Everyone starts their printing journey with a t-shirt and I too was in the same pool. I knew that for sublimation printing, I had to go ahead with t-shirts that are made with at least 70% polyester. So, I went to Walmart and picked up some Gildan t-shirts.
They served me well for the months to come, but then I realized, that if I have to scale up my home business, then I need to venture into other blanks available in the market.
I tested some 15 blanks at that time. Few of them showed great results but few were like Naahhhh.
After years of experience, I have now fixed on some staples. Let me help you with the top 10 sublimation blanks that you can start with.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your collection, these sublimation blanks are perfect for honing your skills. Let us dive in!
Top 10 Sublimation Blanks to Try Out
Here are my top 10 favorite sublimation blanks:
Polyester T-Shirts
A staple in any sublimation starter kit, polyester t-shirts provide a smooth, even surface for vibrant, long-lasting prints. Look for shirts with a high polyester content (ideally 100%) for best results. It is now possible to print on dark t-shirts and cotton t-shirts as well with some hack, so do check out the best way to do that.
Ceramic Mugs
Sublimation mugs are a popular choice for beginners and experienced printers alike. My expert tip for you is to use mugs with a special polymer coating designed for sublimation to ensure your designs adhere properly and maintain their quality wash after wash. They are one of the most cost-effective blanks and gives a higher gifting value. You can follow the same process to do Sublimation on Tumblers and Glass.
Tote Bags
These are perfect for crafting personalized gifts or promotional items. Sublimation-friendly tote bags give you a large, flat surface for showcasing your designs. Choose bags with reinforced handles for added durability.
Aluminum/Metal Plates
Do you want to create custom license plates or door signs or anime metal plates? You can easily do that with sublimation-ready aluminum blanks. These lightweight, durable blanks are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Hardboard Coasters
You can protect your furniture in style with custom sublimated coasters. Hardboard coasters provide a smooth, rigid surface for detailed, vibrant designs that won’t fade or peel over time.
Pillowcases
Add a personal touch to your home decor with sublimation pillowcases. These soft, machine-washable blanks allow you to create unique, eye-catching designs for any room in your house. My home is filled with my own designs that always catch the eyes of my guests.
Phone Cases
Sublimation phone cases are a great way to create custom accessories for yourself or as gifts. Look for cases with a special polymer coating that’s compatible with sublimation inks for a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Ceramic Tiles
You can transform your dull, plain ceramic tiles into stunning works of art with sublimation printing. These versatile blanks can be used for coasters, wall decor, or even as unique tabletop inserts.
Kitchen Aprons
Create custom aprons for cooking, crafting, or promotional events with sublimation-friendly polyester blanks. These durable, washable aprons provide ample space for your designs and come in various styles and sizes.
Mouse Pads
Upgrade your workspace with a personalized mouse pad and make it more fun! Sublimation-compatible neoprene mouse pads offer a soft, flexible surface for comfortable use and vibrant, detailed prints.
Bonus Blank
I tried doing sublimation on wood and it turned out beautifully. It gives a nice vintage touch and you can add that on your wall or gift to a loved one. Do check out the process to perform this type of printing.
Final Thoughts
These versatile items make an excellent starting point if you’re diving into sublimation for the first time. Just a friendly reminder: go for top-notch blanks crafted for sublimation, and don’t forget to hone your technique for those fantastic results!
