Everything You Need to Know About Making Sublimation Mugs

Larry Girty on May 1, 2024

Have you ever wondered how to get cool, full-color designs on a mug? Using a sublimation machine is a popular way to get the best results with a long-lasting design that doesn’t chip or fade. 

So, what exactly are sublimation mugs, and what’s the secret to creating them? In the following sections, we’ll unveil these mysteries and share all the tips and tricks you need to achieve that perfect, professional finish. 

What Are Sublimation Mugs? 

Sublimation mugs are like ordinary ceramic or polymer mugs, but they have a special coating that makes it easy to transfer designs on them. 

To make that happen, you’ll need a sublimation printer that transfers special ink to sublimation paper. The paper is then placed on the sublimation mug, and a heat press transfers the design from the paper to the mug. 

Why Sublimation Printing For Mugs? 

A sublimation printing machine is a great way to put custom, full-color designs on mugs. Most people prefer this method because it provides a complete finish that is resistant to scratching and fading, as opposed to a sticker or another print solution. 

Here are some other top reasons for using a sublimation printer for mugs: 

  • Image Quality: The image quality seems better when using a sublimation machine, as the colors are more vibrant and the lines are sharper, making the design really “pop”! 
  • Precision: For complex images or those with a lot of color, sublimation printing captures those with high-resolution printing and sharp/clear detail. 
  • Efficiency: If you are making numerous mugs or other items, the sublimation printer can efficiently produce designs one after the other. 
  • Versatility: These Sublimation Stations are extremely versatile. You can create complex designs in any combination of colors. You can also use sublimation printers to create custom t-shirts, bags, keychains, posters, trophies, and more! 

How To Make Sublimation Mugs: 5 Steps 

The process of making sublimation mugs is straightforward once you have all your supplies ready to go. Here’s a brief overview of what it looks like: 

1. Gather All Sublimation Materials

This includes ordering everything and getting your sublimation printer setup. You will need the following materials and equipment to get started: 

  • Sublimation printer
  • Heat press
  • Sublimation mugs
  • Sublimation ink
  • Sublimation paper
  • Heat-resistant tape 

The sublimation printer and heat press are necessary equipment for making sublimation mugs. Also, getting the actual sublimation mugs is best instead of using just any mug. As mentioned earlier, the sublimation mugs have a special coating on the side to make the design stick better. 

To get started, you will also need sublimation ink and paper. The thermal sublimation tape isn’t a 100% requirement, but we highly recommend it, as it keeps your design in place when using the heat press. 

2. Prepare Your Custom Design 

You’ll want to find the perfect image, resolution, and orientation to be placed on the sublimation mug. Once you have it, follow these steps for best results: 

  • Double-check your image. Will the sizing look good on the mug? Is it a high-quality image? 
  • Flip the image if necessary. The image will be flipped during the transfer process, so consider that before printing. 
  • Print settings. Make sure your settings call for the “best quality” and any other customized details needed for your specific project. 

3. Print the Design 

Everything should be in place so you can print the design onto the special sublimation paper. Double-check that the print is of the highest quality and has no defects. Also, don’t be afraid to test multiple versions. A little experimenting can go a long way, especially if you are newer to sublimation printing. 

4. Transfer the Design 

Wrap the sublimation paper with your printed design around the mug. Make sure the image is positioned where you want it on the mug. This is where the thermal tape comes into play, as you will tape the paper to the sublimation mug to hold it in place. 

Now comes the heat press, which applies pressure and heat to transfer the ink from the paper to the mug. Follow the instructions regarding time and temperature, as these are some of the most important factors in the sublimation process. 

5. Final Details 

From here, remove the mug from the heat press and let it cool so the ink can set in fully. Check the finish’s quality to ensure there is no fading or smudges in the design. Check it from multiple angles in different lighting, and make sure the alignment is also to your preference.  

Tips For Making Sublimation Mugs 

If you are new to the world of sublimation mugs, here are some tips to remember when getting started: 

Start with a test. If this is your first time using a sublimation printer, there is a slight learning curve. They usually come with complete tutorials and samples to get started. We recommend practicing on those before jumping into more complex designs. 

Run through the full tutorial. There are several nuances to using a sublimation printing machine, so it’s best to read the full instructions to understand how it works. 

Get the right materials. This cannot be stressed enough. Finding the right sublimation supplies and using actual sublimation mugs will give you a much better and longer-lasting finish. 

Time and temperature are key. That is, when using the heat press. The standard when sublimating mugs is a temperature around 400 degrees for 3-5 minutes, but follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for best results. 

Where Can I Find the Best Sublimation Printer? 

AGC Education carries the Sublimation Station, an all-in-one printing machine that transfers bold and colorful designs to practically any item. 

It includes full design software, sample products, and complete implementation training to get started. For peace of mind, you also have access to AGC Education’s support team. 

