Sublimation Blanks: What Works and What Doesn't (2024)

By: Angie Holden|June 5, 2023| 17 Comments

This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Any supplies used may be given to me free of charge, however, all projects and opinions are my own.

I get a ton of questions on sublimation blanks so I thought I would clear it up in a big post all about what works and what doesn’t. All of my information below applies to Infusible Ink sheets, Infusible Ink markers, sublimation markers, sublimation stamp pads, and sublimation printers. What works and what doesn’t work? Let’s dive in and find out before you add any more sublimation surfaces to your cart!

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Table of Contents

What are sublimation blanks?

Sublimation blanks are the substrates or materials that will work with a process called sublimation. You can read more about sublimation here but it is basically a chemical reaction between the ink and a polyester surface that causes the link to be infused in or trapped into the surface. This makes for a really durable and permanent project that is hard to beat!

Which sublimation surfaces will work?

So, now that you know a little bit more about sublimation. Let’s take a look at what surfaces will work and which will not. After all, it is super frustrating to get done with a project and have a failure! You can actually watch the video below where I walk through all of my favorite sublimation blanks and where to look for them. No need to hunt through product catalogs when I can do the legwork for you!

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Can’t watch the video or missed some of the information? I also have links for you below for each blank and store mentioned! And yes I even have coupons for you in some cases! If you are just getting started with sublimation printing, this is the post for you!

Sublimation Shirts

Shirts that you use for sublimation should be at least 65% polyester to work correctly. Be sure to check your tag. If you use dye sublimation ink on a cotton shirt, it is just going to wash out and you are going to be super unhappy with the results. You can actually watch me test a variety of t-shirts here.

Where do you get these shirts? Which manufacturer of sublimation apparel is best? While ANY shirt that is 65% polyester will work, you do want shirts that are a light color. Sublimation is translucent which means that any color in your substrate will show through after your design is pressed. I like to look for shirts in the following places:

Cricut Infusible Ink Blanks – Use code CCCDEAL to get 10% off and free shipping on orders over $50.
Artesprix – Use code CCC10 for 10% off.
Heat Transfer Warehouse – they have a bunch so here are a few of my favorites: Gildan Polyester, Sport-Tek, and others I have listed in this post. NOTE: These Gildan ones are amazing especially if you don’t love the feel of a traditional polyester shirt.
Amazon (I have added my favorites to my store here.)
Conde- they carry Vapor shirts which are another high-quality option.
Look for shirts at other stores as well! As long as the tag says they have at least 65% polyester content, they are fair game. You can also see my big shirt comparison post here!

Sublimation Fabric Blanks

You can also use other fabric blanks like wine bags, totes, and so much more. I have found totes that are 100% polyester at IKEA so you can literally look just about anywhere! Here are a few of my favorite places to shop for blanks:

Cricut Infusible Ink Blanks – Use code CCCDEAL to get 10% off and free shipping on orders over $50.
Artesprix – Use code CCC10 for 10% off.
Heat Transfer Warehouse – A huge selection of blanks perfect for your crafts here.
Amazon (I have added my favorites to my store here.)
Conde – just about anything you can imagine!
Coastal Business Supplies – another source with a huge selection.
Johnson Plastics Plus – Use code 9PAH19 to get 15% off!
Heat Press Nation – Another in my list of the best places to find blanks!
Dollar Tree – yes you read that right! See how to find blanks at the Dollar Tree here!

That is a big list! So what are the best blanks when it comes to fabric surfaces? Here are a few of my favorites:

Zipper bag
Pet bandana
Pot Holder
Neoprene Laptop Sleeve
Oven Mitt
Neoprene Koozie
Bottle Koozie
Pet Tank Top
Fleece Ear Warmer
Baby Bib
Lunch Bag
Blanket with Grid
Neck Tie
Sequin Drawstring Bag
Burp Cloth
Zipper pouch
Mouse pads
Patches

Sublimation Mugs

With the release of the Cricut Mug Press, interest in sublimating coffee mugs has increased. Here are a few of my favorite mug blanks and they all work in the mug press:

Sublimation Tumblers and Bottles

I have made some tumblers and bottles with sublimation as well. I have used my mug press to do some here as well as an oven to do others. My favorite blanks are as follows:

Other Sublimation Blanks

Now, let’s talk about things that are NOT fabric. Yes, you can sublimate only ceramic, metal, plastic, and more. Again, you will need to make sure it has a special coating in order to be permanent. That means you can’t pick up tiles from Home Depot or mugs from Dollar Tree. These will NOT work. You need to look for special supplies that are marked for sublimation. My favorite sources when I am looking for a sublimation product include:

Cricut Infusible Ink Blanks – Use code CCCDEAL to get 10% off and free shipping on orders over $50.
Artesprix – Use code CCC10 for 10% off.
Heat Transfer Warehouse – A huge selection of blanks perfect for your crafts here.
Amazon (I have added my favorites to my store here.)
Conde – just about anything you can imagine!
Coastal Business Supplies – another source with a huge selection.
Johnson Plastics Plus – Use code 9PAH19 to get 15% off!
Heat Press Nation – Another in my list of the best suppliers to find blanks!

Here are a few items that are my personal favorites:

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Color of Sublimation Blanks

Sublimation ink is fairly see-through when you add it to your blank. That means the color of the blank will change the color of your final project. So, if you use a grey shirt or a blue can koozie, you can expect that to change the color of your final project, especially when using lighter-colored sublimation ink. You just need to be aware of this when choosing the sublimation surfaces you want to use for your project.

Where to Buy Sublimation Ink

Now you may be ready to buy your own sublimation ink and start creating! What can you use these blanks with? Try the links below!

Cricut Infubisle Ink sheets
Cricut Infusible Ink markers
Artesprix markers
Artesprix stamp pad
Sublimation paint from Artesprix
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink (this is what I use in my Epson converted printer)
Heat Transfer Warehouse sublimation ink (Remember that this needs a special printer.)

Now, are you ready to give sublimation blanks a try? Use our guide to pick the right surfaces to make your crafts a success. Sublimation is a fun craft to try but you want to make sure to use the right supplies so you get the optimal results!

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Stay tuned for more on sublimation over the next few months. I hope this helps demystify the surfaces a bit so you can start making your own projects. I know you will love this craft once you get started with sublimation blanks. I have probably listed the best sellers, however, you can find sublimation blanks in so many different shapes and sizes!

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Love this and want more ideas? Try the links below as well!

Sublimation Stamped Ink Coaster with Words

Add sublimation ink to a coaster with a stamp pad and this method.

How to Do Sublimation on Mugs in an Oven

Use a small oven to add sublimated ink to mugs and tumblers with our technique and tips.

Grocery List Board with a Free Kitchen SVG

Make a dry erase grocery list board with sublimation markers and this organization SVG file.

DIY Mouse Pad with Cricut Infusible Ink

This tutorial teaches you everything you need to make your DIY Mouse Pad! Made without cork and ready in just a few simple steps with Cricut Infusible Ink, you can transfer any design you'd like! This tutorial is super easy and requires just a handful of crafty materials that are usually super easy to find.

How to Make an Infusible Ink Blanket

Use the new Cricut Infusible Ink on a polyester blanket for a personalized gift idea.

About Angie Holden

For over a decade, I have been sharing Cricut tutorials and craft ideas here as well as on my YouTube channel. My passions include teaching others to be creative and learning as many new things as possible.