Sublimation printing is popular for bright color and a soft hand, but it does have limits. The main disadvantages of sublimation printing are material restrictions, light color requirements, size and shape constraints, sensitivity to heat and pressure settings, possible color shift, and fading with long sun exposure. You also need the right blanks and a reliable press to get consistent results. The good news is that most drawbacks have simple workarounds. Below I explain each drawback in plain terms and share practical fixes so you can choose the best process for your project.

Disadvantages of sublimation printing

1) Limited materials

Sublimation bonds with polyester or a polymer coated surface. It does not fuse with cotton, uncoated wood, or bare metal. If you try to sublimate on the wrong surface, color looks dull or washes away.

Workarounds

• Use polyester shirts or blanks that are made for sublimation.

• For cotton apparel, consider DTF for full color designs or use heat transfer vinyl for simple shapes.

• If you must use a non coated surface, add a true sublimation ready coating, then test a small area first.

2) Light color requirement and no white ink

Sublimation does not print white. It relies on the blank to provide the white. This means designs look best on white or very light colors. On medium or dark colors the design will look muted or disappear.

Workarounds

• Choose white or pastel blanks for accurate color.

• Plan artwork with negative space that uses the blank as the white.

• If you want deep color on black or bright cotton, switch to DTF for that item.

3) Polyester content affects vibrancy

On fabric, color intensity rises with polyester percentage. A 100 percent polyester tee looks bold. A 65 percent blend looks more vintage. Below that, color can look washed.

Workarounds

• Match expectations to the fabric. Promote blended shirts as a soft vintage look.

• Use higher saturation art for blends and test print before a full run.

4) Size and shape constraints

Your maximum print area is tied to your press and transfer size. Large all over prints need wide format gear. Curved items like mugs and tapered tumblers also need even wrap and pressure. Without a proper setup, you may see seams or light spots.

Workarounds

• Plan designs that fit your current press. Use panels or split designs for larger art.

• Use the right attachments or a dedicated mug or tumbler press for curved items.

• Wrap snugly and tape well to avoid shifting.

5) Heat, pressure, and moisture sensitivity

Sublimation is sensitive to temperature, time, pressure, and humidity. If any one is off, you can get ghosting, faded areas, or press marks. Moisture in fabric can cause small dots or hazy patches.

Workarounds

• Pre press fabric for a few seconds to drive off moisture.

• Use light to medium pressure unless your blank calls for more.

• Keep a simple press log with times and temperatures that worked.

• Change your protective paper every press to prevent ink marks.

6) Color management and small shifts

Different papers, inks, and fabrics can shift how colors appear. Blues can lean purple and skin tones can warm up. This is normal and fixable, but it can surprise a beginner.

Workarounds

• Print a small color test chart on the exact paper and blank you plan to use.

• Calibrate your workflow, then save those settings as a preset.

• Keep your lighting consistent when checking colors.

7) Outdoor fade with long sun exposure

Sublimation handles daily wear well, but long exposure to direct sunlight can fade colors over time, especially outdoors.

Workarounds

• Place outdoor items in shade when possible.

• Choose designs that still look good with a slight fade.

• For harsh outdoor use, consider other processes that are designed for exterior conditions.

8) Learning curve and setup choices

You need a heat press, sublimation paper, and sublimation ready blanks. Settings vary by item, so you will spend some time testing and making notes. This is normal, but it can feel slow at first.

Workarounds

• Start with one product category, like mugs or coasters.

• Keep a sample ring with successful prints and settings.

• Use proven blanks and paper from the same source to reduce variables.

Quick fixes at a glance

Always check the maker notes for your specific blank and paper. Settings are ranges and can vary by press.

When to choose a different method

Pick another process if your design must go on black cotton, if you need outdoor signs in full sun for months, or if you want a large all over print but only have a small press. DTF covers cotton and dark colors well. Heat transfer vinyl is great for simple shapes and single colors. Laser engraving adds texture and contrast on coated metal and wood. Use the process that matches the job.

Is sublimation still worth it

Yes, if you want soft feel, photo quality color, and fast single item or small batch work on light polyester and coated hard goods. Once you know the limits and how to work around them, you can produce gift ready items with a simple setup at home.

FAQ

Can I sublimate on cotton or dark shirts
Not with standard sublimation alone. Use polyester for bright color or switch to DTF for cotton and dark fabric.

Why do my mugs have a faint seam line
The wrap was not even or pressure dropped at the overlap. Use a dedicated mug or tumbler press and align the wrap so the seam is tight.

How long should I press
Times vary by blank and paper. Start with the maker guide for your item, then adjust in small steps. Keep notes so you can repeat wins.

Will sublimation fade in the wash
On polyester apparel and coated hard goods, sublimation holds up well. Wash apparel inside out in cold water and avoid bleach for best results.

Do I need a big press to start
No. You can start with a small flat press for coasters and shirts, or a mug press for drinkware. Grow your press size when you need larger designs.

Internal Links

• Craft Express auto heat presses

• Craft Express sublimation paper

• Craft Express blanks

Closing

Sublimation has clear limits, but once you know them you can plan smarter. Start with a simple light colored polyester item or a coated mug, keep your press settings consistent, and build a small test routine. When you are ready, explore presses, paper, and blanks that fit your favorite projects and grow with confidence.