Where Can I Get Sublimation Mugs & Supplies? 

AGC Education has a complete catalog of sublimation supplies, including a range of sublimation mugs and cups in different styles, finishes, and colors. The store also has everything you need to get started: sublimation paper, tape, ink, and everything else you can think of. 

Transform Your Classroom Decor: DIY Projects with a 3D Heat Press

Larry Girty on March 5, 2024

Have you ever imagined transforming everyday objects into personalized works of art? With a 3D sublimation machine, the possibilities for creative expression in your classroom decor projects are endless!

These innovative machines apply heat and pressure to transfer designs onto various objects, allowing educators and students to explore the magic of custom decoration. Keep reading to discover the uses of the 3d sublimation machine and how it can bring your DIY projects to the next level.

What is a 3D Sublimation Machine?

A 3D sublimation machine is a specialized heat press that uses sublimation technology to transfer designs onto objects with curved or irregular surfaces. Unlike traditional flat heat presses, which are limited to printing flat items such as t-shirts and mousepads, a 3D sublimation machine can handle three-dimensional objects like phone cases, ornaments, and awards.

The sublimation process uses heat to turn a solid dye into a gas, permeating the material and creating vibrant, long-lasting prints. This technology has been used for years in the textile industry but is now becoming increasingly popular among DIY enthusiasts. 

Sublimation provides ample space for unleashing creativity and crafting one-of-a-kind designs with vibrant full-color printing. Compared to other printing methods, such as screen printing or direct-to-garment printing, sublimation offers higher durability and versatility in design options.

Getting Started with Your 3D Sublimation Machine

Gather basic materials and tools before diving into your first project with your 3D sublimation machine to ensure a smooth start. You’ll need sublimation paper, ink, and objects with a special poly coating, such as phone cases or mugs, to transfer your designs onto. Ensure you have a reliable printer compatible with sublimation ink to print your designs accurately.

Safety should always be a priority when working with heat press machines. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes from the sublimation ink. Wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from burns when handling hot objects and surfaces.

When setting up your sublimation printer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure proper operation and safety precautions. Familiarize yourself with the controls and settings of the machine before starting your first project to avoid any mishaps.

With suitable materials, safety measures, and creativity, you’ll be ready to embark on exciting DIY projects and transform ordinary objects into personalized masterpieces with your 3D sublimation machine. If you’re new to this technology, start with smaller objects like phone cases and gradually work to larger or more complex items.

Step-by-Step DIY Projects

Embarking on your first DIY project with a 3D sublimation heat press may seem daunting, but with step-by-step guidance, you’ll be crafting like a pro in no time. Below, we’ve outlined some simple yet exciting projects to get you started and inspire your creativity.

Customized Pencil Holders

A fun and functional DIY project is creating customized pencil holders. This is an excellent opportunity for students to express their individuality while contributing to a more organized classroom environment.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. These can be made from ceramic or specially coated plastic materials suitable for sublimation. Make sure that the pencil holders are prepped and ready for sublimation.
  1. Have students use graphic design software to create artwork or patterns. This can be integrated with color theory and graphic design lessons or even incorporate educational themes such as historical figures or scientific concepts.
  1. Print the student’s designs onto the sublimation paper using a sublimation printer. Ensure the design is mirrored so it transfers correctly onto the pencil holder.
  1. After trimming any excess paper, wrap the design around it and use heat-resistant tape to keep it in place. Then, using the 3D sublimation heat press, transfer the design onto the pencil holders following the machine’s time and temperature settings instructions.
  1. Allow the pencil holders to cool down after the sublimation process. Once safe to handle, remove the paper to reveal each holder’s vibrant, personalized designs.

Personalized Water Bottles

Water bottles are essential for students to stay hydrated throughout the day, and personalizing them adds a fun, creative touch that can also reduce the use of disposable bottles. If you’re looking for a practical and eco-friendly project, this is for you!

Here’s how to create personalized water bottles using a 3D sublimation heat press:

  1. Choose aluminum or stainless-steel water bottles that are specially coated for sublimation. Ensure they are clean and dry before beginning.
  1. Students can create personalized designs, maybe incorporating their name, favorite colors, or a subject they love, like space or botany.
  1. Transfer these custom designs onto sublimation paper with a sublimation printer, taking care to mirror the image for accurate application.
  1. Adhere the paper onto the water bottle using heat-resistant tape and process it through the 3D sublimation machine, following the recommended time and temperature settings.
  1. Once the sublimation is complete, let the bottles cool. Students can then enjoy using their uniquely designed water bottles, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their creations.

Educational Door Signs

Creating door signs allows students to decorate the classroom while learning about design, typography, and sign-making. You can also extend this project to create signs for other parts of the school, such as the library or cafeteria.

