If you're eager to dive into the world of sublimation drink ware without the need for specialized equipment, we have the perfect solution for you. Here are some essential tips to help you master the art of sublimating mugs using a regular oven.
Dedicated Oven for Sublimation
The first and foremost tip is to avoid using your regular cooking oven for sublimation. While Sawgrass SubliJet UHD ink is non-toxic, the long-term effects of using a food oven for sublimation transfers are unknown. Therefore, we strongly recommend using a dedicated oven for your sublimation projects.
Suitable Oven for Sublimation
To get started, find an oven that can reach temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be a countertop convection oven or an industrial machine like the HIX SubliPro CT for larger businesses. Having an oven that reaches the desired temperature is crucial for successful sublimation and shrink wraps
Testing Your Oven
Once you have your oven, it's important to test its capabilities. Every convection oven is different, so knowing its temperature range and heating time is essential. Place two oven thermometers in opposite diagonal corners of the oven and test different temperature ranges from 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This test will also help identify any hot or cold spots in your oven.
Correct Oven Settings
Before sublimating your blank, ensure that you have the correct oven settings for that particular item. Oven settings differ from heat press settings because in an oven, the ambient temperature heats up the item rather than direct contact. Check the item description for recommended oven settings. If there are none, use the standby temperatures mentioned earlier and a cook time of six to eight minutes, flipping the items halfway through.
Make Use of Cook Time
While waiting for your items to finish in the oven, maximize your productivity. Customize additional mugs on another press or use a separate oven if available. This way, you can increase your output and make the most of your time. If you don't have additional equipment, you can still work on designing more products or engaging with customers on social media. Remember, cook time does not equal downtime!
Familiarity and Practice
Customizing sublimation blanks in an oven may seem overwhelming at first, but with practice, you'll become more comfortable with the process. The more you use your oven, experiment with different blanks, and gain experience, the better you'll become at sublimation.
If you're looking for high-quality shrink wraps or reusable oven wraps, check out our SubliCraft shrink wraps for tumblers and HIX oven wraps for various drinkware. Don't forget to protect your hands with heat-resistant gloves when handling freshly sublimated blanks.
Happy sublimating!
1 comment
Diane Eskridge
Can you sublimate to glassware?