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I’ll be honest, before Clay from Coastal Business Supplies reached out and offered to send me some sublimation markers – I had never heard of them. But, once the package arrived I couldn’t wait to try them out! Today I’m sharing some information and a tutorial on how to use sublimation markers.
What are Sublimation Markers?
Sublimation markers are markers that have sublimation ink inside of them. They look and work like a regular marker. The markers I received are made by Artesprix and had 10 markers in the package.
Stop! If you aren’t familiar with the process of sublimation, head to this post first. Good news for those wanting to use the sublimation markers? You don’t need any sublimation supplies, just a heat press or iron, plain paper, and the sublimation markers.
Tutorial: How to Use Sublimation Markers
- Draw a design on a blank piece of plain paper using the sublimation markers. I used white printer paper. When drawing, remember that your design will be pressed onto your blank item and it will be a mirror image of whatever you draw. (This means that if you are writing text, your text will need to be written backwards!) I’m no artist, so I purchased this design and traced it mirrored with the markers. If you do handlettering or calligraphy though – these are a must buy for you!
- Place the design onto your blank product. You must use a polyester blank or a specially prepared sublimation blank. I taped my design in place with heat transfer tape so that it wouldn’t slide around when I closed my Happy Crafters Pink Press.
- Press the design. Now, the marker box instructions say to press for 45 to 300 seconds with a heat press or iron at 350 to 400 degrees. I settled with 100 seconds – but there was no logic to this. I actually think I should have pressed longer to get brighter colors.
- Remove the paper and tape and admire your work!
Originally, when I knew these markers were being sent to me I had planned on letting my kids draw on paper and press the design onto something for them. The back of the box states to ‘Keep out of reach of children’, so I gave that a pass – but might supervise them while drawing and see how that goes.
Using the sublimation markers was quick, easy, and fun. I plan to experiment with them more in the future.
If you love this idea or tutorial, save the image below to Pinterest.
another great idea ! but could these be used with coffee cups ?
Yes, you could use them with mugs coated for sublimation.
This is awesome!! Question, Will they fit in the pen holder in in my machine? That way I can feed the paper and have the machine do the work? What do you think? And is this something you could ask them about?
Thanks!
Just checked, and yes, they fit in my Cameo 3 pen holder. I think that would be fun to do!
Good Morning!
Quick question! Can you use your Cricut Easy Press with these markers?
Thanks!
The back of the marker box notes ‘home iron’ so I would think you could.
What surfaces will they work on? Only fabric? Or possibly ceramics, glass, hard surfaces?
Hi Shelly, Like I mentioned in the post, they will work on anything polyester and any sublimation blank. This includes sublimation mugs, jewelry, photo panels, and more.
Wow! I have never heard of these markers! What a great way to do a one-off design! Thanks for the tutorial.
Happy to share!
Would these work in the pen holder for a cricut explore or Maker?
It should work fine. 🙂
Clarification please. You said”Place the design onto your blank product. You must use a polyester blank or a specially prepared sublimation blank.”
Does this mean the design can be drawn on a plain piece of paper, but it must be ironed on to only a polyester fabric ? Does it have to be 100% polyester? And what is a sublimation blank?
Thanks so much. I appreciate everything you so willingly share with us !
Correct. Sublimation inks adhere to polyester or specially prepared sublimation blanks that you can purchase. (The blanks have been coated with a coating that allows sublimation ink to stick to it.) You can use polyester blends, but the inks will only adhere to the polyester fibers. This often gives a vintage style look.
Thank you for such a great tutorial! Could you share a link or brand for the tote bag you transferred the design onto? Thanks!
Actually, I have no clue that’s why I didn’t include it. I found the bag in my stash of blanks in my craft room and the only tag it had on it read, “Polyester”. It’s likely that it came in a promotional pack from somewhere. Any polyester bag will work. 🙂
Have you used these on anything and washed it? I’m curious if they will “hold up” after a few washes. Thanks!
I have not washed anything with the sublimation markers applied.