Sublimation Guide: Tumblers, Paper, Designs & Tools
Sublimation printing is perfect for creating custom tumblers, mugs, shirts and more. Heat and pressure transfer vibrant, permanent designs onto polyester-coated blanks. Whether you are starting out or scaling up, this hub brings together the best sublimation tumblers, paper, turners and ready-to-use designs.
Top Picks
Best Sublimation Designs & Templates
Curated collection of ready-to-use sublimation designs for tumblers, mugs, shirts and more. Save time and get professional results.
Browse DesignsVEVOR 20 oz Sublimation Tumblers (8-Pack)
Our top pick for bulk sublimation tumblers. 20 oz stainless steel, double-wall vacuum insulation. Great value for small businesses.
Read ReviewA-SUB 125g Sublimation Paper Review
In-depth review of A-SUB 125g sublimation paper. 200 sheets, 8.5×11″, consistent results for mugs, tumblers and apparel.
Read ReviewTumblers
VEVOR 20 oz Sublimation Tumblers (8-Pack)
20 oz stainless steel, double-wall vacuum. 8-pack value. Fits standard tumbler wraps and presses.
Read ReviewUIRZOTN 20 oz Sublimation Tumblers
20 oz sublimation blanks. Stainless steel construction. Popular choice for custom drinkware.
View TumblersCricut Ceramic Coffee Mug for Sublimation
White ceramic mug blank. Works with Cricut Infusible Ink or sublimation transfers. 11 oz capacity.
View MugVEVOR Glitter Epoxy Tumbler Turner
Motorized tumbler turner for epoxy and glitter projects. 1-cup capacity. Even rotation for smooth finishes.
Read ReviewTumbler Cuptisserie Professional Turner
Professional-grade tumbler turner. Variable speed. Ideal for sublimation and epoxy coating workflows.
View TurnerPaper & Supplies
A-SUB 125g Sublimation Paper Review
200 sheets of 8.5×11″ sublimation paper. 125g weight for sharp transfers on mugs, tumblers and apparel. Our full review covers print settings and best practices.
Read ReviewSublimation Accessories
Teflon sheets, heat-resistant tape, lint rollers and protective gloves help you get consistent results. Pair with quality paper and a reliable heat press for best output.
Designs
Ready-to-use sublimation designs save time and ensure professional results. Browse our curated collection of templates for tumblers, mugs, shirts, coasters and more. All designs are optimized for sublimation printing and easy to customize.
Heat Presses for Sublimation
A reliable heat press is essential for sublimation. Mug presses, tumbler wraps and flat presses each suit different projects. Our Heat Press & Vinyl Hub covers the full range. For sublimation-specific options, check out these top picks:
VEVOR 8-in-1 Heat Press
Versatile 8-in-1 heat press. Mug, cap, plate and flat platen attachments. Great for small businesses.
View Heat PressHTVRONT Auto Heat Press 15×15″
15×15″ auto-open heat press. Consistent pressure and temperature. Ideal for shirts and larger sublimation projects.
Read ReviewHeat Press & Vinyl Hub – Full guide to heat presses, vinyl and sublimation equipment.
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FAQ
What printer do I need for sublimation?
You need an inkjet printer that uses sublimation ink. Many crafters convert an Epson EcoTank or similar model by replacing the original ink with sublimation ink. The printer must be dedicated to sublimation; do not switch back to regular ink.
What paper is best for sublimation?
Sublimation paper is specially coated to hold sublimation ink and release it under heat. A-SUB 125g is a popular choice for mugs, tumblers and apparel. Heavier paper (125g+) often gives sharper transfers. See our A-SUB 125g Sublimation Paper Review for details.
What temperature and time for sublimation?
Typical settings are 380–400°F (193–204°C) for 45–60 seconds for mugs and tumblers. Shirts and polyester apparel usually need 375–385°F for 45–60 seconds. Always follow the blank manufacturer’s guidelines and test with a small run first.
Can I sublimate on cotton?
No. Sublimation works only on polyester or polyester-coated surfaces. The dye bonds to polyester fibers under heat. For cotton, use heat transfer vinyl (HTV) or screen printing instead.
Do I need a tumbler turner for sublimation?
A tumbler turner is not required for sublimation itself. You use a tumbler wrap or mug press to apply heat. Turners are used for epoxy coating and glitter finishes on tumblers. If you do both sublimation and epoxy, a turner like the VEVOR Glitter Epoxy Tumbler Turner is useful.
