If you're just starting your sublimation journey, one of the first questions you’ll have is:
“What can I actually print on with sublimation?”
It’s a great question — and the answer opens up a world of creative and commercial possibilities. From mugs and t-shirts to puzzles, slates, and tote bags, sublimation works on a wide range of products.
But there’s a catch: not every material is compatible.
Let’s break it down.
What Makes a Material Sublimation-Friendly?
Sublimation relies on a chemical process where heat turns dye into gas, which then bonds with polyester or polymer-coated surfaces. That means:
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It works best on 100% polyester fabrics
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Or hard blanks that have a special poly-coating, such as mugs or metal panels
Cotton, wood (unless coated), and uncoated ceramics won’t work with standard sublimation inks — the dye has nowhere to bond.
Best Soft Products for Sublimation
These fabric-based items are ideal for bold, vibrant prints and easy personalisation:
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T-shirts (preferably 100% polyester for best results)
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Cushion covers
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Socks and accessories
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Baby bibs and vests
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Tote bags
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Mouse pads
Tip: Light colours like white or light grey are ideal. Sublimation ink is translucent, so it won’t show up well on dark fabrics unless you use specialty workarounds.
Best Hard Blanks for Sublimation
Thanks to polymer coatings, you can also sublimate on a wide variety of rigid products, including:
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Ceramic mugs and tumblers
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Photo slates
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Aluminium panels
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Coasters and placemats
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Phone stands and cases
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Keyrings
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Glass cutting boards
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Jigsaw puzzles
These are excellent for gifts, promotional items, and personalised products that customers love.
Common Misconceptions
Can I sublimate directly on wood?
Only if the surface is treated with a polyester-based coating.
Can I sublimate on dark t-shirts?
Not directly. Because sublimation ink doesn’t include white, it won’t show up well on dark fabrics. There are alternative techniques such as pressing onto white glitter HTV as a base layer.
Can I sublimate on cotton?
Standard sublimation ink will not bond with cotton fibres. Some workarounds exist, like sublimation sprays or heat transfer vinyl, but they aren’t true sublimation.
Where to Find the Best Sublimation Blanks
At Longforte, we stock over 3,000 sublimation blanks, carefully tested for print quality, coating consistency, and long-term durability.
Explore our popular blank categories:
Whether you're running a printing business or exploring a new creative outlet, we have the right blanks to suit every project.
Ready to Get Printing?
Browse our full range of sublimation blanks here and get started today.
Have questions or need advice? Contact us — our team is happy to help.