Sublimation with a Mug Press: Time, Temp, and Pressure
Direct Answer:
Press ceramic mugs at 385–400°F for 180–240 seconds with firm pressure. Pre-heat the mug if your press causes banding. Keep the wrap tight and remove paper quickly after pressing.
Steps
- Print mirrored design on sublimation paper at 300–400 DPI.
- Trim paper and tape design tightly to mug (top and bottom edge).
- Preheat mug press if needed (eliminates cold spots).
- Press at 385–400°F for 3–4 minutes with firm pressure depending on your press.
- Open press and remove paper quickly to avoid ghosting.
- Cool mug upright on a rack.
Quick Specs
| Blank | Temp | Time | Pressure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 oz Mug | 385–400°F | 180–210 s | Firm | Check first mug for banding |
| 15 oz Mug | 385–400°F | 210–240 s | Firm | Longer dwell time for larger size |
| Frosted Glass Mug | 375–385°F | 180–200 s | Light–Med | Lower temp to avoid haze |
Risks
- Banding: Caused by uneven heat — preheat or adjust pressure.
- Ghosting: Paper shifted or removed too slowly — tape tighter and peel fast.
- Faded print: Temp/time too low — add 15–20 seconds.
- Brown edges: Overcooked — lessen time/temp.
FAQs
Do I need to preheat my mug press? Yes, especially for the first few mugs — cold platens cause faded bottoms.
Why is the handle area lighter? That’s normal; mug presses don’t fully wrap heat around handles- either trim paper around the handles or leave a larger space from the handles.
Dishwasher safe? Most coated mugs are top-rack safe, but repeated cycles will eventually fade and depending on the heat temperature of the water/drying cycle can cause ink to re-active and bleed.
Sources
Manufacturer press specs and Pressing Images in-house mug press tests.