How environmental changes affect Sublimation mug printing

Modified on Thu, 29 May at 10:56 AM

Achieving a consistent result on sublimation mugs will often require subtle changes in application (time, temperature and/or pressure). The reason for this is generally caused by environmental changes.

Over the course of a year, the temperature at which mugs are stored (if not climate-controlled) often varies. For example, during colder months the ceramic mug is notably colder than during the summer months.

Example: When a mug stored at 5°C is placed in a mug press, it takes longer for the heat to conduct through the ceramic of the mug, compared to a mug stored at 25°C.

Results: A mug stored at colder temperatures may appear faded (mug 1), more likely towards the base of the mug where there is more material (ceramic) and it therefore takes longer for the heat to conduct through this area.

A mug stored in warmer temperatures may show signs of the ink burning (mug 3), often this loos like a brown/orange mark that appears in the center of the mug where there is less material (ceramic) than at the base.

	Mug 1	Mug 3
Cause	Press application too cold and/or too little time. Mug too cold before application	Press application too hot and/or too much time. Mug too hot before application
Effect	Faded results, often in dark images and towards the base of the mug	Burnt results, often in darker images and blacks, towards the middle/top of the mug
Solution	Pre heat the base of the mug. Increase pressing time and/or temperature Store mugs at room temperature condition for 72 hours before application	Decrease the pressing time and temperature. Store mugs at room temperature condition for 72 hours before application

In the above example, mug 1 was pressed at too lower temperature. Mug 3 at too higher temperature. Mug 2 was pressed for the correct application for this mug, environment, heat press and ink type.

Best application settings for your environment and products may differ and will therefore require testing for most accurate results.

Best practices to aid in keeping mug sublimation consistent

Store the mugs in a climate-controlled environment. This will allow the application to be as consistent as possible.

Or, where it is not possible, such as storing large quantities of mugs in a warehouse, move a small stock of mugs in to controlled environment at least 72 hours prior to sublimating, allowing the mugs to acclimatize to a stable temperature.

Pre heat the base of the mug, some presses have preheating solutions built in.
Alternatively mugs can be placed on a heat press or radiator to allow the base to warm before application (testing would be required for best results).