How Do You Sublimate on Mugs and Drinkware? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Sublimating mugs and drinkware is one of the most reliable ways to create high-quality, custom products for gifts, events, promotions, and resale. When you use the right settings and sublimation-ready blanks, you can achieve vibrant color, sharp detail, and long-lasting results that won’t peel or crack.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to sublimate on mugs and common drinkware types, what supplies you need, how to avoid mistakes like ghosting and fading, and how to get consistent professional results.

Looking for supplies? Browse sublimation drinkware blanks and white sublimation mugs to get started.

What You’ll Need to Sublimate Mugs and Drinkware

Sublimation printer with dye-sublimation inks
Sublimation paper
Heat-resistant tape
Lint roller (recommended)
Protective paper (butcher paper or clean copy paper)
Heat gloves (recommended)
Mug press or convection oven + shrink wrap sleeves (depending on drinkware)
Sublimation-ready mug or drinkware blank (polymer-coated or designed for sublimation)

Sublimation mug pressing setup with mug press, sublimation paper, heat tape, and a blank white mug laid out for printing — Suggested image: a flat lay of the tools used for mug sublimation.

Step-by-Step: How to Sublimate a Mug Using a Mug Press

Step 1: Choose the Right Mug Blank

Use a sublimation-ready mug made for dye sublimation. These mugs have a polymer coating designed to accept sublimation ink. For most shops, classic 11oz and 15oz white sublimation mugs are the go-to because they provide consistent results and strong customer demand.

Recommended category: White Sublimation Mugs

Step 2: Prepare Your Artwork

Set your design to the correct size for the mug wrap area. Mirror the image before printing so it transfers correctly. If your design has a full bleed background, extend the background slightly to reduce white edges.

Mug sublimation design template showing correct wrap sizing and mirrored artwork before printing — Suggested image: screenshot of a mug wrap template with mirrored artwork.

Step 3: Print the Transfer

Print your design on sublimation paper using your sublimation printer settings. For best color accuracy, use the proper print settings and profiles recommended for your ink/printer setup.

Step 4: Clean and Prep the Mug Surface

Before taping the transfer on, remove dust and debris. A lint roller is helpful for preventing tiny specks that can create blue dots or imperfections in the final press. Make sure the mug is clean and dry.

Step 5: Tape the Transfer Securely

Wrap the printed transfer tightly around the mug with the design facing the coating. Tape it with heat-resistant tape so it cannot shift. A tight wrap reduces the risk of ghosting.

Hands using heat-resistant tape to secure a sublimation print tightly around a mug to prevent ghosting — Suggested image: taping the transfer snugly around the mug.

Step 6: Press the Mug

Preheat your mug press and use the time and temperature settings recommended for your specific mug blank and press model. Always confirm with supplier guidance and run a test press when using a new product.

Step 7: Remove, Cool, and Inspect

After pressing, carefully remove the mug using heat gloves. Peel the paper and allow the mug to cool. Inspect for consistent color, sharp lines, and full transfer coverage.

Finished sublimated mug with vibrant full-color design after pressing and removing the transfer paper — Suggested image: finished mug close-up showing crisp color and detail.

How to Sublimate Tumblers and Other Drinkware

Many tumblers and specialty drinkware items require different equipment than a standard mug press—often a convection oven with shrink sleeves or specialty wraps depending on shape and size.

Explore options: Sublimation Drinkables