Sublimation Time and Temperature Chart by Blank Type

Last updated: October 2026

Most sublimation blanks press at 375 to 400°F with medium pressure, but time varies far more than temperature: about 45 seconds for polyester fabric, 60 seconds for metal, 2.5 to 5 minutes for ceramic mugs, and about 7 minutes for glass and ceramic tiles, according to Sawgrass’s published settings. ChromaLuxe photo panels run cooler, at 385°F with strong pressure. The chart below compiles these manufacturer numbers by blank type, with the source for every row.

This is a compiled reference, not our own test results. Sawgrass itself says its chart “should serve only as a starting place,” so treat every row as a starting point and always press a test piece. When your blank’s maker publishes its own settings, use those first.

Sublimation time and temperature chart

Pressure “Medium” in the Sawgrass rows is described as 40 psi in its quick reference guide. Starting point only; always test.

Why the same blank has two rows

Sawgrass publishes two versions of its chart. The quick reference PDF lists polyester at 35 to 40 seconds and mugs at 150 to 210 seconds. The Sawgrass Care help article, updated in 2026, lists polyester at 45 seconds and mugs at 150 to 300 seconds. Both are shown so you can see the range. If you are unsure, start in the middle, check the result, and adjust by small steps.

ChromaLuxe and Sawgrass also differ on metal and MDF. ChromaLuxe’s own instructions for its panels use 385°F with strong pressure and longer times, while Sawgrass’s general metal and MDF rows use 400°F for 60 seconds. ChromaLuxe makes those panels, so for ChromaLuxe blanks use ChromaLuxe’s numbers. ChromaLuxe also notes that its hardboard times “are only valid for prints made with a desktop Sawgrass printer.”

Notes by blank type

Polyester shirts and fabric

Sawgrass’s quick reference guide says to pre-press the shirt for 3 to 5 seconds to remove moisture, tack spray the transfer, and use a blow-out sheet to avoid ghosting. Sublimation is designed for polyester and polymer-coated blanks. For cotton, Sawgrass points to its separate VersiFlex and ChromaBlast ink and paper systems rather than standard sublimation paper.

Mugs

Sawgrass notes that mug time “varies with press,” and its quick reference guide says to press into a silicone pad. A mug press, a clamshell with a mug attachment and an oven each heat differently, which is why the published range is wide. Follow your mug press maker’s settings if it publishes them.

Metal and ChromaLuxe panels

Sawgrass says to remove the plastic coating before pressing and to use blow-out paper. For metal from brands other than Unisub, it says time varies by manufacturer and to “always consult manufacturer for correct time and temp.” It also recommends an absorbent sheet on the bottom of the press with the product placed transfer side down.

ChromaLuxe’s step-by-step instructions for aluminum panels:

1. Set the press to 385°F / 195°C with strong pressure.
2. Put blowout paper on the bottom plate.
3. Remove the protective film and clean the panel surface.
4. Center the transfer and tape it with heat tape.
5. Place the panel face up with the printed transfer face down, and add blowout paper on top.
6. When the timer ends, remove the panel right away. Wear heat-protective gloves.

Glass, ceramic tiles and slate

These are the longest presses on the chart at 420 seconds in Sawgrass’s care article, with a published range of 300 to 720 seconds for flat glass and ceramic tiles in its quick reference guide. Sawgrass says time varies with tile type and size, to press tiles from the back (transfer side down), and to press into a silicone pad.

Sublimation HTV

Sublimation HTV runs much cooler and shorter than the rest: 310°F for 15 seconds in Sawgrass’s care article. Sawgrass’s paper guide says Siser EasySubli HTV loads into the printer with the shiny, bright white side facing up and that you should not print on the clear mask.

Things that change your results

ChromaLuxe lists several factors that affect sublimation beyond the numbers in the chart:

• Even heat: heat must be distributed evenly across the press plate.
• Pressure: it should be even across the blank, and ideally adjustable and measurable.
• Room humidity: between 40% and 60%, with 50% as optimum.
• Room temperature: between 65°F and 85°F (20°C to 30°C).
• Altitude: settings calibrated at sea level may need time changes at higher elevation.

Sawgrass adds that good results depend on “suitable substrates, a calibrated heat press, smart color management, following manufacturer guidelines, testing and practice.”

Paper matters too. Sawgrass’s paper guide says sublimation paper goes into the tray with the bright white side facing down, and it lists sublimation paper for polyester shirts, polymer-coated mugs, acrylic and metal signs and stainless steel tumblers.

What this chart leaves out

We did not find blank-maker or ink-maker settings we could verify for stainless steel tumblers, hats or coasters, so they are not in the chart. Use the instructions printed on the blank’s packaging or the maker’s website. For cutting the HTV and vinyl that often go on the same projects, see our cut settings reference. Choosing a printer? Read best sublimation printer for beginners.

FAQ

What temperature is used for most sublimation? In Sawgrass’s chart, 400°F is the most common setting, with acrylic at 375°F, sublimation HTV at 310°F and mugs from 350 to 400°F. ChromaLuxe panels use 385°F.

How long do you press a sublimation shirt? Sawgrass lists 45 seconds at 400°F and medium pressure in its care article, and 35 to 40 seconds at 400°F in its quick reference guide.

How long do you press a sublimation mug? Sawgrass lists 150 to 300 seconds at 350 to 400°F, and says time varies with the press.

What pressure should I use? Sawgrass uses medium pressure, given as 40 psi in its quick reference guide, for most blanks. ChromaLuxe recommends strong pressure for its panels.

Why does my print look faded or ghosted? Sawgrass recommends tack spraying the transfer and using a blow-out sheet to avoid ghosting on fabric. Faded color can also come from time or temperature that is off for your blank, so check the blank maker’s settings and run a test.

Sources

• Sawgrass, Sublimation Heat Press Settings Quick Reference Guide (PDF): https://www.sawgrassink.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Sublimation-HeatPress-Settings.pdf
• Sawgrass Care, Sublimation Heat Press Settings: https://care.sawgrassink.com/hc/en-us/articles/10587333978011-Sublimation-Heat-Press-Settings
• Sawgrass Care, Paper Tips, Tricks and Information: https://care.sawgrassink.com/hc/en-us/articles/10620711266971-Paper-Tips-Tricks-Information
• ChromaLuxe, Aluminum Photo Panels (Small Format): https://www.chromaluxe.com/knowledge-hub/step-by-step-instructions/aluminum-photo-panels-small-format/
• ChromaLuxe, Hardboard Photo Panels: https://www.chromaluxe.com/knowledge-hub/step-by-step-instructions/hardboard-photo-panels/
• ChromaLuxe, MDF Photo Panels: https://www.chromaluxe.com/knowledge-hub/step-by-step-instructions/mdf-photo-panels/
• ChromaLuxe, Factors to Consider During Sublimation: https://www.chromaluxe.com/knowledge-hub/tips-tricks/factors-to-consider-during-sublimation/