Use these starting instructions for a sublimation transfer on a suitable light-colored polyester T-shirt. Check the garment label, your press, and any order-specific directions before applying the transfer.

Starting settings for polyester shirts

  • Temperature: 400°F (about 205°C)
  • Time: 45 seconds
  • Pressure: Medium, even pressure
  • Pre-press: 3–5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles

These are starting settings for polyester fabric, based on Sawgrass heat press guidance. Adjust only after checking the shirt manufacturer’s instructions and testing your setup.

Before you press

  • Use a shirt made for sublimation. Light-colored, high-polyester fabric gives the most visible color. Standard sublimation ink does not print white and is not suitable for a regular dark cotton shirt.
  • Lint-roll the print area and keep it flat, away from seams, buttons, or collars.
  • Put clean protective paper inside the shirt so ink cannot pass to the back. Use fresh blowout paper above the transfer as well.

How to apply the transfer

  1. Preheat the press and confirm its temperature.
  2. Pre-press the shirt for 3–5 seconds to release moisture and flatten it.
  3. Position the sublimation transfer with the printed image face down against the shirt. Secure it with heat-resistant tape so it cannot shift.
  4. Cover it with fresh blowout paper and press at the starting settings above.
  5. Open the press carefully and lift the paper straight up without sliding it across the shirt. Let the shirt cool on a clean, flat surface.

Avoid common problems

Movement during pressing can create a doubled or “ghosted” image. Moisture and lint can affect the print. A test press is especially helpful for unfamiliar shirts, polyester blends, or heat-sensitive fabric. Do not use the DTF peeling or second-press steps for a sublimation paper transfer.

Need help?

Contact Perfect Print if you are unsure whether a shirt is suitable. For a film transfer, use the separate DTF Pressing Instructions.