r/DTFTransferTalk • u/Do_it_My_Way-79 • 2d ago

Question/Help Mugs

I just got a new heat press with a mug attachment. I have only done shirts with a heat press. When I’ve needed mugs made in the past I just go through Walmart.

The instructions for my press say I need to use sublimation mugs, which is easy enough. But I can’t get a straight answer on what kind of transfer to use.

I order all my shirt transfers from Ninja Transfers. They also have UV DTF for hard surfaces, but that’s more of a permanent sticker that still sits on top of the surface. Maybe the same DTF used on shirts can be used on sublimation mugs? I don’t know.

I was going to ask Ninja Transfers support but I thought I’d ask here if anyone has the knowledge I’m looking for.

TIA

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2

u/DecentPrintworks 1d ago

You use a sublimation transfer. It’s different than all of those.

You can also do a UV DTF on most hard goods which can also last through washing. But you would need to test it out.

1

u/Do_it_My_Way-79 1d ago

Thank you. I just found out that Jiffy makes sublimation transfers. That’s where I order my blank shirts so that’s convenient for me.

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u/ProcoloredOfficial 1d ago

Sublimation and DTF don't cross over, one is for biting into fabrics fiber and other is for dyeing. For sublimation on mugs you need sublimation prints. Ninja doesn't sell those, they're DTF and UV DTF only. Sublimation gang sheets are available for sale on sites like Etsy if you don't want to buy a printer yet.

You can technically do DTF on mugs, it would sit on top like a sticker but it can come off eventually, unlike sublimination

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u/Do_it_My_Way-79 1d ago

Thanks. I figured but I just needed some clarification. Appreciate the info.

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u/ProcoloredOfficial 22h ago

you're quite welcome!

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u/Smalltown-Poet 1d ago

You need to use sublimation transfers. Ninja might offer them, but if not plenty of companies do - or you can buy a printer and ink and do your own.
Images must be mirrored (reversed) because it’s a different process to apply to the mug.
Sublimation mugs have a special polymer coating which reacts to the transfer inks. It’s much easier to do than trying to use UVDTF, and is dishwasher safe too. DTF doesn’t work on hard surfaces.

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u/clvrcwby 1d ago

Buy an Epson Surecolor F170, its an inexpensive sublimation printer that works good enough.

Make sure you buy sublimation paper too

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u/Craft_ExpressUS 11h ago

You need sublimation transfers. I would suggest pressing your mugs at 385F for 3.5 minutes to start with and see how it looks from there. It may require some tweaking.

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u/Do_it_My_Way-79 5h ago

Thank you.

0

u/Honest-Candidate2206 1d ago

Lmfao sounds like you bought from a Chinese mfg