Fixing Your Dye-Sub Mistakes
Date Posted:8 May 2025
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dye sublimation is an incredible method for transferring vibrant, high-quality designs onto various products, but mistakes can happen. If your results aren’t turning out as expected, here are some common issues, why they happen, and their solutions.
My Design Won’t Transfer At All
Why it happens: Sublimation requires specialised equipment. A regular inkjet printer, standard ink, and copy paper will not work for dye sublimation.
Solution: Ensure you are using a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, and sublimation paper. Regular printers and inks are not designed to convert to gas under heat, which is necessary for sublimation.
Image Doesn’t Transfer Properly to Your Blank or Looks Faded
Why it happens: Sublimation ink only bonds with polyester or polymer-coated surfaces. Using cotton or an uncoated material prevents the ink from adhering correctly. This can also occur if the heat press doesn’t reach the required temperature or is not pressed for long enough as the ink won’t fully sublimate.
Solution: Make sure you're using a sublimation-ready blank, typically made from polyester or coated with a polymer-based surface. If you are using a sublimation-ready blank, check your temperature and pressing time. If your press isn’t hot enough or you don’t apply enough pressure, the ink won’t fully transfer. A digital thermometer can help verify your heat press is reaching the required temperature. Check the suppliers recommended settings for the blank or take a look at our Dye-Sub Heat Press Guide for temperature, time, and pressure settings →
Printed Image Looks Faded (Before Pressing)
Why it happens: Sublimation ink is designed to activate under heat, so it looks dull on paper before pressing.
Solution: This is normal. The heat-activated ink becomes vibrant once transferred onto the correct blank.
Print Appears Blurry, Grainy, Dull, or Has Streaks
Why it happens: Low-resolution images and incorrect printer settings or low ink levels.
Solution: Check you are using a high-quality image or graphic to start with. Adjust your printer settings to high-quality or photo mode and turn off any fast print mode. If the item is still dull once pressed, you may have pressed it for too much time or at too high a temperature. Keep your heat press closed for the full pressing time. Opening it too soon can disrupt the transfer, leading to blurry edges or misaligned designs. Consistent heat and pressure are key to a perfect finish.
Extra Ink Marks on Your Print
Why it happens: Stray ink from a dirty workspace, heat press platen, or hands can transfer onto the blank.
Solution: Check your workspace and hands for stray ink. Ensure your heat press platen is clean. If desired, you could try covering the mark on the print to avoid it being transferred with the heat. You can do this using some heat transfer tape or a heat-resistant sheet.
My Image Is Flipped
Why it happens: Sublimation transfers the image directly from the paper to the blank, so it's important to check whether it needs to be mirrored. Failing to mirror your design will result in a flipped image, which means text and directional elements may end up reversed, making the final result unusable.
Solution: Always check whether you need to mirror your design before printing. This is especially important for text-based designs. Not all designs require mirroring. Symmetrical patterns and certain graphic elements can be printed as they are without affecting the final look. Always verify your design before printing to avoid unexpected results!
Ghosting (Design Looks Double Printed)
Why it happens: The transfer paper moves during pressing, causing the ink to shift.
Solution: Secure your transfer paper to the blank using heat-resistant tape and open the heat press in one smooth motion to avoid movement.
Tiny Dots on Finished Item
Why it happens: Dust, lint, or moisture can interfere with the transfer process, particularly on fabric blanks.
Solution: Use a lint roller on your blank before pressing and keep your workspace clean. If working with fabric, pre-press for a few seconds to remove any trapped moisture before applying the design. Always follow the pressing instructions provided for the blank.
Odd Lines in the Print
Why it happens: Low ink levels or uneven heat distribution can cause this issue.
Solution: If the lines appear before pressing, check your ink levels. If they appear after pressing, inspect your heat press platen for uneven heating.
The Transfer Looks Splotchy or Uneven
Why it happens: Humidity or trapped moisture can interfere with the sublimation process.
Solution: Pre-press your blank for a few seconds to remove excess moisture before applying the design. Store paper in a dry environment to prevent humidity-related issues.
Colours Look Overly Dark or Muddy
Why it happens: Excessive time or high heat can overcook the ink, distorting colours.
Solution: Follow the recommended time and temperature for your specific blank to prevent over-pressing.
Some Areas of the Print Look Perfect, While Others Are Faded
Why it happens: Your heat press platen may not be distributing heat evenly.
Solution: Check with a heat gun or heat strips and replace the press if needed.
Ink Is Removed from the Blank When Peeling Off Heat Transfer Tape
Why it happens: This typically happens with double-sided items because the ink has not fully set before peeling off the tape.
Solution: Allow the item to cool longer before pressing the second side. Removing the tape too soon can lift ink that hasn’t properly adhered to the blank.
