How to Make Sublimation Mugs: A Complete Guide For Beginners in 2025

In recent years, the sale of personalized drinkware has grown in popularity, and sublimation mugs have become top sellers. Each sublimation mug features a special polymer coating that allows heat and sublimation ink to bond directly to the surface. This process embeds the image into the mug, resulting in vivid colors and sharp details. 

Unlike screen printing and other traditional printing methods, sublimated mugs do not peel, crack, or fade when washed. Their durability makes them a reliable choice for creative entrepreneurs and custom shops. Sublimation mugs are also an excellent way for businesses to promote their brand at events or as corporate gifts.

Whether you are selling to customers or making mugs for personal use, learning how to create them yourself opens the door to countless design possibilities. With the right equipment and a bit of practice, you can create eye-catching mugs in no time. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of mug sublimation, including the supplies you’ll need and the steps for achieving excellent transfers. By the end, you’ll know how to sublimate mugs with polished and professional results.

What Is a Sublimation Mug?

A sublimation mug is a ceramic mug coated with a special polyester-based layer that allows heat and sublimation ink to fuse a design directly into its surface. Without this sublimation coating, the transfer ink cannot bond with the mug. 

With a proper sublimation mug, you can leave a permanent design that offers sharp details, vibrant colors, and long-lasting durability. These mugs are practical for everyday use and remain a favorite project for crafters. Many creative entrepreneurs also branch out into customizing other polymer-coated blanks, including tumbler cups and water bottles, to expand their offerings. 

Now that you know what makes sublimation mugs unique, let’s explore what tools and materials you’ll need to customize them.

What You Need to Sublimate a Mug

Getting started with sublimation mugs is straightforward when you have the right equipment and sublimation supplies. Here are the essentials you’ll need to get the best results when you sublimate mugs:

• Blank Sublimation Mugs: Select blank sublimation mugs featuring high-quality polymer coatings. There are many premium blanks available online, including 11oz sublimation mugs and 15oz sublimation mugs. 
  
  
• Design Software and Mug Wrap Templates: You can make sure your artwork aligns correctly on a sublimation blank mug by sizing it in design software, such as Canva, Photopea, or Adobe Photoshop. Pre-made wrap templates can also help you position your designs accurately. Many suppliers that sell sublimation blanks wholesale provide free sublimation mug templates that can help you get started.
  
  
• Sublimation Printer and Ink: To print your transfer designs onto sublimation paper, you need a sublimation printer for mugs and other blanks. Some of the best sublimation printers include Sawgrass and Epson sublimation printers. While it is possible to use a standard inkjet printer with sublimation ink, doing so can clog or damage your printer and may void its warranty.
  
  
• Sublimation Paper and Heat Tape: Use sublimation paper for mugs to print your design. You can then use heat-resistant tape for sublimation to keep the printed design in place during the pressing process. This prevents shifting and helps avoid blurred or ghosted images.
  
  
• Heat Source and Heat-Resistant Gloves: A sublimation mug press machine delivers even heat and firm pressure to ensure quality transfers. Some crafters use convection ovens as an alternative, but a dedicated mug press often yields more professional-looking results. Regardless of your heat source, heat-resistant gloves are essential for safety and handling your sublimation mugs after the transfer process. 

With these tools and materials ready, you’ll have everything you need to create your first sublimated mug. Investing in the right setup makes the process seamless and sets you up for long-term success in mug sublimation.

Step-by-Step Guide For Sublimating Mugs

The sublimation process can empower you to create mugs with vibrant, long-lasting designs. With the right sublimation supplies and proper technique, you can make a quality product line of stylish mugs that your customers can enjoy daily.

Follow these essential steps to achieve stunning mug sublimation results:

Step 1: Prepare Your Sublimation Design

Open your design program and create the artwork for your blank sublimation mugs. Use a digital wrap template to size the design accurately for your sublimation blanks. Be sure to mirror your image before printing so it transfers correctly onto the mug. 

Step 2: Print Your Transfer

Use a sublimation printer and ink to print your design onto transfer paper. Avoid smudging the printed design, and make sure to apply it shortly after the printing process. Waiting too long can reduce the print’s vibrancy and prevent the design from transferring fully to your mug.

Step 3: Preheat Your Mug Press

Turn on your sublimation mug press machine and allow it to reach your manufacturer’s recommended temperature. Preheating ensures even heat distribution, which helps the design transfer clearly and prevents uneven or faded areas.

Step 4: Prep the Mug

Clean your blank sublimation mug with a lint-free cloth to remove any dust or residue. Next, wrap the printed design around the mug and secure it tightly with heat-resistant tape to prevent movement during pressing.

