How To Sublimate Perfect Black Tumblers!

Hey, everybody, and welcome. My name’s Roy, and on this episode we’re going to talk about sublimating blacks and other dark colors. Is there one special thing you can do? No, there’s a lot that needs to be done, but we’re gonna talk through all those things and figure it out!
If you’re looking for some unique designs, be sure to check out my digital design website at www.industrialfringedesigns.com Make sure to bookmark and check back often, as new designs are added weekly!
If you enjoyed the video, I encourage you to like it, click the notification bell to know when new videos are released, and definitely subscribe to the channel!
In this video, I mentioned rebaking tumblers. I have a video to assist: • How To Re-Bake A Messe...
Check out my videos on getting great seams here: • The Secret To Creating...
Check out my video on getting great edges here: • How To Tape A Sublimat...
Here are links to products I used in this video, as well as products I use regularly and feel good about sharing. Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission, but you pay no additional costs. It’s a great (and easy) way to help support this channel:
I purchase all my larger quantity tumblers from locustsub: www.locustsub.com/?parent_use...
For smaller tumbler orders I use Amazon (amzn.to/3ydmuow) and RTS Sublimation Blanks (rtssublimationblanks.com)
I purchase all my presses from Heat Press Nation:
shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=113707...
I purchase all my sublimation socks from Silky Socks: silkysocks.com?aff=31
I purchase all my garden flags and dog bandanas at RTS Sublimation Blanks: rtssublimationblanks.com
I use Cyclone Ink www.cycloneinks.com/discount/... (use this link for a 10% discount off your first order) and Cosmos Ink (shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=136325...
Other items I use and/or recommend:
WD 2TB Elements External Portable Hard drive: amzn.to/3MpCye5
Olaf 12” x 18” self-healing cutting mat: amzn.to/3JbZ0n4
24” metal ruler: amzn.to/3G9371v
20mm x 33m, 108 feet (larger) heat tape: amzn.to/33CHvvZ
13mm x 33m, 108 feet heat tape: amzn.to/3eh4LBU
Desktop tape dispenser: amzn.to/3qfs2tG
Oven thermometer: amzn.to/3BkTuv7
Peel N’ Stick Ruler Tape: amzn.to/36HZxOV
DyePress: www.dyepress.com/?rfsn=681562...
14.5” x 19” poly mailers: amzn.to/3qghPgS
Heat gun: amzn.to/3u47zd7
Butcher paper: amzn.to/3NX8VOW
Pressing pillows: amzn.to/3Oo1f9f
Folding utility knife: amzn.to/3fjkUr8
Square Reader (for swiping): amzn.to/423I0Yz
Square Reader, Contactless: amzn.to/3WB2xm7
Hamilton Beach Convection Oven: amzn.to/3mhfSid
Sublimation paper I use:
HTVRont:
amzn.to/3psAPbG
Koala:
amzn.to/3wb4tWE
Asub 120:
amzn.to/3AqtmQC
Asub 105:
amzn.to/3K1I5og
TexPrint:
shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=113707...
And please check out our Facebook group, groups/55947.... If you enjoy sublimation, just answer a couple of quick questions and join. You do need to answer the questions, and you must agree to the group rules, but I promise, they’re not difficult! We’d love to have you!
I hope you enjoy, and if this video helped you, please give it a thumbs up! And also, be sure to subscribe for more upcoming fun and informative videos!

[@3rdSonDesigns]

Thank you! I was struggling with black! Adjusted the temp and used the 4 rotations and it came out great!

[@kjoscrappinmama]

Another awesome video! Thanks for all the great tips Roy! The paper towel roll is a great idea!

[@industrialfringe953]

Thank you! And yes, the paper towel roller is awesome!

[@charlenelabrasca102]

The blacks or even dark colors are my stressors!!! Thanks for this video Roy!!!

[@industrialfringe953]

You’re very welcome!

[@beautytrendz101]

Thank you for this! I have all of my equipment and haven’t started yet just learning a ton first. Subscribed ❤

[@loriarmes7153]

The paper towel holder trick is genius! So simple, but very helpful.

[@industrialfringe953]

Thanks so much!

