5 Mistakes to Avoid When Sublimating Skinny Tumblers
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Sublimating tumblers can be fun and profitable — if you do it right. But one small mistake can turn a perfect design into a faded, ghosted, or misaligned mess.
Whether you're a beginner or a growing custom tumbler business in Canada, these are the top 5 mistakes to avoid when sublimating 20 oz skinny tumblers — and how to get flawless results every time.
1. ❌ Skipping Proper Tumbler Prep
Many crafters jump straight into taping and pressing without properly cleaning their tumbler. This leads to:
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Blurry or patchy designs
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Ink rejection from residue or dust
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Dull colors
✅ Fix: Wash with warm soapy water, dry thoroughly, wipe with 91% isopropyl alcohol, and use a lint roller. Follow our full guide: How to Prep & Clean Your 20 oz Tumblers for Sublimation
2. ❌ Using Low-Quality Sublimation Tumblers
Cheap tumblers may save a few bucks upfront, but poor coatings can ruin your designs. Common issues include:
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Inconsistent or cracked sublimation coatings
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Faded transfers even with proper pressing
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Customer returns and wasted inventory
✅ Fix: Invest in high-quality sublimation blanks designed for vibrant, long-lasting transfers. Shop Canada’s most reliable supplier at WestCoastCraft.ca — trusted by small businesses for premium blanks at bulk prices.
3. ❌ Incorrect Time, Temperature, or Pressure
Sublimation is a science. If your tumbler press or oven settings are off, so is your result:
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Overheating causes fading or yellowing
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Underheating leads to dull or incomplete transfers
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Uneven pressure = ghosting
✅ Fix: Follow tested settings for your specific press or oven. For most 20 oz tumblers:
Time: 360°F for 60–70 sec (tumbler press)
Oven: 375°F for 6 minutes with shrink wrap
Pressure: Firm and even
4. ❌ Wrinkles or Air Bubbles in Your Design Wrap
Even a tiny crease can ruin your final look. Poor wrap jobs cause:
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Blurred lines or smeared ink
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Inconsistent edges
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White spots
✅ Fix: Use heat-resistant tape generously and smooth out all wrinkles. For ovens, use shrink wraps or silicone sleeves for an even, tight seal.
5. ❌ Not Letting the Tumbler Cool Properly
Peeling designs off while hot can cause ghosting or ink smudging.
✅ Fix: After sublimating, place the tumbler on a cooling rack or let it sit upright at room temperature. Only remove the wrap or tape once fully cooled.
🛒 Pro Tip: Use Trusted Supplies for Better Results
Sublimation mistakes can often be avoided with better quality blanks and tools. At WestCoastCraft.ca, we make it easy to get started or grow your sublimation business with:
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Premium 20 oz skinny tumblers (flat or rounded bottom)
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Sublimation paper, heat tape, shrink wraps & more
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Fast Canadian shipping — no customs delays
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Starter kits for beginners
🎯 Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common mistakes can take your tumbler sublimation from frustrating to flawless. Practice, prep, and premium blanks are the key!
✨ Ready to create perfect tumblers? Visit WestCoastCraft.ca — Canada’s most affordable sublimation blank supplier — and grab everything you need to start sublimating with confidence.