The Ultimate Guide to Sublimation Blanks in Canada (2026)
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3. Equipment You Need to Start Sublimation
Before you can use sublimation blanks, you'll need the right equipment. Here's what every Canadian sublimation crafter needs to get started:
Essential Equipment
1. Sublimation Printer ($300-$800 CAD)
You need a printer specifically for sublimation or a converted inkjet printer. Popular options for beginners:
- Epson EcoTank ET-2850: Budget-friendly, easy to convert (~$350-450)
- Epson F170: Purpose-built for sublimation, no conversion needed (~$600-700)
- Sawgrass SG500: Premium option with excellent software (~$700-900)
Tip: Many Canadian crafters start with a converted Epson EcoTank to keep startup costs low.
2. Heat Press ($200-$600 CAD)
A heat press applies the heat and pressure needed to transfer your designs. Types include:
- Flat/Clamshell Press: Best for t-shirts, mouse pads, tiles ($200-400)
- Mug Press: Essential for ceramic mugs ($80-150)
- Tumbler Press: For skinny tumblers and drinkware ($100-200)
- Combo Press: Multiple attachments for versatility ($300-500)
- Convection Oven: For tumblers and 3D items ($200-400)
For beginners: Start with a basic flat press and mug press—these cover most products.
3. Sublimation Ink ($50-$150 CAD)
Sublimation requires special ink that turns to gas when heated. Never use regular printer ink!
- Hiipoo, Printers Jack, Cosmos Ink: Budget options on Amazon (~$30-50)
- Sawgrass SubliJet: Premium ink with ICC profiles (~$80-120 per set)
4. Sublimation Paper ($20-$50 CAD)
Special transfer paper holds the ink until pressing. A-SUB and Printers Jack are popular budget choices available on Amazon Canada.
5. Heat-Resistant Tape ($10-$20 CAD)
Secures your transfer paper to the blank during pressing. Green or blue heat tape is standard.
Optional But Helpful
- Lint roller: Remove dust and fibers before pressing
- Butcher/parchment paper: Protects your press and prevents ghosting
- Heat-resistant gloves: Protect your hands from burns
- Shrink wrap sleeves: For tumbler pressing (prevents seam lines)
- Design software: Canva (free) or Adobe Illustrator for creating designs
Total Startup Investment
| Setup Level | Equipment | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Beginner | Converted printer + flat press + mug press + supplies | $600-$900 |
| Standard Setup | Epson F170 + combo press + tumbler press + supplies | $1,200-$1,800 |
| Professional | Sawgrass + commercial press + multiple attachments | $2,500-$4,000+ |
Good news: You can start a profitable sublimation business for under $1,000 CAD and upgrade as you grow!
[Continue reading for types of sublimation blanks, best-sellers, and where to buy in Canada...]
4. Types of Sublimation Blanks
Sublimation blanks come in hundreds of varieties. Here are the main categories you'll encounter:
Drinkware
The most popular sublimation category. Includes:
- Ceramic Mugs: 11oz and 15oz white mugs, color-changing magic mugs, latte mugs
- Stainless Steel Tumblers: 20oz skinny, 30oz, 40oz, kids sizes
- Water Bottles: Sports bottles, flip-top, straw lids
- Wine Tumblers: Stemless wine cups, champagne flutes
- Specialty: Mason jars, beer steins, shot glasses
Apparel
Clothing items made from polyester or polyester-blend fabrics:
- T-Shirts: 100% polyester tees in white and light colors
- Hoodies: Zip-up and pullover styles
- Tank Tops: Racerback and standard cuts
- Baby Items: Onesies, bibs, burp cloths
- Accessories: Socks, hats, face masks
Home Decor
Personalized items for the home:
- Pillow Covers: Various sizes for throw pillows
- Blankets: Fleece, plush, baby blankets
- Coasters: Ceramic, MDF, rubber backing
- Tiles: Decorative tiles, trivets, wall art
- Cutting Boards: Glass cutting boards with rubber feet
Accessories
Small items with big profit margins:
- Keychains: Acrylic, MDF, metal, leather
- Phone Cases: Various phone models
- Bags: Tote bags, makeup bags, pencil cases
- Jewelry: Earrings, pendants, charms
- Mouse Pads: Standard and gaming sizes
Seasonal & Holiday
Items that sell during specific times of year:
- Ornaments: Christmas, memorial, year-round
- Garden Flags: Seasonal and welcome designs
- Door Signs: Welcome plaques, name signs
- Stockings: Christmas stockings
Photo Products
Turn photos into keepsakes:
- Photo Panels: Hardboard, aluminum, acrylic
- Puzzles: Various piece counts
- Slates: Natural stone photo displays
- Frames: MDF and glass frames
5. Best-Selling Sublimation Blanks in Canada
Based on what Canadian crafters are buying and selling successfully, here are the top performers:
🥇 #1: 20oz Skinny Tumblers
Why they sell: Trendy, practical, great gift item. Customers love the insulated design and customization options.
- Blank cost: $5-8 CAD
- Selling price: $25-45 CAD
- Profit margin: 300-500%
🥈 #2: 11oz Ceramic Mugs
Why they sell: Classic, affordable, everyone uses mugs. Perfect for gifts, offices, and everyday use.
