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How to Remove Sublimation Ink from Tumbler

Written by Mokua Brian

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Reading time for 4 min

Do you have a tumbler with sublimation ink that you want removed? Well, you’re in luck because this guide provides a comprehensive step by step practical and effective solution on how to remove sublimation ink from tumblers from the comfort of your house. Keep reading to learn more.

Quick in
1. Understanding Sublimation 2. Materials for Sublimation Ink Removal 3. Steps to Follow When Removing Sublimation Ink 3.1 Using an Oven 3.2 Using a Dishwasher 4. Preventing Sublimation Mistakes 5. Your Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Sublimation

Sublimation is a physical change where a solid turns into a gas without going through a liquid phase. Sublimation ink dyes vaporize and bond with the polymer coating under heat and pressure. Sublimation itself is the phase change from solid to gas, not the process of bonding to the substrate. This makes sublimation printing a durable and long-lasting decoration method.

What is Sublimation Ink? Sublimation Ink is normally used to imprint designs on various materials such as tumblers. This unique ink contains special dyes that can bring out durable eye-popping designs and fade resistance on tumblers. To remove these imprints, you need to heat them until they turn into a gaseous state and evaporate. 

This process should be conducted with certain safety measures in place. You need to be properly ventilated and put on protective gear to protect yourself. Sublimation parameters vary widely based on ink type, substrate material, and equipment. Read on to learn more, and methods for removing sublimation ink stains from your tumblers.

Materials for Sublimation Ink Removal

To begin this process, you need to gather the following materials:

A Dishwasher or a Toaster Oven

Protective gear such as oven gloves

Towels or fabrics for protecting your workspace

Running Water and Soap

Tumblers you intend to remove sublimation ink

Steps to Follow When Removing Sublimation Ink

After gathering your materials, choose one of the following methods to remove sublimation ink from your tumblers with ease.

Option 1: Using an Oven

While using a toaster oven might be convenient, it's not necessary to purchase one solely for sublimation ink removal. The fumes produced are minimal and can be safely handled in a well-ventilated area. 

Place your tumbler in the toaster oven and set the temperatures. If you're using a craft-purposed convection oven, I recommend you sublimate your tumbler at temperatures of 375°F (190°C) and if you're using a craft-purposed air fryer, I recommend setting your temperature at 385°F (196°C). also for 6 minutes. 

Using oven gloves or any other protective gear, remove the tumbler from the oven and give it time to cool down before cleaning it with soap and water.

Remove sublimation ink from tumblers using an oven

Option 2: Using a Dishwasher

Put your tumblers in a dishwasher with high temperature settings on the lower rack. This process takes time because it needs to be repeated severally. You will note the ink fading with each heating. The end result won't be perfect and the tumblers will have a washed out look.

However, you need to be patient enough with the dishwasher process, you can place the tumblers on the lower rack each time you're washing your dishes. While repeated dishwasher cycles with high heat settings can slightly fade the ink, it won't completely remove it.

Remove sublimation ink from tumblers using a dishwasher

Preventing Sublimation Mistakes

They say prevention is better than cure. Here are great tips on how to prevent sublimation mistakes.

Most sublimation mistakes occur because of improper heat and pressure settings. Note that while temperature and pressure are important, they are not the sole determinants of the sublimation process. The ideal temperature for sublimation on a tumbler is normally between 176 to 205 degrees Celsius with 40 psi pressure spent on the material of the tumblers you're handling. 

Also, you need to ensure that you're using top-quality ink to prevent issues such as ink mixing, clogging, and banding. Be careful of your design’s alignment, uneven prints, and fading or peeling. If you keep these tops in mind you're sure of becoming a sublimation pro within a short time. 

Since sublimation ink cannot be entirely removed from tumblers, you must become flawless during your designs to avoid making mistakes that will require sublimating your tumblers again.

Your Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you remove sublimation ink from tumblers?

Yes, you can remove sublimation ink from your tumblers using one of the options provided in this article. Applying heat is the most effective way to transform sublimation ink into a gaseous state. While it is not guaranteed that you will remove all the ink, you will significantly lighten the design enough for re-sublimating it with a darker design to cover the residual ink.

2. How long will sublimation ink last on a tumbler?

The duration of sublimation ink on tumblers majorly depends on multiple factors such as the temperature, pressure and print time among others. When done correctly, sublimation ink can last longer periods on tumblers while retaining its quality.

3. Can a Tumbler be sublimated more than once?

Yes you can. Tumblers are very resilient and can be sublimated repetitively without damaging their material. However you need to make sure that you have significantly removed the existing sublimation ink. You won't be able to remove it completely but you can significantly shade it out to appoint you can sublimate it again

4. What ways can you fix sublimation mistakes?

Sublimation mistakes are bound to happen even if you are very careful during the process. However, if you keenly follow the recommendations provided in this guide you will be making less and less mistakes. In no time you will be perfect in the process.

Summary

In summary, this guide has provided you with easy steps to follow when removing sublimation ink from tumblers. Since prevention is better than cure, this article has also given you tips on how to prevent sublimation mistakes so that you can do your designs as a pro even if you're a beginner. 

Don't forget these methods especially when dealing with stubborn ink and the importance of post-ink removal care. Share this with your friends and family so that they can also solve their sublimation ink on challenges.