I get a ton of questions on sublimation blanks so I thought I would clear it up in a big post all about what works and what doesn’t. All of my information below applies to Infusible Ink sheets, Infusible Ink markers, sublimation markers, sublimation stamp pads, and sublimation printers. What works and what doesn’t work? Let’s dive in and find out before you add any more sublimation surfaces to your cart!
What are sublimation blanks?
Sublimation blanks are the substrates or materials that will work with a process called sublimation. You can read more about sublimation here but it is basically a chemical reaction between the ink and a polyester surface that causes the link to be infused in or trapped into the surface. This makes for a really durable and permanent project that is hard to beat!
Which sublimation surfaces will work?
So, now that you know a little bit more about sublimation. Let’s take a look at what surfaces will work and which will not. After all, it is super frustrating to get done with a project and have a failure! You can actually watch the video below where I walk through all of my favorite sublimation blanks and where to look for them. No need to hunt through product catalogs when I can do the legwork for you!
Can’t watch the video or missed some of the information? I also have links for you below for each blank and store mentioned! And yes I even have coupons for you in some cases! If you are just getting started with sublimation printing, this is the post for you!
Sublimation Shirts
Shirts that you use for sublimation should be at least 65% polyester to work correctly. Be sure to check your tag. If you use dye sublimation ink on a cotton shirt, it is just going to wash out and you are going to be super unhappy with the results. You can actually watch me test a variety of t-shirts here.
Where do you get these shirts? Which manufacturer of sublimation apparel is best? While ANY shirt that is 65% polyester will work, you do want shirts that are a light color. Sublimation is translucent which means that any color in your substrate will show through after your design is pressed. I like to look for shirts in the following places:
- Cricut Infusible Ink Blanks – Use code CCCDEAL to get 10% off and free shipping on orders over $50.
- Artesprix – Use code CCC10 for 10% off.
- Heat Transfer Warehouse – they have a bunch so here are a few of my favorites: Gildan Polyester, Sport-Tek, and others I have listed in this post. NOTE: These Gildan ones are amazing especially if you don’t love the feel of a traditional polyester shirt.
- Amazon (I have added my favorites to my store here.)
- Look for shirts at other stores as well! As long as the tag says they have at least 65% polyester content, they are fair game. You can also see my big shirt comparison post here!
Sublimation Fabric Blanks
You can also use other fabric blanks like wine bags, totes, and so much more. I have found totes that are 100% polyester at IKEA so you can literally look just about anywhere! Here are a few of my favorite places to shop for blanks:
- Cricut Infusible Ink Blanks – Use code CCCDEAL to get 10% off and free shipping on orders over $50.
- Artesprix – Use code CCC10 for 10% off.
- Heat Transfer Warehouse – A huge selection of blanks perfect for your crafts here.
- Amazon (I have added my favorites to my store here.)
- Innosub USA – Lots of great sublimation blanks.
- Heat Press Nation – Another in my list of the best places to find blanks!
- Dollar Tree – yes you read that right! See how to find blanks at the Dollar Tree here!
That is a big list! So what are the best blanks when it comes to fabric surfaces? Here are a few of my favorites:
- Zipper bag
- Pet bandana
- Pot Holder
- Neoprene Laptop Sleeve
- Oven Mitt
- Neoprene Koozie
- Bottle Koozie
- Pet Tank Top
- Baby Bib
- Lunch Bag
- Blanket with Grid
- Necktie
- Graduation Stole
- Sequin Drawstring Bag
- Burp Cloth
- Glitter Zipper pouch
- Mouse pads
- Patches
- Linen Pencil Case
Sublimation Mugs
With the availability of the Cricut Mug Press, interest in sublimating coffee mugs has increased. Here are a few of my favorite mug blanks and they all work in the mug press:
- Color Changing Mugs
- Mugs with Color Inside
- White Sublimation Mugs
- Large White Sublimation Mugs
- Steel Sublimation Mugs
- Cricut Mugs
Sublimation Tumblers and Bottles
I have made some tumblers and bottles with sublimation as well. I have used my mug press to do some here as well as an oven to do others. My favorite blanks are as follows:
- Mason Jar Tumbler
- Wine Tumbler
- Stainless Steel Stackable mug
- Tumbler with Handle
- Clear Glass Beer Stein
- Sublimation Can Cooler
- Tumbler with Plastic Handle
- Pilsner Tumbler
- Wine tumbler
- Straight 20 oz tumbler
- Steel tumbler
- Shot glass
- Glass Water Bottle
- Metal Water Bottle
- Kids Steel Bottle
- 20 oz skinny tumblers
- Tall glass tumblers
- Medium glass tumblers
- Small glass tumblers
Other Sublimation Blanks
Now, let’s talk about things that are NOT fabric. Yes, you can sublimate on ceramic, metal, plastic, and more. Again, you will need to make sure it has a special coating in order to be permanent. That means you can’t pick up tiles from Home Depot or mugs from Dollar Tree. These will NOT work. You need to look for special supplies that are marked for sublimation. My favorite sources when I am looking for a sublimation product include:
- Cricut Infusible Ink Blanks – Use code CCCDEAL to get 10% off and free shipping on orders over $50.
