When you’re looking for the best blanks for sublimation, it can be tough to know where to start. There are so many different materials and brands available on the market, that it can be hard to decide which is right for you.
Let’s compare some of the most popular blanks used to sublimate and help you decide which one is right for your crafting needs!
Vinyl crafters ofter turn to the sublimation process after using HTV for a while. Dye sublimation is essentially the same as infusible ink transfer sheets and infusible ink markers.
The process of sublimation requires high temperatures for best results, the kind of heat that you can only get from heat presses.
Using a high temperature and the correct materials to transfer your sublimation prints is what yields the most vibrant colors.
The Best Sublimation Blanks: A Comprehensive Guide
One of the most popular blank materials used to sublimate is polyester. Polyester blanks are ideal for a variety of projects, including t-shirts, mugs, and even mouse pads.
They are also relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for those on a budget. Another advantage of polyester blanks is that they can typically be easily found at your local craft store or online.
Another popular option for blank materials used to sublimate is ceramic. Ceramic blanks are perfect for projects that require a high level of detail, such as photo mugs or plates.
They are also dishwasher and microwave safe, making them a convenient option for everyday use. However, ceramic blanks can be expensive.
If you’re looking for a unique blank to sublimate, consider using wood. Wood blanks are ideal for projects that require a rustic or natural look. They can be easily customized with paint, stains, or engravings and are perfect for those who want to add a personal touch to their project.
However, wood blanks can be more expensive than other options and may be difficult to find at your local craft store.
No matter which blanks you choose, sublimation is a great way to add a personal touch to any project! With so many different blanks available on the market, there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for you and your crafting needs.
Let’s dig into each of these and figure out which is best for you!
What Are The Different Types Of Sublimation Blanks?
Sublimation Shirts
The most common blanks for sublimation are shirts. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles to choose from. At least 60% cotton is the best to use for sublimation. The hight the polyester count in your blank t-shirt, the better your sublimation design will come out.
Can I Sublimate On Cotton Shirts?
With a little help, you can. Dark colors and cotton don’t sublimate well. Sublimation ink sticks to synthetic fabrics, which means that it washes right out of cotton. You can however use Easy Subli to sublimate, or Glitter HTV.
- Sublimation on 100% Cotton with Glitter HTV + VIDEO
- Cricut Infusible Ink Tie Dye + Free SVG
- Too Cool for School Sublimation + Free SVG
Sublimation Mugs
A close second to shirts as the most popular sublimation blanks are mugs. You can find mug blanks made from both ceramic and glass materials. Both ceramic and glass materials have to be specifically coated in order to accept the sublimation ink. So, keep that in mind before buying.
Sublimation Tumbler Blanks
Some of my favorite projects have been my tumblers. Just like with glass and ceramic mugs, the tumblers must be specifically coated in order to accept the sublimation ink. I have a lot of trouble finding these kinds of tumblers in the craft stores consistently, so I like to order my tumbler blanks for sublimation online.
Here are a few that I did that I’m pretty happy with:
Sublimation Key chains and Watchbands
Keychains and watchbands are a fun way to show off your personality! They also make great gifts for friends and family. These are really popular as well for selling online if you’re planning on starting an online sublimation business.
I’ve made a few of these myself and these are some of my favorites:
Sublimation Wood Blanks
Wood blanks are a great option if you’re looking for a rustic or natural look. They can be easily customized with paint, stains, or engravings and are perfect for those who want to add a personal touch to their project.
However, wood blanks can be more expensive than other options and may be difficult to find at your local craft store.
However, you can make your own wood blanks from plain wood items by adding a layer of the laminate sheet (like you’d use to laminate your kid’s prized artwork from school) on the side you want to sublimate.
Sublimation Glass Blanks
Glass blanks are perfect for projects that require a high level of detail, such as photo mugs, coasters, cutting boards, or plates.
They are also dishwasher and microwave safe, making them a convenient option for everyday use. However, glass blanks can be more expensive than other options on the market.
Additionally, as noted in the discussion on ceramic and glass mugs, there’s a coating required so that your glass materials are sublimation ready.
What are some of the other best blanks for sublimation?
- coffee mugs
- pet tags
- mobile phone case
- Sublimation tote bags
- license plates
- sublimation socks
My favorite places to get sublimation supplies are Heat Transfer Warehouse and Heat Transfer Nation.
Tips for Purchasing the Best Blanks For Sublimation
Always check the reviews online before you buy. The quality of the item you are looking at might seem great in the store or in pictures – but those reviews are going to get you all the dirt.
I just hate spending big money on a sublimation blank just for it to shatter or not have sharp, crisp sublimation transfers.
Additionally, you want to read the description very carefully. There are blanks for all sorts of crafting needs and you don’t want to waste money buying a bunch of blanks for your holiday push only to receive them and realize they’re not sublimation ready (see that time that I bought 10 giant holiday sacks and found out there was no chance of using them for sublimation – and they live in my craft room floor now).
Finally, be sure to check the measurements. If you already have a design or have one planned, you want to check the measurements of the blank before you spend the money.
The last thing you need is to have your project all planned out and have to redo it just to fit your much smaller blank…
So, you feel like you’re filled to the brim with all the information you need to get sublimating? If you loved it or if you’d like to come back to it later, be sure to pin this to your favorite crafting board on Pinterest – that way it’s right there at your fingertips!