Follow these steps to create door signs using a 3D sublimation machine:

  1. Begin with door sign blanks from sublimation-friendly materials like hardboard or reinforced plastic.
  1. Invite your students to design signs with classroom rules, welcome messages, or labels for different classroom areas.
  1. Print the designs onto sublimation paper using a mirror image setting to ensure the text and images will be directed correctly.
  1. Place the paper onto the sign blank, secure it with heat-resistant tape, and use your 3D sublimation machine to transfer the design onto the signs, adhering to the specified time and temperature.
  1. After the signs have cooled, they can be displayed on the door, providing a personalized touch to the classroom that showcases the students’ work and creativity.

Make sure to refer to your printer manual and the packaging of the paper for assistance in determining the correct side to print on and how to load it. These simple yet creative projects are just a few examples of the endless possibilities with a 3D sublimation machine.

Unleash Your Creativity and Personalize Anything

The creative possibilities offered by 3D sublimation technology truly are boundless. From pencil holders to educational door signs, the uses of the 3D sublimation machine are limited only by your imagination. In addition, you can use pre-designed templates or create your designs from scratch, giving you complete control over the final product.

As you explore the potential of your 3D sublimation machine, remember that the quality of your creations depends on the tools you use. Explore our products, including the sublimation printer, heat press machine, and high-quality sublimation paper. We’ve got everything you need to bring your creative ideas to life!

7 of the Best Valentine’s Day Sublimation Designs for Your Classroom

Larry Girty on February 7, 2024

Valentine’s Day is a festivity that rolls around every February to celebrate love, friendship, and admiration. It’s the perfect time of year to spread love and gratitude to your friends, family, and students, even helping your students do the same!

Whether you want to help your students create Valentine’s Day gifts for their loved ones or pass a token of gratitude to your students, sublimation can be the perfect way to do it. The options are endless – from adorable mugs featuring cliche yet cute sayings to colorful greeting cards that share the love. 

7 Design Ideas to Share the Love

If you’re ready to spread love, friendship, and admiration in your classroom by creating beautiful items, there’s no shortage of design ideas. But coming up with those ideas can be challenging, so we’re here to help. Here are seven of our favorite Valentine’s sublimation design ideas to wow your students, friends, and family when the holiday arrives:

  1. Love-Themed Mugs With Cute Sayings

It’s hard to go wrong with a cozy, love-themed mug. Pick your favorite cliche saying, such as “Love you a latte,” and paste it on a pastel pink mug. Or, add heart-shaped light strings wrapped around the mug, a simple design that communicates love without being too over-the-top. 

  1. Customized School Bags 

Customized school bags are the perfect canvas for a Valentine’s Day design. Add adorable line-art hearts and swirls, adding splashes of vibrant pinks and reds across the bag. You could even add a thick brushstroke of red or pink as a backdrop, adding a heart lined in gold atop it. 

  1. Printed T-Shirts

T-shirts are a go-to pick for customizable designs for all holidays, including Valentine’s Day. They’re simple and practical and can be adorned with all sorts of designs. Paste an adorable teddy bear clutching a heart with a personalized message or a fuzzy baby animal clutching a rose. The options are nearly endless – go with something personalized to communicate feelings or something simple to keep creating items for your students’ loved ones easily. 

  1. Printed Tumblers

Add a splash of color to a plain tumbler, incorporating a wash of pink or red. Spice things up with a gradient hue fading from red to pink, or add sprinkles of gold and gold lettering with a personalized message. 

  1. Colorful Greeting Cards

If your students are exchanging Valentine’s Day gifts, colorful greeting cards can be your contribution to the mix. Create customized greeting cards on business cards, or print multiple designs on a single sheet of paper and cut them into smaller cards. Pick a design that reflects your preferences, from adorable Valentine’s Day-themed sayings to vibrant hearts. 

  1. Fun Puzzles

Puzzles are an entertaining activity to fill the day, whether your students need something to do during a snowy or rainy recess or something to use in your classroom’s reward system. Around Valentine’s Day, swap out your puzzles for fun-themed puzzles with love-centric designs, such as a cute saying or design. Animals holding vibrant-hued hearts are a great option if you’re looking for a more complex design to stimulate your students’ minds. 

  1. Printed Keychains and Lanyards

Many folks tote their keys around with them every day, driving to and from work, running errands, and going to appointments. Since they often have their keys on them, creating a love-filled keychain or lanyard is a perfect way to communicate your love and gratitude. It could be as simple as a red heart on a gold or white background with the person’s name on the other side. 

Create a Valentine’s Day-Themed Classroom With AGC Education

Valentine’s Day is a beautiful occasion to spread love, joy, and gratitude to those around us, including our students. With the help of Valentine’s Day sublimation designs, you can create beautiful and personalized gifts that your students will cherish forever. Whether you go for love-themed mugs, customized school bags, printed t-shirts, or fun puzzles, the options are endless. Let your creativity flow and create a Valentine’s Day-themed classroom that will bring a smile to your students’ faces. 