- Blank cost: $2-4 CAD
- Selling price: $15-25 CAD
- Profit margin: 400-600%
🥉 #3: Acrylic Keychains
Why they sell: Low cost, high volume, impulse purchase. Great add-on item at markets and online.
- Blank cost: $1-2 CAD
- Selling price: $8-15 CAD
- Profit margin: 500-700%
#4: Christmas Ornaments (Seasonal)
Why they sell: High emotional value, collectible, annual repeat buyers.
- Blank cost: $1-4 CAD
- Selling price: $15-35 CAD
- Profit margin: 400-800%
#5: Pillow Covers
Why they sell: Home decor is hot, personalized pillows make great gifts.
- Blank cost: $4-8 CAD
- Selling price: $25-45 CAD
- Profit margin: 300-500%
Pro Tip: Start with Tumblers and Mugs
These two products alone can build a profitable sublimation business. They're easy to make, always in demand, and have excellent margins. Once you master these, expand into keychains, ornaments, and apparel.
[Continue reading for where to buy sublimation blanks in Canada and how to get started with your first project...]
6. Where to Buy Sublimation Blanks in Canada
One of the biggest challenges for Canadian crafters is finding reliable suppliers without paying huge shipping costs or customs fees. Here are your options:
Canadian Suppliers (Recommended)
Buying from Canadian suppliers means faster shipping, no customs, and local customer service:
| Supplier | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| WestCoastCraft | Langley, BC | 400+ products, no minimums, Indigenous-owned, free shipping $300+ |
| Subliholics | Leduc, AB | Physical showroom, good selection |
| Painted Donkey | Ajax, ON | Buy-in offers, active community |
| SDN Sublimation | Montreal, QC | Same-day shipping, bilingual |
| Blanks Blanks Baby | BC | Apparel specialist |
Why Buy Canadian?
- No customs fees: US orders often get hit with 15-30% duties
- Faster delivery: 2-7 days vs 2-4 weeks from overseas
- No surprise charges: What you see is what you pay
- Local support: Customer service in your time zone
- Support local business: Keep money in the Canadian economy
US Suppliers (Use with Caution)
Some crafters order from US suppliers like Coastal Business Supplies or JPPlus. While selection is huge, expect customs fees, longer shipping, and currency conversion costs.
7. Getting Started: Your First Sublimation Project
Ready to make your first sublimated product? Here's a step-by-step guide using an 11oz mug:
Step 1: Create Your Design
- Use Canva (free) or design software
- Size: 9.5" x 4" for a standard 11oz mug wrap
- Use bright, vibrant colors (they'll be slightly muted after pressing)
- Mirror/flip your image horizontally before printing
Step 2: Print Your Transfer
- Load sublimation paper (print side up in most printers)
- Print using sublimation ink
- Let dry for 1-2 minutes (don't touch the printed surface!)
Step 3: Prepare the Mug
- Clean the mug with a lint-free cloth
- Use a lint roller to remove any dust or fibers
- Wrap your printed transfer around the mug (image facing the mug)
- Secure with heat-resistant tape
Step 4: Press
- Preheat your mug press to 385°F (196°C)
- Insert mug and close the press
- Press for 180-240 seconds (3-4 minutes)
- Remove carefully—it's HOT!
Step 5: Reveal
- Remove tape and paper while still warm
- Let cool completely before handling
- Admire your first sublimated mug!
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Forgetting to mirror the image
- ❌ Using regular ink instead of sublimation ink
- ❌ Not securing the transfer properly (causes ghosting)
- ❌ Wrong temperature or time settings
- ❌ Touching the printed transfer with bare hands (oils affect transfer)
8. Building a Profitable Sublimation Business in Canada
Sublimation isn't just a hobby—it can be a real business. Here's how to turn your craft into income:
Where to Sell
- Etsy: Best platform for handmade and personalized items
- Facebook Marketplace: Great for local sales
- Craft Fairs & Markets: Excellent for building a customer base
- Shopify/Your Own Website: Build your brand long-term
- Instagram/TikTok: Social selling is huge for custom products
Pricing Your Products
A simple pricing formula:
(Blank Cost + Ink/Paper + Time) x 3 = Minimum Selling Price
Example: $4 mug + $1 supplies + $5 labor = $10 cost x 3 = $30 minimum price
Niches That Sell Well in Canada
- Pet lovers: Pet photo mugs, memorial items
- Sports teams: Hockey (huge in Canada!), soccer, baseball
- Teachers: End-of-year gifts, appreciation items
- Weddings: Bridesmaid gifts, favors, custom drinkware
- Baby/Kids: Birth announcements, first birthday
- Memorial: Photo ornaments, remembrance items (high emotional value)
Tips for Success
- Start with 2-3 products and master them before expanding
- Take high-quality photos—they sell your products
- Offer personalization—that's your competitive advantage
- Build an email list of customers for repeat sales
- Join Facebook groups for Canadian crafters—community helps!
Ready to Start?
You now have everything you need to begin your sublimation journey. The barrier to entry is low, the profit margins are high, and the Canadian market is hungry for personalized products.
Your next steps:
- Get your equipment (start with a converted printer and basic press)
- Order some blanks to practice with
- Make your first product
- List it for sale
- Grow from there!
Ready to stock up on sublimation blanks? Browse our full collection of 400+ sublimation blanks and start creating today. We're proud to be 100% Indigenous-owned and ship fast from Langley, BC with no minimum orders.
Happy crafting! 🎨