[@gerrywolfe2549]

Great video. Great tip using the paper towel roll.

[@industrialfringe953]

Thanks so much, Gerry!

[@cw3886]

Great tips! I will implement all of them. Thank you

[@industrialfringe953]

Thanks so much!

[@tiffanyroyland1439]

Hi Roy! Thank you for the tips! I subscribed and am joining your group on facebook. Black has been a challenge for me and ghosting on tops and bottoms. Love the bloopers!

[@user-bg4qd6mk9g]

Great video. Very Helpful!

[@industrialfringe953]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@lauraflinn2686]

Thank you so much for this video, It helped alot.

[@industrialfringe953]

I’m so glad! Thanks for watching!

[@tinagibson7185]

Loved this video!! Those blacks are rough to get perfect but you're right, once you get that time, temp and pressure for blacks it's perfect for everything else.

[@industrialfringe953]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@refalot24]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@industrialfringe953]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@TYJ419]

Hey Roy! Hope all is well. I've been waiting on this video and thank you! I agree black is a beast and it's cousin red is too! You nailed it though. Thanks for the tip too. Tracey

[@industrialfringe953]

Hey, Tracey! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@monuette47]

Nice I Love it!!!

[@industrialfringe953]

Thank you!

[@joselynramos147]

Love the paper towel roll trick

[@industrialfringe953]

Yes, it rocks! Thanks for watching!

[@sunnybunny222]

I am so glad I happened across your channel. Love the presentation and explanations. I, of course, went over to your shop and I have to say..OH MY STARS!! some of those are so stinking funny....i only bought a few but i wanted so many more....They fit my sarcastic attitude perfectly...lol Thanks for sharing.

[@industrialfringe953]

I’m so glad! And yes, I get a kick out of making designs! I just may be a little on the sarcastic side. My wife calls it something entirely different! Thanks for watching!

[@jillgrey6745]

Hi Roy, In this video are you using the HTVRont 105 or 120? Thanks for all of the great videos!

[@monuette47]

thanks for sharing... Question I have can you sublimate another design on top of that?

[@splifsis25]

You can use uv dtf on the all black tumblers to make a new design.

[@industrialfringe953]

Great idea! (I’m actually planning to use them to dissect in another video, but if that falls through, I love your idea!

[@MsTracy-sl3nr]

Can you please share the link to your press?

[@teresacasillas4808]

Great Video! Thank you... I heard you mention Green and Brown tones having to do with pressure and time, but what about blue tones? Thats what im getting, along with tape marks. Please Help! Thank you in advance!

[@industrialfringe953]

I’ve not heard of blue tones. My first guess would be, is the black true black, or is there dark blue in the color. Join the Facebook group so we can more easily converse back and forth. (Just answer the group questions and agree to the group rules!)

[@owmessentials]

Hi! Love the video, this helped alot! For some reason my tumblers are coming out blue, not black. Do you typically print your paper in RGB or CMYK? Thanks so much!

[@law1379]

I like the paper roll trick! I have purchased many sub tumblers but I don't recall seeing a matte option, where did you get yours from? I think the matte finish would be better for the guys.

[@industrialfringe953]

The paper roll trick is awesome! I get all my tumblers from here. They have just about any kind you want, including matte. And yes, Matte are great for the guy tumblers! www.locustsub.com/?parent_user_id=14051924&

[@suzannetorres6652]

Awesome video! I am using A-Sub paper, 125g everything I've seen says the output printing will be a little muted. I'm very new and struggling with getting the black (or other vibrant colors) to be very rich-looking. I am using the Epson Ecotank 8550, Hiipo sublimation ink. My paper selection is Premium Matte, High Quality...what am I missing that I'm not getting your results? Is time and pressure culprits?

[@industrialfringe953]

Time, temp and pressure are so much of the formula that gets the perfect result! Light pressure is a must for me!

