Sublimation & DTF Heat Press Guide
Temperature, time, and pressure by material — always test on a scrap piece first, since presses and blanks vary.
Why we built this
New DTF and sublimation printers ruin their first few transfers because temperature/time/pressure settings aren't written down in one place. This is the reference card we wished existed on day one.
Sublimation
DTF Powder Cure
| Material | Temp | Time | Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester shirt (100% poly) | 385–400°F (196–204°C) | 35–60 sec | Medium |
| Ceramic mug | 400°F (204°C) | 180–240 sec | Firm, wrapped tight |
| Stainless steel tumbler | 350–380°F (177–193°C) | 45 sec per side | Medium |
| General / other substrates | 350–400°F (177–204°C) | 30–180 sec | ~35–40 psi (medium) |
Pre-press fabric for 3–5 seconds first to remove moisture and wrinkles — skipping this is a common cause of a washed-out or uneven print. Times vary by press and blank coating; these are starting points, not guarantees.