At the Makerspace, we are always looking for creative ways to make more while wasting less. One of the exciting tools that helps us do that is sublimation markers.
These markers let you draw your own designs on sublimation paper and transfer them onto compatible blank items, such as mugs, patches, keychains, or other sublimation-ready surfaces. But one of the best parts is that they also give us a new way to use sublimation paper scraps that are too small to run through the printer. This means less waste, more experimentation, and more opportunities for creativity.
How Sublimation Markers Work
The markers contain the same kind of ink that is in our sublimation printer! This ink can be transferred with heat onto a sublimation-compatible blank. You draw your design on sublimation paper, place it onto your blank, and then use a heat press to transfer the image.
One important thing to remember: your design will transfer in reverse. If your drawing includes words, letters, or anything directional, you will need to draw it as a mirror image before pressing.
Sublimation Marker Guide
1. Gather your image supplies
You will need sublimation paper scraps and sublimation markers
2. Draw your image
Using the sublimation markers, draw your image to size on the blank side of the sublimation paper. Remember that your image will be a mirror image, so if you have any text at all, it must be written backwards (see example).
3. Gather your heat press supplies
For this portion, you will need:
- A heat press pre-heated to 401 degrees F if using fabric (see other instructions for other materials)
- This can be the round heat press if you are doing tumblers and mugs, or the flat heat press if you are doing fabric, mousepads, etc
- Heat resistant tape and scissors
- Your design cut down to size
- Kraft/butcher paper (if there is any chance of your design bleeding through)
- Teflon paper
4. Pre-heat
- If you are using closed fabric where the ink could bleed through to the back, slide the Kraft/butcher paper inside to protect the back.
- Once the heat press has reached 401 degrees (or whatever temperature you require for your blank), put your sublimation blank in the press to preheat it for about 10 seconds
5. Attach your image
Once pre-heated, align your image face down on the sublimation blank. Use heat resistant tape to hold it in place
6. Press
Place a Teflon sheet over your blank, then press for 40 seconds if you are using fabric (see other instructions for other materials)
7. Peel
Once cooled, you can peel back the image and see your transfer below!
8. Enjoy!
Your image is now permanently transferred to the item!
