Why Is My Sublimation Print Dull? 10 Fixes You Actually Need

Let’s Be Honest—Dull Sublimation Sucks

You buy a printer. You stock up on blanks. You follow the YouTube rabbit hole. Then you press your first sublimation design… and it looks like you printed it on a toaster.

We get it—because we’ve all been there. The good news? It’s not your fault. And no, you don’t need a $3,000 printer or a “secret hack.” You just need the right process (and decent blanks, which is why we exist).

Here’s the 10 reasons your sublimation prints look faded—and how to fix them once and for all.

1. Prints Always Look Dull on Paper

Don’t freak out when your design comes off the printer looking pale. Sublimation ink is only fully activated with heat and pressure. The magic happens in the press.

2. Crappy Blanks = Crappy Results

Sublimation only works on polyester or sublimation-coated blanks. Cotton shirts, cheap mugs, or dollar-store tumblers? Forget it. The color won’t stick.

👉 That’s why at Pressing Images, we only stock blanks that actually take ink properly.

3. Printer Settings Will Make or Break You

Draft mode or “fast print” kills color. To fix it:

• Set your printer to Best Quality

• Always mirror your design

• Install the right ICC profile

4. Ink Flow Problems

Just refilled? Your first few prints may look washed out. Run a nozzle check or a couple test sheets to push ink through.

5. Ghosting = Blurry Double Images

If your paper shifts in the press, you’ll see a shadow effect. Tape your transfer down with heat-resistant tape and press like a pro.

6. Moisture Is the Silent Killer

Moisture trapped in your shirt, mug, or tumbler causes faded spots. Quick fix: pre-press for a few seconds to drive it out.

7. Garbage In = Garbage Out

Low-resolution art will always look bad, no matter how good your press is. Use crisp, high-res images sized correctly for your blank.

8. Stray Ink Spots Transfer Too

Ink on your fingers, smudges on the edge of your paper—it all presses. Trim the sheet or cover smudges with tape before you heat it.

9. Banding = Clogged Nozzles

Lines across your print? That’s banding. Do a nozzle check and clean the head if needed. Just don’t go wild—over-cleaning wastes ink.

10. Your Heat Press Settings Are Off

This is the big one. Too much heat? Colors shift or scorch. Too little? Colors look dull. Every blank has a “sweet spot” for time, temp, and pressure. Check the supplier’s chart, then run your own tests.

The Quick Fix Plan

1. Use sublimation blanks that are actually made for sublimation.

2. Dial in your printer with the right settings and ICC profile.

3. Nail your press settings—time, temp, and pressure.

Do those three, and your prints will finally pop.

Stop Wasting Blanks & Start Selling Work You’re Proud Of

If you’re sick of losing time and money to dull results, stop guessing. Use tested blanks and supplies that give consistent color.

👉 Shop sublimation blanks, UV DTF transfers, and DTF transfers now at PressingImages.com

Your next press doesn’t have to be a disappointment.