- Artesprix – Use code CCC10 for 10% off.
- Heat Transfer Warehouse – A huge selection of blanks perfect for your crafts here.
- Amazon (I have added my favorites to my store here.)
- Innosub USA – Lots of great sublimation blanks.
- Heat Press Nation – Another in my list of the best suppliers to find blanks!
- Johnson Plastics Plus – Lots of blanks that you might not find elsewhere. Use code 56I-78L for 15% off most items.
Here are a few items that are my personal favorites:
- Puzzles
- Earrings
- Wristlet Keychain
- Metal Panel
- Picture Frame
- Ceramic Coasters
- Pop Socket
- License Plates
- License Plate Frame
- Ceramic Coin Bank
- Smart Watch Bands
- Pet Tags
- Cutting Board
- Luggage Handle Cover
- Wall Clock
- Slate plaques
- Magnets
- Cell phone case
- Ceramic tile
- Metal bowl
- Glass cutting board
- Faux Leather Notebook
- Spiral Notebook
- Sublimation magnets
- Leather Photo Frame
- Glass Cutting Board
- Metal Bookmark
- Faux Leather Glitter Keychain
- Mom Keychain
- Desk name plate blank
Color of Sublimation Blanks
Sublimation ink is fairly see-through when you add it to your blank. That means the color of the blank will change the color of your final project. So, if you use a grey shirt or a blue can koozie, you can expect that to change the color of your final project, especially when using lighter-colored sublimation ink. You just need to be aware of this when choosing the sublimation surfaces you want to use for your project.
Where to Buy Sublimation Ink
Now you may be ready to buy your own sublimation ink and start creating! What can you use these blanks with? Try the links below!
- Cricut Infubisle Ink sheets
- Cricut Infusible Ink markers
- Artesprix markers
- Artesprix stamp pad
- Sublimation paint from Artesprix
- Hiipoo Sublimation Ink (this is what I use in my Epson converted printer)
- Heat Transfer Warehouse sublimation ink (Remember that this needs a special printer.)
- MakerFlo Crafts has great bundles available
Now, are you ready to give sublimation blanks a try? Use our guide to pick the right surfaces to make your crafts a success. Sublimation is a fun craft to try, but you want to make sure to use the right supplies so you get the optimal results!
Stay tuned for more on sublimation over the next few months. I hope this helps demystify the surfaces a bit so you can start making your own projects. Chances are you will love this craft once you get started with sublimation blanks. I have probably listed the best sellers, however, you can find sublimation blanks in so many different shapes and sizes!
5 More Sublimation Resources
If you loved learning about sublimation blanks, and are looking for more sublimation resources? Then check out the blog post below!
- Free Sublimation Class Delivered to Your Inbox
- What is Sublimation Printing?
- Sublimation for Beginners: Your Guide to Getting Started
- How to Prevent Dull Sublimation for Vibrant Results
- What Sublimation Pads and Pillows Do You Need?
The links for your favorite shirts don’t work anymore.
I just tried to update them!
Can you use sublimation blanks with infusible ink?
Yes you can!
Hi, I was wondering if you could help me out. I don’t know if you can put a sublimation photo on a card stock card, I’m trying to make own funeral cards and I watch you on YouTube so I can learn more about my cricut Machine and how to make beautiful gifts.
You would need something on it for it to stick to. I think I would just print on a regular printer.
Have you ever tried a car sun pop-up visor? I bought one that is 95% polyester but I’m wondering if it would be a waste.
I have not!
How do you get heat resistance tape residue off a sublimated shirt ?
You could try using Vinyl lift-off. It is a vinyl adhesive remover. Usually, this happens with a bad heat tape, some just aren’t great unfortunately.
Hello, I am wondering if you know of a place to purchase sublimation car seat covers? I know you can get seat covers that are universal in size, like those that fit bucket seats. I would love to find these to sublimate. Thanks!
I do not. If you find some let me know!
Do you have a link where I can buy practice material for sublimating on?
Just plain white polyester cloth? Preferable cheap but still similar to t-shirts.
I would go to your local fabric store like Joann and get 100% polyester fabric.
Any suggestions as to where to purchase aluminum blanks for wreath signs? Preferably 10″ round.
Cricut has clear infusible paper. Can that be use to print sublimation decals?
Cricut does not have a clear Infusible Ink paper. There are other brands that have clear vinyl and HTV that you can add sublimation prints to.
Is it possible to draw directly on a sublimation mug using sublimation markers? And then bake it in the oven to seal the design? I don’t have a heat press unfortunately, and I would love to freehand my drawing directly onto the mug.
You cannot use the sublimation markers to draw direction onto the mugs. You would need to draw onto paper and then wrap it around the mugs. If you’re using an oven it needs to only be used for sublimation and never be used again for food.