How to Sublimate a Doormat Like a Pro (When You're a Newbie)

If you've been wanting to make custom doormats but thought sublimating something that THICK was too complicated...it's not!

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Sublimating a doormat is actually so much easier than you think. The key is using a little cardboard trick and pressing in sections. Let me show you exactly how to do it!

First, pick up a sublimation doormat (or a 10 pack so you can make one for every season and holiday!)

I have a handful of different sublimation printers. I used my Epson F570 sublimation printer since as a 24" sublimation printer it's not problem printing a large sublimation doormat design.

You can make your design any size you want though and you can even print in sections if needed.

When you're ready, size your design and don't forget to mirror (most sublimation print drivers will do this for you so you may not need to mirror manually).

Once you've got your print ready to go, put it to the side for right now.

How to Heat Press a Sublimation Door Mat

Doormats are THICK (and floppy). To help support the doormat while pressing place a piece of cardboard on the bottom platen. You can use a clamshell heat press, but a swing away heat press is even better for thick items.

Before turning on your heat press, place the cardboard down and then place your doormat on top of the cardboard

Adjust the pressure on your heat press now to accommodate the thickness of both the doormat AND the cardboard.

You may need to loosen the pressure significantly - more than you think! Test close the press to make sure it can close over the doormat.

Once you've got the pressure set, remove the doormat and turn on your heat press. You want to set it to 400°F.

While it's warming up, roll a lint roller over the doormat to remove any lint or dust.

When the press is up to temperature, place your sublimation transfer face down, centered on the doormat. Secure it with a few pieces of heat resistant transfer tape.

If the full design won't fit under the heat press, don't worry. You can press in sections using the cardboard to easily slide the doormat.

Cover everything with a piece of parchment paper, and press the first section for 60 seconds at 400°F.

After the first press, carefully slide the cardboard to press the second section for another 60 seconds.

It should be easy to tell what area of the sublimation transfer hasn't been pressed yet. And if some of the already pressed section gets pressed again it should be fine.

Peel away the sublimation paper and you've created a sublimation welcome mat.

I love sublimation because the ink infuses into the fibers of the material so you can always see the texture through the ink which gives a really professional look.

Need same day, personalized help with your sublimation projects? Join Silhouette U for same-day support, exclusive sublimation tutorials, and access to my sublimation cost calculator to help you price your projects!

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