How to Sublimate Tumblers in Convection Oven (Time, Temperature and Tricks)

If you don't have a tumbler press, you can sublimate tumblers in a designated convection oven. 

While it takes longer to sublimate tumblers in a convection oven than it does in a tumbler press, you can get the same great results if you know the right time and temperature...and a few tricks to help avoid ghosting. 

Start by finding a sublimation tumbler template. This pretty glitter wrap I'm using is from So Fontsy's Everything Sublimation bundle.  

Download the template and then open in your layout program or print manager. 

I'm using Silhouette Studio to layout a several tumbler templates. I like that you can print directly through the Epson print manager from Silhouette Studio on both a MAC and PC.

I actually printed several different tumbler templates from this bundle all at the same time on my 24" Epson F570 sublimation printer. Two tumbler wraps can fit across the 24" sublimation printer. 

Once printed, you want to trim off any white margins.

Have your high temperature tape ready. Hold the tumbler wrap tightly around your tumbler and then tape tightly across the middle. 

You need a few pieces to go across the seam and then one long piece down the entire seam. This will keep any air out which will help prevent ghosting. 

If you didn't trim the template to be the exact height as your tumbler use a good amount of tape to keep the edges folded around the top and bottom. 

Any little folds can create air pockets and that's where air gets in and creates ghosting. So if you use this fold over method it's a good idea to use a full silicone tumbler sleeve wrap to not only make sure everything stays tightly wrapped but to create pressure which is needed for sublimation. 

Heat up your convection oven to 400 degrees. 

When it comes to temperature, place the tumbler in the convection oven for six minutes. 

When the time is up use heat resistant gloves to remove the tumbler. 

Let it cool slightly before removing the silicone sleeve along with the tape and transfer paper. 

And there you have it - a beautiful tumbler sublimated in a convection oven! 

I also made another tumbler from this set using a tumbler press and that one also came out with bright and vibrant colors and no ghosting. 

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