Learn how to sublimate onto a frosted 16oz glass can cup with our easy step by step tutorial. We have a HTVRONT Auto heat press here which makes it even easier to sublimate on glasses!
Step 1 – Finding a design.
Step 2 – Printing a sublimation image.
Step 3 – How to apply sublimation image to glass.
Step 4 – How to heat press the image.
Step 5 – Remove the image from the glass.
–Disclaimer: This blog post contains some affiliate links. If you purchase through them I do receive a small commission, but this is at no extra cost to you.–
Things you will need;
- Sublimation printer (We converted our see HERE)
- A-Sub sublimation paper
- Sublimation 16oz frosted glass can cup
- Heat resistant tape
- HTVRONT Auto Tumbler Press
- Heat gloves
- Scissors
- A PNG design
Finding A Design
Find or make a design you like, we brought this super cute ‘All Booked For Christmas’ one from Etsy, always make sure you read their description’s when it comes to making these glasses to sell. Some Etsy sellers require you to purchase additional commercial licenses and some are included in the PNG purchase. Which is fine because I will happily pay for them when they are this cute! But not to worry if you are just making this for personal use.
I always look for PNG files. I try and find ones with the brightest of colours and the highest quality around. Today we are sublimating onto a frosted glass can cup some of the colour is lost, no matter how pigmented your print is.
The paper we are printing on is A4 in size and you can fit up to 4 decals on them. We always fill our pages as we don’t want to waste the paper!
Printing A Sublimation Image
Make sure your printer settings are on mirrored before you print.
Send them to the printer and prep your glass for application. Unbox your glass can cup and pop the lid and straw to one side. We only want to put the glass in the HTVRONT Auto Tumbler Press as anything else will melt.
Once your designs have finished printing, using a guillotine or scissor cut around the design, not too close to the design. Hold the glass can cup up to a light source like a window and put the design up to it so that you can see through it. This will help to get your design in the correct place and avoid it from being wonky.
How To Apply Sublimation Image To Glass
When your happy with placement add your heat resistant tape to it to keep it secure and avoid the design from moving around. More is definitely more when it comes to taping, you don’t want any gaps. Gaps allow air to get in-between the paper and the glass and this creates a fade in your print, known as ghosting.
How To Heat Press The Image
Turn your HTVRONT Auto Tumbler Press on and set your temperature and timing. (We set it for 385 for 60 seconds, 1 rotation) Allow it time to heat up properly before you press your cup. It will beep when it reaches temperature.
When ready, put your heat resistant gloves on and place the glass can cup into the HTVRONT Auto Tumbler Press. Make sure its in the middle of the press. Then press the go button (logo) and the press will automatically start closing on the glass can cup, adding pressure where needed. Once the time is up it will release the glass. Now is the time to spin the glass around 180 degrees and press go again.
This will give you an even press and optimal application of your design. Remove the glass from the heat press once it beeps and place on something heat resistant. It will be VERY hot, interestingly the frosted glass can cup hold their heat for a considerable amount of time, so be very careful. When as soon as it is cooled down enough to touch (2-3 mins) keeping your heat gloves on. Use a picker, such as a weeding tool to pull up the tape. Only do this from the paper side as weeding tools are sharp and you don’t want to scratch your glass.
Remove The Image From To Glass
Peel away the sublimation paper and reveal your gorgeous design.
Remembering the first time I did this I was in awe. Straight to my husband I said look how cool this is!! Instantly printed out more designs and sublimated all of the 6 glasses I had ordered. Plus of course my husband wanted something to take to work!!
I was hooked!!
I hope you will be too!
Please make sure you thoroughly wash you glass before use.
Until the next craft,
The Craft Chaser x
Can I sublimate on any glass?
No, you have to use glassware that is specifically for the purpose of sublimation. You wont be able to sublimate onto regular glassware. Sublimation glassware has be coated especially for this use.
What paper do I need to be able to sublimate?
We use the A-SUB Sublimation Paper. A-Sub is to be used with SAWGRASS, RICOH and EPSON.
What setting do you use for sublimation glass cups?
Depending on the brand of sublimation paper you buy it will have the directions on the back of the paper.
Can you print a sublimation image on a regular printer?
No, you will need a sublimation specific printer. Or you can convert a regular printer such as the Epson Ecotank into a sublimation printer. We have a tutorial you can read about converting your printer HERE.
What is Ghosting?
In order for your design to be successfully sublimated to your glass it needs a heat source. If air gets between the print and your blank, the heat source isnt evenly distrubted and will leave faded patches know as ‘Ghosting’.
How to stop ‘Ghosting’?
Ghosting can be prevented by making sure your image is as close to your blank as possible. Use heat tape to secure your image and leave no gaps for air to enter.