5 Ways to Do Sublimation with No Printer!

Are you ready to dip your toes in sublimation? If you’re interested in creating sublimation projects but aren’t sure if you’re ready to purchase a printer yet, I’m here to help. Today I’m going to show you a variety of ways to do sublimation with no printer.

There are multiple ways to try out sublimation without having a sublimation printer. I’m going to show you sublimation paint, sublimation stamp pads, and Infusible Ink. None of these options require owning a sublimation printer.

You will need a heat source that gets up to at least 400 degrees for sublimation projects. You can learn about different heat press options in my Heat Press Roadmap course.

If starting sublimation is on your to-do list and you don’t have a sublimation printer, you can learn about all of these different options by pressing play on the video below:

How to Make Sublimation Projects without a Sublimation Printer

Before we get into all of the different sublimation options there are minimum requirements that you need to be aware of. These requirements are the same no matter which medium you choose to try.

Sublimation Minimum Requirements

Here are all of the things you will need to ensure your sublimation crafts are successful:

• First, you need some type of sublimation ink. For this tutorial, we’re going to look at the options that don’t require a printer.
• You will also need a sublimation blank. Sublimation ink bonds to polyester. You will want a blank that either has a poly coating or is a polyester fabric. When using fabric you need the polyester count to be at least 60%.
• When searching for blanks, I recommend finding ones that say they are for sublimation. You can also look at blanks for Infusible Ink, they are also compatible with sublimation ink.
• Sublimation ink in every form is translucent. White or very light-colored blanks are the best option because the color of the blank will show through the ink.
• You will heat a heat press that goes up to 400 degrees for sublimation. You can use an EasyPress for a lot of different sublimation blanks.
• Another item you’ll need when you start your sublimation journey is protective paper. As you get into sublimation, you’ll find you’re using a lot of protective paper. Go ahead and purchase a roll now.

IMPORTANT: Start with Easy Projects First

I recommend starting with easy projects. A white 100% polyester shirt is a great first project. You’ll be able to see your colors well and the process isn’t complicated.

Start with easy projects first. Learn the process well before you move onto more complicated ones.

Option 1: Cricut Infusible Ink

If you own a Cricut machine, Infusible Ink is a great gateway into sublimation without a printer. Infusible Ink uses the sublimation process but doesn’t require having a sublimation printer.

You can get Infusible Ink in a few different ways, let’s look at those now.

Infusible Ink Sheets

Infusible Ink sheets are similar to HTV in how they are cut. You can find Infusible Ink sheets in a variety of different colors and patterns.

You’ll use your Cricut machine to cut out the design you want to add to your blank. You will need to mirror your image.

I’ve used Infusible Ink sheets to create a variety of different projects including coasters, mugs, shirts, and more. If you can sublimate the blank, you can use Infusible Ink on it.

Infusible Ink Pens and Markers

Cricut Infusible Ink comes in both pens and markers. Artesprix and Siser both have brands of sublimation pens and markers that work in a similar manner.

All of these brands use sublimation ink in the markers and pens. You can draw freehand or use your Cricut machine to draw for you.

You do need to remember that sublimation designs need to be mirrored. When you’re freehand drawing, if you’re using text or numbers you need to make sure they’re all flipped so after they’re pressed they aren’t backward.

You can freehand draw with these pens and markers but you can also use them to color in other designs. If you own a sublimation printer, you could print out a design in black and then use the markers to color the design before pressing it onto your blank.

Option 2: Sublimation Paint

Sublimation paint is actually one of my favorite mediums. Using sublimation paint you can paint on regular copy paper and transfer it like regular sublimation. You do need to let it dry completely before pressing.

Whether you’re an artist who loves to paint designs or you’re interested in making your background design sublimation paint is a great option. I’ve even used sublimation paint to create my own Infusible Ink sheets.

Even though I own a sublimation printer I enjoy crafting with sublimation paint. There is something about the paint that makes me feel extra artsy.

Option 3: Sublimation Stamp Pads

Another fun sublimation medium that doesn’t require a printer is sublimation stamp pads. You can use stamp pads with your regular craft stamps. If you’re a paper crafter with a large stamp collection, you can use these stamp pads to create sublimation prints.

Just like the pens and markers you need to make sure your design will look good flipped. If there are any letters or numbers they will appear backward after you press them.

Option 4: Sublimation Stamp Pad Refill

These sublimation stamp pad refills are intended to be used with the stamp pads. I have used them for that but I’ve also used them for a variety of different projects.

I was able to use the refills to create a variety of different sublimation projects without a printer that gave a look I didn’t get with any other medium.

Option 5: Buy Sublimation Prints

If you really want to try out sublimation without a printer, this next method is your best option. I actually started doing this myself before I purchased my sublimation printer.

There are a wide variety of sources where you can order a sublimation print in any size and design. Ordering a sublimation print will allow you to test out multicolored designs to see if you need your own printer.

Ordering sublimation prints is how I got hooked on sublimation. I ordered sublimation prints from a seller on Etsy and used those at home and knew immediately I needed a printer of my own.

How to Get Started

I do need to warn you, once you start your sublimation journey you’re going to be hooked. I’ve loved creating sublimation projects and finding new ways to use the different sublimation ink options on the market.

I suggest choosing one of the options discussed in this post to start with and see what you think.

If you’re ready to really jump into sublimation, I have a free sublimation class for you. These classes will be sent right to your email inbox over seven days. You can do a little bit each day or save all the emails and go through them at your own pace.

If you have any additional questions about sublimation without a printer and how to do it, leave those in the comments below and I’ll be happy to answer them for you.