How to Sublimate Coasters

According to the latest data, customers are set to spend £1 billion on personalised gifts over the next 12 months. We know the strength and depth of the printed mug market. Have you thought about coasters too? Take a look at our guide to sublimating coasters below...

 

Coaster 1

1. Using a sublimation printer and paper, print your design in mirror. Templates for the coasters are available for download on sublimation product pages.

Coaster 2

2. When printed, place the coasters face down on top of the paper and use heat tape to secure in place.

Coaster 3

3. Place a silicone sheet on the bottom of the heat press, then transfer the paper and coasters onto the heat press, paper on top.

Coaster 4

4. Cover with another silicone sheet then press at 195°C for 60 seconds.

Coaster 5

5. Once pressed, remove the silicone sheet and peel the coasters whilst hot. We recommend using protective gloves.

Coaster 6

6. Your coasters are ready!

Speedy and efficient

Ideal for smaller batch orders

Excellent results with more complicated designs, giving you more freedom

Allows you to choose a design that can cover the vast majority of your product

Designs don’t crack, peel or fade

 

View Sublimation Blanks

View Sublimation Printers

1. What can I sublimate onto?

Garments with a polyester or a polyester mix fabric or various blanks with a special polymer coating (such as our mugs and coasters).

2. What equipment is required for sublimation?

Heat press (for mugs, a specific mug press is required)

Sublimation printer & ink

- Computer or tablet for designing 

Heat transfer tape

Protection sheets/pillows

Sublimation paper

3. Why can’t I sublimate on dark garments?

It isn't possible to sublimate on dark coloured garments because there is no white sublimation ink.

4. Why does the image on my screen differ to the final printed result?

It is entirely possible for a print from a sublimation printer to look different to the image on your computer screen. This is because sublimation inks often change colour during the heat pressing process. As the ink reacts when it is heated, it sometimes becomes brighter and more vibrant than the image printed on the sublimation paper. We would highly recommend that, during your testing stage, you heat press the image on to a product to see the final result before beginning a batch order.

5. Can I use an iron instead of a heat press?

No. You need a continuous, even heat and pressure to be applied simultaneously to the entire surface area. This can only be effectively achieved using a heat press.