Can You Sublimate Without a Sublimation Printer? Yes, Here's How
Yes, you can sublimate without a sublimation printer. With Artesprix Iron-on-Ink, you draw, paint, or stamp your design by hand onto a piece of plain copy paper, let the ink dry fully, then press it onto a polyester blank with a heat press or craft iron. You don't need sublimation paper or a special printer, but you do need that sheet of plain paper and a polyester (or polyester coated) blank.
This is the part of sublimation I love telling people about, because it takes the expensive equipment out of it. If you can color with a marker, you can make a permanent design on a tote bag, a shirt, or a keychain. Here's what you need, how it works step by step, and the mistakes to skip.
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How does sublimation work without a printer?
Iron-on-Ink is sublimation ink you put on the paper yourself instead of printing it. When you press it with heat, the dried ink turns into a gas and soaks into the polyester, so the color becomes part of the item. Your hand does the printer's job. The heat press does the rest.
Because the ink goes into the blank instead of sitting on top, the finished transfer is permanent. It won't crack or peel like a vinyl layer can.
Do you need sublimation paper?
No. Draw, paint, or stamp on plain copy paper or craft paper. Do not use sublimation paper with Iron-on-Ink. You still need that piece of plain paper, because it's what carries your design to the blank.
The one rule I'd tape to your wall: let the ink or paint dry fully before you press. Wet ink smears and blurs when the heat hits it.
What can you sublimate onto without a sublimation printer?
Iron-on-Ink transfers to polyester fabric and polyester coated sublimation blanks. Cotton will not hold the color. White and light colored blanks give you the brightest results, since the ink is see-through once it's pressed.
- Fabric: polyester shirts, tote bags, aprons, tea towels, and pillow covers
- Hard blanks: sublimation tumblers, keychains, ornaments, bookmarks, and coasters
- Paper crafts: my sublimation white glitter cardstock is made to take sublimation transfers, which makes it a fun base for cake toppers and signs. Test a corner first.
Three ways to sublimate without a printer
1. Sublimation markers
The easiest way to start. Iron-on-Ink markers come in 10 color sets: basic, pastel, and bold with a chisel tip for filling in shapes, plus a rainbow fine tip set for lettering and outlines. Hand lettered shirts and kid art on a pillow cover are perfect first projects.
2. Sublimation ink and paint
Iron-on-Ink bottles (2 oz) can be stamped, brushed, airbrushed, or hydro dipped onto paper. Sublimation acrylic paint (2 oz tubes) keeps your brushstrokes and texture, which is something a printed transfer can't give you. The paint colors mix with each other, and white won't transfer on its own, so use the lightening medium with a color to make pastels.
3. Sublimation stamp pads
Already have a stamp collection? An Iron-on-Ink stamp pad lets you use it. Stamp onto plain paper the same way you always do, then press. Repeating patterns on tote bags and tea towels look great this way.
What you'll need
- Iron-on-Ink markers, ink, paint, or a stamp pad
- Plain copy paper or craft paper (not sublimation paper)
- A polyester or polyester coated blank
- A heat press or craft iron
- Sublimation heat tape to hold the design in place
- Protective paper to go between the heat and your design
- A protective heat mat to go under your project, especially with a handheld press
How to sublimate without a sublimation printer: step by step
Step 1: Make your design on plain paper
Draw, paint, or stamp on plain copy or craft paper. Mirror any words or numbers, because the design flips when you press it.
Step 2: Let it dry fully
Give the ink or paint time to dry all the way. This is the step people rush, and it's the one that ruins a transfer.
Step 3: Tape it to your blank
Place the design ink side down on your blank and hold it in place with heat tape. Regular tape curls and leaves adhesive behind at sublimation temperatures.
Step 4: Cover and press
Put protective paper over the design and press with a heat press or craft iron at around 400°F, following the time for your blank.
Step 5: Peel and reveal
Let the blank cool, then peel off the tape and paper. Your colors will look much brighter than they did on paper.
Why do the colors look dull on paper?
That's normal. Sublimation ink looks muted on paper and turns vivid once the heat converts it. Check the before and after chart so you know which marker gives you which finished color.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pressing before the ink is dry: the design smears. Wait until it's fully dry.
- Using sublimation paper: Iron-on-Ink goes on plain copy or craft paper.
- Forgetting to mirror: words come out backward unless you flip them first.
- Pressing onto cotton: the color won't hold. Use polyester or a polyester coated blank.
- Skipping the protective paper: the dye can end up on your heat press instead of your project.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sublimate without a sublimation printer?
Yes. With Artesprix Iron-on-Ink, you draw, paint, or stamp your design on plain copy paper, let it dry fully, and heat press it onto a polyester blank.
Do I need sublimation paper for Iron-on-Ink?
No. You don't need sublimation paper, but you do need a piece of plain copy paper to draw, paint, or stamp on. Let the ink dry fully, then press with a heat press or craft iron.
Can I use a regular iron instead of a heat press?
Yes. Iron-on-Ink presses with a heat press or a craft iron. Use a protective heat mat under your project to protect your table.
Will Iron-on-Ink work on cotton shirts?
No. It transfers to polyester fabric and polyester coated sublimation blanks. Cotton will not hold the color.
Is Iron-on-Ink permanent?
Yes. The ink becomes part of the polyester, so the transfer won't crack or peel.
Ready to try it?
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If you make something with Iron-on-Ink, tag me at @ashleeyfalco. I want to see it.
xo, Ashlee