Mug Sublimation Guide

Printing and Heat Transfer Instructions
NOTE: The temperatures expressed in this table are ACTUAL measured temperatures and are NOT based on the digital readings on the mug press display. Digital readout accuracy varies from press to press and therefore each mug press will need to be calibrated for accuracy.

IMPORTANT:
Due to variations in mug coatings and mug presses, these settings may vary. For best results, test different time/temperature combinations to find one that works best with your mug/mug press combination. Please note, higher temperatures generally require less time to prevent scorching. An insufficient time/temperature combination may hinder SubliJet from completely curing to the polyester coating.

TIPS

• Calibrating the heat press is recommended to ensure an accurate temperature. For this procedure, temperature test strips are more accurate than the use of infrared temperature guns.

• Consult the manufacturer’s sublimation guide (supplied with your substrate) for recommended time, temperature, and pressure settings. The chart above contains a compilation of suggested transfer times, temperatures, and pressures, based on various substrate surfaces. For best results, test different settings to find one that works for your application.

• If “browning” or “burn-out” occurs around the edges of the image, try reducing the temperature. A good rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature in increments of 10 degrees until the browning stops (the transfer paper should have a slight brown discoloration). Once you have eliminated any “browning” around the image, you may notice that the colors appear to be slightly faded or “washed out”. This can be corrected by increasing the time in increments of 10 seconds until the colors are vibrant.

• If your mug has been in storage, allow it to reach room temperature before pressing. For best results, heat the mug until it is warm to the touch before applying the transfer paper.

• Avoid cheap inkjet transfer papers. We recommend using only high quality sublimation transfer papers that have been tested and approved by Sawgrass.

• If your press has an “idling temperature” setting, set the idling temperature 5 degrees lower than the operating temperature. This type of mug press requires the least amount of press time because the timer does not actually start until the temperature rises to the operating temperature.