s not going to be used for an extended period.
• Child Safety: Never operate the heat press near children and never leave it unsupervised when switched on.
• Safe Cord Handling: Never pull the cord to disconnect; instead, grasp the plug and pull.
• Avoid Overloading Circuits: To prevent circuit overload, avoid operating other high-voltage equipment on the same circuit.
• Check for Damage: Do not use the heat press with a damaged cord or if the equipment has been dropped.
• Ventilation: Keep a window open in case harmful fumes are released during operation.
• Monitor Time: Stay within the recommended time limit to ensure safe and effective use of the heat press.

FAQs

A. What heat press setting for puff vinyl?

Adjust your heat press to 320°F or 160°C; for a puffier result, you can increase it to 340°F. Apply high pressure for a duration of 10 seconds. Additional details could be found in this post.

B. What heat press settings for screen print?

When working with screen printed transfers, the optimal settings can vary based on the type of transfer you are using. Here are recommended settings for different screen printed transfers:

Rough/Low Heat Transfers

• Temperature: 325-350°F (163-177°C)
• Pressure: Heavy
• Duration: 5-7 seconds

Soft/High Heat Transfers:

• Temperature: 350-375°F (177-191°C)
• Pressure: Heavy
• Duration: 7 seconds

For more detailed settings and insights tailored to various transfer techniques, check out our Ultimate Heat Press Guide.

C. Are heat press shirts good quality?

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Heat press shirts are virtually indistinguishable from those purchased at local stores or online shops. The primary distinction lies in the printing technique employed to apply designs to the shirts. Sublimation printing, in particular, stands out for its exceptional durability and excellent soft hand feel, devoid of any plastic sensation. Therefore, unequivocally, heat press shirts boast good quality.

D. What heat press setting for canvas?

Canvas is commonly crafted from cotton, linen, or a blend of both fibers. To determine the optimal heat press settings for canvas, identify whether it is made of cotton, linen, or a blend. Refer to our recommended settings chart for cotton or linen, adjust as needed, and conduct a few tests and calibrations to pinpoint the ideal settings for your specific canvas material.

E. Will heat press marks wash out?

If you are asking about the washability of sublimation designs, in dye-sublimation printing, vibrant and enduring prints are achieved as the ink is heat-transferred into the fabric&#;s fibers. Notably, high-quality dye-sublimation prints exhibit exceptional washability, ensuring that colors remain vibrant and the print stays intact through multiple wash cycles. With proper care for both the printed design and the shirt, the colors can retain their vibrancy for years to come. Apart from sublimation, both DTF (Direct-to-Film) and screen printing are renowned for their exceptional washability and durability.These methods ensure vibrant, enduring designs, making them ideal for applications where long-lasting quality is crucial, such as in apparel and promotional items.

Conclusion

While discovering the optimal sublimation heat press settings might seem daunting for beginners in dye-sublimation, our comprehensive temperature, time, and pressure charts, along with helpful tips, equip you for the customization journey. Through consistent practice and calibration, even newcomers can achieve professional-level prints. If you find the post beneficial or have insights to share with the community, feel free to leave a comment.

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You have everything set up: the sublimation printer, the ink, and the heat press machine, all ready to print on your substrate but does that guarantee the best results? Unfortunately, no. You need to tweak and correct sublimation heat press settings to ensure accurate, vibrant results. I faced dull-looking results when I first started sublimating and after the painstaking process of checking my printer settings, paper type, and trying out various ink brands, it became clear it was my heat press settings.

The solution to your poor sublimation results could be as simple as more heat, more time, or extra pressure.

Sublimation Heat Press and Temperature Settings

MaterialTemperatureTimePressurePolyester400° F40-60 seconds40 psiCeramic350-400°F150-210 seconds40 psiMetal400° F60-80 seconds40 psiHardwood360-400°F40-80 seconds40 psiMDF(fibreboard)400°F80-90 seconds40 psiPlywood400° F60-70 seconds40 psiFiber-reinforced plastic380-400°F60-75 seconds40 psi

There are multiple sources online with rough guidelines as to what temperature, time, and psi different substrates respond well to. You will notice they all vary and that is because there is no one-shoe-fits-all answer. Sublimation is a bit of a learning curve for all of us but the above heat press settings chart is a great jumping-off point.

The name of the game when fine-tuning your sublimation process is as little waste of your blanks as possible &#; especially if you are a small business owner. To counteract this always note down what works, re-adjust your heat press settings, and recreate the conditions consistently.

Our favorite sublimation printer for beginners:

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• Zero Cartridge Waste &#; By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills

As mentioned, if your sublimation prints come out dull and washed you either didn&#;t leave it on long enough or it wasn&#;t hot enough.

Dull print? Here&#;s what to do

• Pre-heat your flat / mug press &#; make sure it is at your desired temperature and holds when you begin the press.
• Try increasing the length of your heat press time in 30-second increments.
• Still dull? Increase temperature by around 50° F (make sure it is still below melting point).
• Still dull? Combine the above and increase the pressure of your press (see manual).

• Polyester: Polyester is an excellent substrate for sublimation because the fibers bond well with the sublimation ink. It is also the go-to choice for sublimation enthusiasts because printed apparel is a huge market. The recommended heat press settings for polyester are 400° F for 35-40 seconds at a medium pressure of 40 psi.  

