If you’re diving into the world of sublimation printing, one of the first terms you’ll come across is “sublimation blanks.” But what exactly are they—and why are they so important?

What are sublimation blanks and why they matter

Sublimation blanks are the foundation of every successful sublimation project. These specially coated items are designed to bond with sublimation ink, allowing you to transfer vibrant, full-color designs that won’t peel, crack, or fade. Whether you’re customizing mugs, shirts, tumblers, or ornaments, choosing the right blank makes all the difference in print quality and durability.

In this guide, you’ll learn what sublimation blanks are, how they work, what materials are compatible, and how to choose the best blanks for your projects. Whether you’re a hobbyist creating gifts at home or a business owner growing a custom product line, understanding sublimation blanks is essential for getting professional, lasting results.

Let’s take a closer look at the tools, techniques, and blank types that bring your sublimation prints to life.

What Is sublimation and how does it work?

Sublimation is a printing technique that uses heat and pressure to transform solid dye into gas—without going through a liquid phase. This vaporized dye then bonds at a molecular level with certain materials, producing vibrant, permanent, and full-color designs that feel like part of the object itself.

The process starts with a digital design, which is printed onto sublimation paper using sublimation ink. When this printed sheet is applied to a compatible surface and exposed to high heat (typically 350°F–400°F) using a heat press, the ink turns into a gas. That gas then penetrates the coating or fibers of the blank and solidifies as it cools, becoming part of the material.

Unlike traditional methods like screen printing or vinyl, sublimation doesn’t sit on top of the surface—it becomes part of it. That means no cracking, peeling, or fading, even after many washes or years of use.

💡 Quick Analogy: Think of sublimation like a tattoo—not a sticker. Instead of laying ink on top, you're embedding color beneath the surface.

To achieve this, however, you need the right tools—including a sublimation printer, sublimation paper, heat press, sublimation ink, and most importantly: sublimation blanks.

Understanding sublimation for beginners

Sublimation might sound complex at first, but once you understand the basic tools and process, it’s one of the most beginner-friendly ways to create high-quality custom products.

At its core, sublimation involves just a few essential steps:

1. Create a design using your favorite design software (like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop).
2. Print it using sublimation ink on sublimation paper.
3. Transfer the design onto a sublimation-compatible blank using a heat press.

What makes sublimation so appealing to beginners is its versatility. You can apply the same process to hundreds of different products, from mugs and tumblers to mousepads, shirts, ornaments, and more.

Beginner’s sublimation checklist:

• Sublimation printer (e.g., Sawgrass or converted Epson EcoTank)
• Sublimation ink
• Sublimation paper
• Heat press (flat, mug, or tumbler press)
• Sublimation blanks
• Heat-resistant tape, gloves, and butcher paper

Once you’ve got the setup, your only limit is your creativity. And because the learning curve is short, many crafters and small businesses find sublimation to be a fun, fast, and profitable way to personalize products.

Properties of sublimation blanks

To produce high-quality, durable sublimation prints, your blanks must have specific properties that allow the ink to bond properly. These properties ensure that your designs come out vivid, detailed, and permanent—without fading, cracking, or peeling.

1. Polyester-Based or polymer-coated

The most important requirement is that the blank is made from polyester (for fabric) or is coated with a polymer layer (for hard surfaces). This coating—often referred to as Pearl Coating™—is what allows the sublimation ink to infuse into the material.

2. Smooth, even surface

A smooth and flawless surface ensures the ink is absorbed evenly. Bumps, scratches, or texture irregularities can cause blurred or incomplete transfers. Always inspect your blanks for imperfections before pressing.

3. Heat-resistant construction

Because sublimation requires temperatures between 350°F and 400°F, blanks must withstand high heat without warping, melting, or becoming damaged. That’s why materials like certain plastics, untreated wood, or low-quality ceramics are unsuitable unless specifically coated.

💡 How to know if It’s sublimation-ready?

Look for the label “sublimation blank” or check with your supplier. Some blanks may also have a slightly glossy or matte finish indicating a special coating.

Which surfaces work for sublimation?

One of the best things about sublimation is how many different surfaces it works on, as long as they’re coated properly or made of the right material.

For fabric:

Sublimation works beautifully on polyester fabrics. The higher the polyester content (ideally 85% or more), the more vibrant your final print will be. Sublimation doesn’t work on cotton unless you're using a polyester coating spray or a sublimation-compatible transfer film.

Great options:

• T-shirts
• Hoodies
• Flags
• Tote bags
• Pillowcases

For hard surfaces:

Sublimation works on hard surfaces that are coated with a polymer layer. These blanks are specifically designed for sublimation and often labeled as “sublimation-ready.”

Common hard surface blanks:

• Ceramic mugs
• Metal photo panels
• Sublimation glass
• Slate plaques
• Aluminum signs
• MDF boards
• Keychains and ornaments

Even some wood, plastic, and leather blanks are available for sublimation, as long as they’ve been specially treated. When in doubt, always confirm that the item is labeled for sublimation use.

With the right surface, your designs will bond beautifully and last for years.

Types of sublimation blanks

Sublimation blanks come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials—giving creators the freedom to customize almost anything. Whether you're designing for gifts, retail, or business branding, there’s a sublimation blank for every need.

1. Sublimation shirts

Sublimation shirts are made from 100% polyester or poly-blend fabrics with a high polyester percentage. They’re ideal for full-color, all-over designs that stay vibrant after repeated washes.