[@tonycarrington6994]

Hi Roy... great video you have a new subscriber... should all tumblers be peeled cool or does it depend on manufacturer. Tony uk

[@industrialfringe953]

Hey, Tony, thanks for subscribing! There is no manufacturer need. All stainless tumblers will react the same regarding this. The hotter the tumbler is, the better chance you have of getting ghosting. Obviously once it cools below 300 degrees, you should be fine, but I have found some designs with solid black on clear have a tendency to bite my butt if I peel them too soon. I used to peel mine hot, but changed about a year ago when I got a couple that ghosted. I still peel most of the tape hot, as I can’t stand trying to get the tape off when it cools! Thanks for watching!

[@VitoJudge]

❤❤❤❤

[@andreapickrell4902]

Thank for all the tips! But how did you sublimate white over the black?

[@industrialfringe953]

Great question! You don’t! The white is where there was no black. So for my groom tumblers, the image is black with white writing. When I sublimate, the white writing doesn’t sub, so it becomes the color of the tumbler, which is, in most cases, white. If I subbed that same design on a light pink tumbler, my writing would be light pink. Make sense? Thanks for watching!

[@devinedesignsllc5579]

Awesome Video, two questions if you don't mind- How did you get it matte? Have you ever had issues with heat tape showing on tumbler after you press? Biggest struggle right now. Thank you

[@industrialfringe953]

Thank you! You can buy the tumblers in a regular (shiny) finish or with a matte finish. (Link to my supplier in the description!) I did used to have occasional issues with tape impressions, but I started using very light pressure and that took care of it. Not always, but every so often a blank tumbler will be shipped not fully cured. That can cause tape indentions. To remedy that, bake it for a minute or so, then let it cool down and start the sublimation process as if it were just out of the box!

[@SYKOK1LLER]

Can you grab a temp gun to verify that you're element is as close to displayed setting? For all you know your actual temps are running hotter and the rest of use could have a machine heating exactly as displayed and wondering why 365 is not working out. I know mine is running a bit hotter and needs to be adjusted down.

[@SimplybeingR]

Thanks for sharing...how did you get white writing on the black tumbler. I am confused... Did I miss that part of the video

[@industrialfringe953]

I didn’t. The tumbler was white. I sublimated a design that was mostly black with no black (transparent) where the writing is. So basically, the writing is just not black. When I sub, all of the black shows up, but the area that doesn’t have anything (text) shows up as the tumbler color, in this case, white. If the tumbler were pink, the text would be pink, as it’s just an area that doesn’t have the black. Make sense? Thanks for watching!

[@SimplybeingR]

@industrialfringe953 wow...that's brilliant! Thanks for replying! Do you have a video out on that process? If no, I sure would love to see the designing of it!!

[@andreawhelan699]

Did you just do another sublimation sheet on tne black to get your Best Man design?

[@industrialfringe953]

I created the logo using white on a black background. Since the shite doesn’t print, all of the black printed, leaving where the white would be!

[@MileyonDisney]

c o o l

[@industrialfringe953]

Thank you!

[@thaliamallol8945]

How can I give gloss to my Tumbler. My tumbler was black and perfect I tried to put it in the over again trying to add more color with a sublimination paper since it was ghosting. I would like to know how can I give the gloss black ?

[@industrialfringe953]

Hi! I’m not sure I understand your question. I don’t believe you can give gloss to your tumbler. It comes with a matte or gloss coating. I hope that helps.

[@charmontana9686]

So can you sublimate color prints on top of the black you just did?

[@industrialfringe953]

You can, but you won’t be able to see it! Your background color is what will show through sub ink. Unfortunately you can’t sub on really dark colors. Thanks for watching!

[@TabithaRJohnson]

If i “fix” an oops tumbler with all black, what can I then do with the black sublimated tumbler? Anything?

[@industrialfringe953]

Well, I used one to test out glue gluing tho ha to it. And I’m saving another to have sliced in half later this year for when I do a video about why you shouldn’t dunk tumblers into water when they’re hot! I don’t do vinyl, but if you do, I guess you could add some vinyl to it. Or save it and sell it before Halloween as the perfect creepy black tumbler! It’s hard to do, but sometimes we have to sacrifice a product to figure things out. I actually used old tumblers that had been messed up, so I didn’t feel like I was wasting anything. Thanks for watching!