• Ceramic: Ceramic sublimation is also an equally lucrative industry, but it requires a special heat press that can adjust to the product&#;s design. For best results, set the heat press to a 350-400°F temperature at 40 psi pressure. It takes a bit longer than polyester, between 150-210 seconds.

• Metal: Metal sublimation looks shinier than any other sublimation material while retaining the details. Before sublimating on metal surfaces, always remove the plastic coating. Then warm up the heat press to 400°F and press the design for 60-80 seconds at a medium pressure of 40 psi. 

• Hardboard and MDF: Unlike metal, hardboard is an engineered wood product and needs 40-80 seconds of pressing time at a 360-400°F temperature range. Keep the pressure medium (40 psi). For MDF, press the design at 400°F temperature and medium pressure for 80-90 seconds. 

• Plywood: If you are sublimating on plywood, remove the plastic coating and clean the surface before placing it in the heat press. Warm up the press to 400°F and press the design for 60-70 seconds at medium pressure.

• Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics: FRP requires a little longer time than MDF. You must press the design for 60-75 seconds at medium pressure with a temperature of 380-400°F. 

Printer used for the above results:

Sublimation tips & tricks for the perfect print

Using the correct temperature and time settings with the best heat press is vital for vibrant and consistent sublimation. If your timings are off of the heat press is not hot enough, it can leave you with poor quality transfers onto your substrates. This is down to the fact that higher temps result in a vapor pressure increase but either side of optimum can result in a poor finish. Too high and you may see uneven spots, whereas too low in temps and you get a less vibrant result.

Durability

When done correctly, sublimation printing provides long-lasting designs that won&#;t fade or peel. The correct heat settings ensure that the ink fully penetrates the substrate and creates a strong bond with the material. This process is what makes it resistant to wear and tear, giving you durable prints. Sublimation printing with the incorrect heat settings can lead to poor adhesion, making your print susceptible to damage, and reducing its durability during washing or when out and about.

Professional results

Regardless if you are printing for yourself, friends, or customers, you want high-quality end results. Correct heat press settings not only ensure your designs look as they should on various substrates but they also minimize wastage of ink, paper, and materials.

Consistency is key for professional results and highly accurate temperatures are the best place to start with this. A lot of sublimation can be honed with trial and error but when you finally sync up perfect timing with the best possible temperature setting, you will be onto a winner.

Don&#;t forget to pre-press the substrate

Your settings could be spot on but sometimes a little pre-press may be required to ensure perfect printing results. A pre-press will help remove moisture, wrinkles, and other imperfections that can impact your print. This process will also help ensure better ink absorption and improve general adhesion.

If you are unfamiliar with a pre-press, simply close your press for a few seconds before applying your transfer.

Safety precautions when using various heat press machines

Even the best heat press machine will need careful safety considerations. There are very high temps involved (exceeding 400°F /204°C) with sublimation printing, even if you were to use a convection oven for sublimation. As such, safety is paramount to prevent accidental burns or even workplace fires.

Some substrates can retain heat for quite some time and will need to be removed from a heat press with gloves or speed if you have incredible heat tolerance. We advise you to grab a pair of heat-protective gloves so you can easily handle your prints and transfer them to a cooling tub or shelf without any discomfort or accidental harm.

It is also advisable to have key emergency equipment on hand just in case. Burn ointment and potentially even a small fire extinguisher. We also understand a lot of sublimation printers will be doing this at home, so we recommend trying to keep your heat press machines out of reach for both children and pets.

Lastly, a bit of a no-brainer but you should always remember to turn off and unplug your heat press machine. Some have built-in safety features that automatically stop them from continuing to produce heat but it is still good practice. It is worth also regularly maintaining your heat press, keeping an eye on the heating elements to ensure they are always in good condition.

FAQs

What temperature should I heat press polyester and spandex sublimation?

The ideal temperature range is 350-400°F for 30-45 seconds. Apply medium pressure and place Teflon paper on both sides to avoid ink spillage on the heat press. 

What temperature should I set my heat press to?

The temperature range will vary with different substrates. Refrain from second-guessing temperature and timings and check the packaging of the substrate for heat-pressing sublimation. Always warm up your heat press before printing the design. In addition, remove the moisture and wrinkles from the substrate by pressing it for a few seconds.

How long do you press a sublimation transfer?

Like the temperature settings, the timing must be adequate to allow the ink to evaporate and transfer to the substrate. If you press the design for longer, the result will be dull and faded. Refer to our sublimation heat press settings chart for information on press time for different substrates. 

What temperature do you sublimate 100% polyester?

You can sublimate a 100% polyester fabric at 380-400°F for 35-40 seconds. Since polyester binds well with sublimation ink, you don&#;t need to press it too long. However, ensure that the fabric is completely dry before sublimating the design. 

Final word

Optimal sublimation heat press settings are crucial and allow the target substrate (material) will absorb the sublimation ink only if you get everything right. It includes the best print and color accuracy on the sublimation paper and the perfect heat press settings.

Printer manufacturers like Sawgrass always bundle a heat press guide for different materials. In addition, always check the packaging of the substrate and contact the seller to know the correct heat press settings for vivid sublimation results.

Want more information on polyester sublimation transfer paper? Feel free to contact us.