✅ Use for: Team uniforms, fashion tees, custom apparel shops

2. Fabric blanks

Beyond T-shirts, you can sublimate a wide range of polyester-based textiles:

• Tote bags
• Aprons
• Table runners
• Blankets
• Flags or banners
• Face masks

✅ Great for: Events, seasonal décor, home goods

3. Mugs & drinkware

Sublimation mugs are ceramic and feature a Pearl Coating™ to absorb the ink. Tumblers, water bottles, and even shot glasses are also available in sublimation-ready versions.

✅ Use for: Personalized gifts, promotional items, small business merch

4. 🔑 Hard surface blanks

• Phone cases
• Mousepads
• Keychains
• Coasters
• Ornaments
• License plates
• Photo panels
• Puzzles

✅ These are perfect for creative gifting, branding, and unique product lines.

Sublimation blanks are a huge part of what makes sublimation printing so versatile. Whether you're printing on textiles, ceramics, or coated metal, the variety of available blanks means you can keep your product line fresh, seasonal, and in-demand all year long.

Color considerations for sublimation blanks

Color plays a major role in how your final sublimation design will look—and not all blanks are created equal when it comes to color performance.

Why light colors work best

Sublimation ink is transparent, not opaque. This means the base color of your blank will influence the appearance of your design. For that reason, white or light-colored blanks are ideal—they let your design shine with full vibrancy and clarity.

For example:

• A red design on a white shirt appears bright and accurate.
• That same design on a gray or black shirt may look dull or not appear at all.

Can you sublimate on dark surfaces?

Not directly. Sublimation doesn't show well on dark surfaces unless you're using special workaround methods like white toner printing or UV DTF—but those aren’t traditional sublimation.

✅ Best practice:

Stick to white or pastel-colored blanks when you want true-to-design results. You’ll get the most vibrant, photo-quality prints that really stand out.

What can you print with sublimation?

The beauty of sublimation is its sheer versatility. Once you understand the process and have the right blanks, you can create a wide range of personalized, high-quality products that stand out—and sell.

🛍️ Everyday custom products

• T-shirts, hoodies, socks, and baby onesies
• Coffee mugs, travel tumblers, and water bottles
• Tote bags, makeup pouches, and aprons
• Home decor: pillowcases, blankets, wall panels

🎁 Personalized gifts

• Photo keychains
• Puzzle prints
• Holiday ornaments
• Pet tags and accessories
• Memorial slates or glass panels

🧩 Creative commercial products

• Promotional items for events or trade shows
• Custom corporate merch (mousepads, mugs, notebooks)
• School spirit gear (banners, flags, fanwear)
• Custom wedding favors and signage

The only real limit is your imagination—and what you can press! As long as the item is sublimation-ready, you can transform it into a functional, full-color canvas for your creativity or your business.

Where to buy sublimation ink

Sublimation ink plays a critical role in the quality, color, and durability of your final prints, so choosing the right ink is just as important as selecting the right blank.

Choose Ink That Matches Your Printer

Sublimation inks are formulated for specific printer types, such as:

• Epson (EcoTank or WorkForce converted for sublimation)
• Sawgrass printers (SG500, SG1000, etc.)
• Roland printers (for larger format production)

Always make sure your ink is compatible with your printer model and print head technology to avoid clogging, poor transfers, or color mismatches.

🌈 Why high-quality ink matters

Cheap or unbranded ink can lead to:

• Faded or washed-out colors
• Poor bonding during pressing
• Clogged nozzles and printer damage over time

High-quality inks, like those available from Joto Imaging Supplies, are designed for professional results, vibrant color payoff, and long-term durability.

Need help choosing? Visit the Joto sublimation inks category to explore trusted options and get expert advice tailored to your setup.

Quick review guide of sublimation blanks

Choosing the right sublimation blank can make or break your project. Here’s a quick checklist to help you evaluate blanks before pressing:

✅ Sublimation blank selection checklist:

• Is it labeled sublimation-ready?
  

Only use blanks with a polymer coating or made of high-polyester fabric.

• What is the base color?
  

Light or white colors produce the most vibrant results.

• Is the surface smooth and even?
  

Check for dents, texture, or gloss inconsistencies that could affect the transfer.

• Can it withstand heat?
  

The blank must tolerate 350–400°F without warping or discoloring.

• Is it appropriate for your press?
  

Make sure your press (flat, mug, tumbler) can accommodate the item’s size and shape.

• What’s the end-use?
  

Consider durability, washing, and handling if the item will be used often (e.g., apparel, drinkware).

This guide ensures you're picking blanks that are not only compatible, but also optimized, for high-quality, professional sublimation results.

Final verdict: choosing the right sublimation blanks for your project

Sublimation blanks are the heart of every custom project—whether you're pressing your first shirt or building an entire product line. Choosing the right blank ensures that your design transfers cleanly, your colors pop, and your finished product lasts.

Start by selecting blanks made for sublimation, those with Pearl Coating™ or high-polyester content. Make sure they’re light-colored, smooth, and compatible with your heat press setup. From shirts and mugs to aluminum signs and pet tags, there’s no shortage of options to match your creative goals.

Whether you're making gifts for family, launching an Etsy store, or growing a custom merch brand, sublimation blanks give you the freedom to create products that are as durable as they are beautiful.

✨ Need help getting started? Joto Imaging Supplies carries a wide selection of sublimation-ready blanks, along with expert advice to help you press with confidence.

Now that you know what to look for, go ahead and press your creativity onto something amazing.