[@SixTHSUN63]

Hey Roy, I just started sublimation tonight and I wanted to know if I did want to "bake" the design off my test cup, should I wrap it up with paper anything; should I shrink wrap it also? What prep do I need to do?

[@industrialfringe953]

Welcome to the wonderful, sometimes frustrating world of sublimation! You don’t need to do anything, but set it in a sublimation-dedicated oven! I’d probably lightly wipe it off first, but you don’t need to do anything else! (Remember, don’t use an oven you use for cooking!) Thanks for watching!

[@blissful.creationz]

​@industrialfringe953 hi. Can I use a tumbler press to bake off image?

[@amandasitko1624]

What press do you use?

[@industrialfringe953]

I was using the Heat Press Nation Signature Series mug press with the tumbler attachment for years and loved it, but started using the Eenour press about 5 months ago and haven’t looked back! (There’s a link to the press in the description.) I’ll also be testing out an automatic press in about a month and really look forward to what it may be able to do! Thanks for watching!

[@Creativeambitionz_LLC]

So tired of black ghosting at the top. Thank you!!!

[@industrialfringe953]

You’re quite welcome!

[@christ14us]

what if you use a convection oven instead of tumbler press...

[@industrialfringe953]

Absolutely. It all boils down to finding that perfect time and temperature. I used to make all my tumblers in the oven, and I got great results with blacks. I did about 365-375 degrees (measured with an internal thermometer) for 4-1/2 minutes.

[@user-mw6iy9ev8m]

Great Video, but one question, i follow every step but i still get orange tops and bottoms.. what am i doing wrong ?😭

[@industrialfringe953]

It could be a couple of different things. You should have light pressure and if you haven’t yet, you should double check the actual heat to make sure your temperature is accurate. I’d suggest joining our Facebook group, as it’s very easy to interact and troubleshoot! (There’s a link in the description.) Thanks for watching!

[@xo.lexxie]

Everytime I tape the top & bottom it ghosts😢

[@rickhorowitz9312]

Since you're leaving the tape on for the extra 150 seconds, why pull ANY of the tape off before then? Doesn't that risk moving the paper around, with the potential for ghosting that you're trying to avoid?

[@industrialfringe953]

Great question. I thought I mentioned that. My apologies for not! Tape is much easier to remove while it’s hot. So I remove MOST of the tape, but not all. I’ve found after I remove the top and bottom tape, if I’m careful to peel the seam most of the way down and leave the lower quarter attached, the paper doesn’t shift. If I pull all the tape off, it has a much better chance of shifting. I hope that makes sense! Thanks for watching!

[@rickhorowitz9312]

@@industrialfringe953, turns out, you actually DID mention it. I posted the question before I finished the video. So, it appears that maybe part of my problem is that I'm impatient!

[@jndn99blue]

Suppose you get some ghosting on a black cup. Is there anyway to resub that section? I know I am stretching here, but hate to waste this 40oz cup. I taped the heck out of it. Black is my nemesis.

[@ivettesanchez7947]

How do you get matte tumblers …

[@industrialfringe953]

I get them from my supplier! There’s a link in the description. I’m starting to use more matte than glossy now!

[@ivettesanchez7947]

@@industrialfringe953 ok ty I’m going to check it out ..my niece had ask me to make her one I didn’t know they actually had them

[@shoregood8759]

Ok cool. Because people don’t appreciate the green instead of black car coaster. 😳😳😳

[@industrialfringe953]

Right! What’s wrong with green?!?! (I guess something if you’re actually going to blacks!) Thanks for watching!

[@cozarionj]

Roy you wear a mask…may I ask why ? Is sublimation smell bad ?

[@industrialfringe953]

Some off gassing happens when I bake tumblers. If I’m only doing one or two, sometimes I skip that step (but I probably shouldn’t). I always use a mask when I’m doing a bunch, as I can’t imagine it would be a good thing to inhale those gasses! Thanks for watching!

[@gustavobaeza3890]

Ink contains heavy metals. Therefore, when we sublimated toxic gases will come out from the ink due to the heat. We should always use some type of air extractor and not let those gases near you. you can have an air extractor right besides the heat press and will take all those toxic gases near the air we breath. Weather you do 1 or 100 tumblers always use an air extractor,.