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Can you put vinyl on a sublimation tumbler?

Author

Daniel Johnson

Updated on August 26, 2026

Sublimation is more expensive, but you don't risk fading, peeling, and it's dishwasher and microwave safe (for things like mugs). And finally you can also cut adhesive vinyl and apply to sublimation blanks the same way you would transfer vinyl to any other surface.

Can you put vinyl over sublimation?

A great point of offering HTV as well as sublimation - you can also combine both applications! With certain vinyl like Siser Glitter, you can sublimate designs directly onto the vinyl before pressing it onto the garment. When your customer demands sublimation on cotton, you can recommend this option.

Can you use HTV on sublimation mugs?

This is especially true when it comes to applying vinyl decals to round objects like mugs and latte cups. A mug press makes it super fast and easy and of course you can not only apply HTV with it - but also sublimation.

Can you use the same heat press for vinyl and sublimation?

For the typical user, there is no difference.

Most heat presses are labeled as suitable for pressing heat transfer vinyl (HTV) or sublimation ink. The difference is that sublimation requires a higher heat to transfer to fabric or ceramic than vinyl.

What kind of vinyl can I sublimate on?

To be able to sublimate on vinyl it needs to be a permanent vinyl (not removable) and either white or clear. It can be glossy or matte, that doesn't make a difference.

18 related questions found

Can you use a Cricut for sublimation?

You'll be able to use your Cricut to cut out all your favorite designs and patterns, prepare them for sublimation printing, and knock out the whole project – from start to finish – faster than you ever thought possible, all from the comfort of your own home.

How do you use sublimation with Cricut mug?

Using a Sublimation Print with the Cricut Mug Press

Turn on your Cricut Mug Press so it will heat up while you prepare your mug. The light will turn green when it's ready to go. Clean the mug using a lint roller. Any pieces of lint or dust can sublimate onto the mug and leave spots.

Is sublimation better than vinyl?

Sublimation printing has a bit higher start-up cost when compared to heat transfer vinyl, but maybe a better option based on final results. To get started with sublimation printing you will need a sublimation printer, sublimation paper, heat press machine and blank apparel where our design will be transferred.

What kind of vinyl is used for mugs?

651 is great for mugs because of it's permanent adhesive strength - however keep in mind it's not considered dishwasher or microwave safe so you'll want to hand wash. After applying 651 vinyl to a mug be sure to let it cure (sit) for about 48 hours before washing. This just lets the adhesive come to full strength.

How do you keep vinyl from peeling off tumblers?

Weed the vinyl and apply transfer paper over it. Apply a piece of transfer tape to the vinyl decal that you removed. Then, with the paper backing, stick the decal on the glass where you want it.

Do you have to seal vinyl on mugs?

You need permanent adhesive vinyl in a color to go on your mug. You'll also want standard grip transfer tape to get the vinyl onto your mug's surface. To clean the mugs, rubbing alcohol is all you need — cleaning them helps your vinyl stick better.

Can you use premium vinyl on tumblers?

For tumblers, you definitely want to use a permanent or outdoor vinyl. These vinyls are intended to get wet and have a longer-lasting adhesive on them. My personal favorites are Cricut and Oracal brands. Cricut calls the vinyl you want to use Premium Permanent vinyl.

Is it cheaper to do sublimation or vinyl?

You will get the best results when printing on black and other dark-colored materials. The equipment and consumables needed for vinyl printing cost far less than sublimation.

Is a sublimation printer worth it?

Sublimation printing is outstanding for fine lines and details, and arguably one of the best methods for all-over printing. With low set up costs, it is great for small runs, and the printing is so close to permanent it's pretty much unbeatable.

Can I sublimate on Cricut mugs?

CAN I USE ANY MUG WITH THE CRICUT MUG PRESS? Cricut mug blanks are optimized to be used with the Cricut Mug Press. But you can also use sublimation mug blanks. These mugs have a special coating allowing the ink to transfer.

Are sublimation mugs dishwasher safe?

The sublimated coating on the mug should hold up for many years of being washed in the dishwasher, but fading over time is normal. For a longer lasting image, place the mug on the top rack of the dishwasher and as far away from the heating element as possible. Microwaving your mug will not harm the image.

Can you sublimate on Cricut vinyl?

You cant sublimate with the Cricut, but you can print with your printer using Cricut Design Space and Print then Cut. Cricut Access has plenty of images you can use for sublimation designs. The things that you need to sublimate using glitter heat transfer vinyl.

Can an inkjet printer be used for sublimation?

Inkjet printers that use a thermal printing head cannot be used for sublimation printing. As a result inkjet printers manufactured by Canon, Hewlett Packard (HP), Lexmark or Dell are not suitable. Printers that use a Micro Piezo printing head can be used for sublimation printing.

Can Cricut vinyl go in dishwasher?

This makes me so excited because now I can be assured that when I make mugs – either for myself or as gifts – they are going to last them AND they will be able to put them in the dishwasher. Tip: Make sure you let your vinyl adhere to the mug for at least 48 hours before putting it in the dishwasher!

Will Vinyl stay on coffee mugs?

Well, there are two types of adhesive vinyls: removable and permanent. When it comes to mugs, permanent is always the best way to go because it can withstand washing (dishwashing or washing by hand). Not to mention, permanent adhesive vinyl has a higher tact than removable.