With AGC Education, you can get access to all the tools and resources you need to make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one for you and your students. We have everything you’ll need to get started with your themed projects, from the sublimation printer to transfer your designs to the supplies, including lanyards, t-shirts, and tumblers, that act as your canvas. 

5 Glass Sublimation Tumbler Ideas for Christmas

Larry Girty on December 21, 2023

Glass sublimation tumblers can be a unique and thoughtful gift idea for Christmas. With so many customizable designs available, you can create a personalized tumbler for each of your loved ones. From festive holiday designs to personalized name prints and themed designs, there are endless possibilities. 

These tumblers are not only a great way to show your loved ones that you care, but they are also a practical gift that they can use all year round. So why not spread some holiday cheer this season with a customized glass sublimation tumbler?

Create a completely custom design in your favorite digital art software or purchase a ready-made design from an online craft store. Once you pick your designs, start crafting! Here are a few glass sublimation tumbler ideas to get the creative juices flowing!

1. Festive Snowman

Create a cute snowman design with a carrot nose, black hat, and red scarf on a white tumbler for a festive holiday look. Or, start with a clear glass tumbler. Start with an unfilled red, green, silver, or gold circle and position the festive snowman in the middle. 

You could even add a splash of holiday cheer by creating a festive wreath teeming with ornaments, including a little snowman. Or, use your wreath to draw the eye to an adorable snowman nestled in the middle, almost like a window peeking into a winter wonderland.  

2. Merry & Bright

Add the phrase “Merry & Bright” in a fun font and surround it with colorful holiday lights or ornaments for a cheerful design. Or, add an old-fashioned or cartoon-style Santa to spice up the mix, letting his cheery, smiling face add warmth to the design. 

Add a splash of contrast with gold or silver metallic flecks or snowflakes meandering down the glass. 

3. Winter Wonderland

If you enjoy the holidays but want to steer clear of a Christmas-themed glass, consider our winter wonderland glass tumbler idea. 

Create a beautiful winter scene with snowflakes, trees, and a cozy cabin on a light blue or white tumbler for a serene winter wonderland look. Or situate a dimly lit cabin, illuminated only by Edison lights strung across the front porch, in the middle of a deep blue circle to create a focal point. 

You could even skip the cabin idea altogether and focus on the beauty of the snowy mountains, highlighting the craggy peaks in the background with snowy trees flanking the foreground. Situate an icy lake in the middle, and let a few snowflakes fall softly. 

4. Naughty or Nice

Add the phrase “Naughty or Nice” in a playful font and surround it with cute holiday icons like candy canes or mistletoe. Spice up the design with gold elements, like outlined letters or icons. Add a splash of contrast by starting with a solid white or red tumbler and incorporating a white ornament to help your designs pop.

5. Ho Ho Ho

Create a fun and festive design with the classic “Ho Ho Ho” phrase in bold red and green colors, surrounded by holiday designs like presents or snowflakes. If you prefer to stick with a white and blue theme, set the saying across a brushstroke of wintery blue and outline the white letters in a silvery finish. 

6. Name Prints

Adding names to the tumblers is a great way to keep track of which one belongs to each person. Tinker with different fonts and colors to find a beautiful combination that matches your and your loved ones’ aesthetics. Whether you prefer a metallic sheen of silver-lined text or bright pops of blue, red, or green, name prints are versatile enough to match anyone’s preferences. 

7. Themed Designs

If you’re gifting glass tumblers to your family and friends, you don’t necessarily have to stick with a Christmas theme. While the Christmas theme can be a great way to inspire holiday spirit, you can branch out and incorporate other fun themes. 

For example, suppose your friend loves baseball. Create a fun design with baseball bats, baseballs, and mitts. Add splashes of their favorite colors to spice things up, or tie in the logos of your friend’s favorite baseball team.  

Or, if your mom enjoys gardening, add an adorable cartoon succulent nestled in a brightly colored pot. Add a brushstroke of blue across the backdrop to add a splash of color. Or, you could even incorporate a Christmas theme alongside the gardening focus by adding Christmas lights to a little potted tree. It’s up to you!

Create Holiday Magic With AGC Education

If you’re ready to spread a festive splash of holiday cheer, sublimation glass tumblers can be the perfect way to do it! At ACG Education, we have everything you’ll need to get started, from the sublimation printer to the adorable glass tumblers, complete with no-leak bamboo lids and plastic straws. The tumblers feature frosted gradients in various colors, including festive hues like red, green, and blue. 

Whether you’re ready to start from scratch on a blank tumbler or add holiday magic to a frosted gradient tumbler with sublimation, we can help! Learn more about our sublimation printers today!

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