How to use this chart
Sublimation works by turning ink into a gas that bonds with polyester or a polymer coating. Three things control the result: temperature, time and pressure. Too little and the colors come out pale; too much and you get scorching, blurry edges or "ghosting." The ranges in this tool are common starting points used by crafters. They are not a replacement for the instructions that came with your blank, which are tuned to that specific coating.
Full chart
How to dial in your settings
- Start in the middle of the suggested range.
- Test on one blank (or a scrap of the same material) before a batch.
- Colors pale or patchy? Add time in small steps (10 seconds for flat items, 30–60 seconds for oven items), or check that pressure is even.
- Brown/yellow tint or blurry edges? Reduce time or temperature slightly, and make sure the paper is taped so it can't move.
- Write it down. Every press and oven reads temperature a little differently. A cheap infrared thermometer helps you learn your machine's real temperature.
Safety
- Never use an oven for sublimation that you also use for food.
- Work in a ventilated area, and use heat-resistant gloves for oven and tumbler work.
- Let blanks cool before handling; metal and hardboard stay hot much longer than fabric.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature do you sublimate a shirt at?
A common starting point for 100% polyester shirts is 385–400 °F for 45–60 seconds with medium pressure. Check your sublimation paper and shirt instructions, and test first.
How long do you sublimate a tumbler in a convection oven?
Many crafters start around 375–400 °F for about 5–8 minutes with shrink wrap. Ovens vary a lot, so test with one tumbler and adjust in small steps.
Why are my sublimation colors faded?
Usually the time or temperature is too low, the pressure is uneven, the blank isn't high-polyester or coated, or the print was made on the wrong side of the paper.
Can I sublimate on cotton?
Not directly. Sublimation ink bonds with polyester and special coatings. On cotton you need a sublimation-friendly HTV, a coating spray, or a different method.
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Last updated 2026-10-08. All calculations run in your browser. Nothing you enter or upload is sent to a server.