Step 5: Press the Mug’s Surface

Place your mug into your sublimation mug press machine. Follow the heat press manufacturer’s instructions to select the best mug sublimation time and temperature settings, usually between 356°F and 392°F for around 140 seconds.

Step 6: Cool and Reveal

After your heat press timer finishes, wait a few seconds to allow the mug to cool slightly. Next, use heat-resistant gloves to remove the mug from the press. Peel away the transfer paper while the mug is still warm, then let it cool completely before handling or washing. You’ll see your design permanently embedded into the surface, creating a polished and professional sublimated mug.

Troubleshooting Common Mug Sublimation Transfer Issues

While having the right equipment and supplies will help you achieve great results, many factors can negatively impact the quality of your sublimation transfer.

Here are common transfer issues crafters face and ways you can fix them:

Faded Colors

If your design looks dull, ensure you’re using the optimal mug sublimation time and temperature settings. Too little heat or not enough pressing time prevents the ink from transferring fully. Make sure to also apply firm, even pressure to your sublimation blanks.

Blurry or Ghosted Images

Blurry or ghosted designs can occur when sublimation paper shifts during the heat transfer process. Use plenty of heat-resistant tape to hold the sublimation paper firmly in place. Applying firm, even pressure with a sublimation mug press machine also helps prevent this issue and ensures a clean, sharp transfer.

Uneven Prints

If one part of the mug looks brighter or more vibrant than the other, your heat source may not be applying pressure evenly. This problem often occurs when crafters use convection ovens instead of high-quality sublimation mug presses. Regardless of your heating method, make sure you apply firm, even pressure during the sublimation process. If you’re using a convection oven, use shrink wrap or silicone wrap to firmly wrap the mug’s surface. Make sure the wrap is oven-safe.  

Issues Sublimating on Dark Mugs

Sublimation printers do not use white ink, so designs will not appear correctly on black sublimation mugs and other dark surfaces. For optimal results, use white or light-colored mugs. Choosing the right base color ensures your sublimated mug displays your design accurately. Alternatively, you can apply a white heat transfer vinyl (HTV) sheet before applying sublimation ink to your mug, which helps the design stand out against the dark surface.

Sublimating Mugs FAQ

Can You Sublimate Any Coffee Mug?

Not all mugs are suitable for sublimation. Only mugs with special polymer coatings work properly. Using standard, uncoated ceramic mugs will result in faded or incomplete designs, or the design may not transfer at all. Always ensure that your mugs feature high-quality polymer coatings to achieve the best results.

What Is the Best Sublimation Mug Press Machine?

A dedicated sublimation mug press machine produces consistent heat and pressure, which ensures even transfers and vibrant colors. The best one for your needs will depend on your output, the size of your workspace, and your budget. 

There are plenty of great mug sublimation machines available online, including HOGG Outfitter’s Quick N’ Easy Mug Press Machine. You can also compare quality heat presses in our guide “What Is the Best Heat Press Machine for Small Business Owners in 2025?”

Are Sublimation Mugs Dishwasher Safe?

Sublimated mugs are durable, but for the longest-lasting results, we recommend handwashing them. Frequent dishwasher use can gradually dull colors, as the high heat and detergents have the potential to harm your sublimated designs.

Buying Sublimation Blanks in Bulk

Purchasing sublimation mugs wholesale is a smart choice for small businesses and crafters who want to maintain an inventory and lower their costs per mug. Having a consistent stock of blank mugs can empower your business to scale more easily while maintaining product quality.

When selecting a supplier for wholesale sublimation products, it’s essential to ensure their blanks are made from premium materials and feature professional-grade sublimation coatings. If your sublimation blanks lack quality coatings or are made from cheap materials, your designs may transfer unevenly or fade over time. You need a quality supplier to create consistent, top-tier products.

At The Stainless Depot Company, we provide crafters with premium sublimation blanks to help grow their businesses. Our affordable sublimation blanks deliver professional-quality results, empowering you to create custom mugs that your customers will love. Explore our wholesale sublimation mugs to start creating vibrant, high-quality products in bulk.

Get Great Sublimation Supplies at The Stainless Depot Company

Sublimating mugs is a fun and rewarding way to customize stunning drinkware. With the right sublimation supplies and proper techniques, you can produce professional-quality mugs that withstand the test of time. Practicing these steps will help you gain confidence and improve your results with every project.

If you are ready to start your own mug sublimation projects, check out our polymer-coated ceramic mugs and other premium sublimation supplies, including stainless steel tumblers, sublimation t-shirts, sublimation printers and ink, heat presses, and sublimation accessories.

You can also explore more sublimation crafts by visiting other guides in our blog, including “How to Sublimate a Tumbler” and “How to Sublimate a Shirt.” Start exploring the world of sublimation today and create original designs on mugs, tumblers, shirts, and more.