The other day, I was watching a TV show where the main character wanted to have matching mugs with their partner’s names on them. So, they literally just grabbed a marker and started writing their names directly onto the mugs. I was like, hold on—why not just use our Auto Tumbler Heat Press instead?
It reminded me of some really cool personalized tumblers I’ve seen around our community. Like this gorgeous Valentine’s tumbler by @Marino created: Sublimation on ceramic mug by Marin
Seeing these creations makes me curious—have you personalized any tumblers or mugs with LOKLiK yet? I’d love to see what everyone’s making—plus, if you’ve got any tips or tricks for using the Auto Tumbler Heat Press, let’s chat!
@Marino and @Yoerika83 are amazing at using the Auto Tumbler Heat Press. I want to be like them when I grow up. Their tutorials and photos are truly inspirational. I’d be interested to know their trips on the printer and ink.
Lol, I am still on the fence on which one to get. For sure doing sublimation for now. Just now deciding if to do what you recommended of a sublimation or doing a conversion. Still watching videos to get a better idea. Thank you for all your help!
Lovely mugs, @Marino where do you buy your black handled mug blanks from? I love them. I’ve done a couple mugs, I would love to do more. Every time you peel that paper away and see the result it’s so amazing. Doesn’t matter how many times you do it, sublimation is really magic hahaha.
@skyicreations I was in the same boat as you, it’s so hard to decide. I did end up going with a converted Epson printer as the proper dedicated Sublimation printers were so expensive, over $1000 for me in Australia. I eventually couldn’t justify spending that much. If you do convert one make sure it’s an Epson Ecotank, doesn’t matter which model. But the ecotank is easiest to fill the tanks. HP and other printers use thermal technology to print which will not work for sublimation, so get an Epson Ecotank. Also, I recommend new, and don’t put any other ink in it other than sublimation ink. I also said, I’m tech savvy so I should be able to trouble shoot things if stuff goes wrong. So, I converted one, the cheapest printer I could find because I didn’t want to fork out heaps of money just incase I didn’t like sublimation or if I broke the printer. My printer prints wonderfully and I haven’t had a problem with it. I do recommend printing on it regularly if you go the converted printer. Like at least once a week printing. Helps reduce print head clogs. I also recommend HIPPO Sublimation ink. Just keep in mind to if you do convert a printer to sublimation, it will void the warranty of that printer as well. I have a video on how I did it, if you want to watch. Also, if you have any questions, I’m happy to answer.
It is a difficult decision to make. Sublimation is such a new technique for me so I want to use something that will introduce me to the technique and also help elevate my craft. I am on a budget so converting a printer seems the most cost effective option. I’ve seen recommendations for the HIPPO ink as well as the Printer Jack. Hopefully I can decide soon
If you really want, I can send you some sublimation prints to see if it’s for you. You can also try infusible ink sheets. These are sublimation, without the printer. You cut the sheets with your cutting machine and then you can press them exactly like you would sublimation. Works on anything that sublimation does. Might be cheaper to see if you like it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.
No infusible ink sheets are different to printable htv. So the infusible ink sheets are pretty much sublimation sheets preprinted in different colors and patterns. Your cutting machine then cuts the design you want in it (don’t forget to mirror) and weed out the unwanted bits, and then just like sublimation you tape the design using heat resistant tape onto your sublimation blank and then press it.
I made these cups using infusible ink sheets. I’m working on a tutorial on it right now, just waiting for the other brands of infusible ink sheets to arrive.
