Gang sheet builder and application instructions

The 24-Hour Cure: Although the wrap bonds instantly, the adhesive continues to cure over the first day. Wait at least 24 hours before wetting or washing the item.

Hand-Wash Only: To maximize the lifespan of your custom drinkware, always hand-wash with a soft sponge. Avoid dishwashers, microwaves, prolonged soaking, and harsh abrasive scrubbing directly over the graphic. 

Troubleshooting Fine Lines: If your design includes thin fonts or fine lines, peel the clear tape extra slowly in Step 6. Hairline details require extra patience during the final peel to ensure they release perfectly.

Setup 1: Coated Drinkware (Mugs & Tumblers)

• Step 1: Prep & Clean
  Wipe your drinkware with a clean microfiber cloth or a lint roller to remove any dust or lint. Do not use rubbing alcohol right before pressing, as trapped moisture can cause blurring.
• Step 2: Position & Tape
  Place your print face down against the drinkware. Wrap it tightly and secure all edges firmly with heat-resistant tape. A tight wrap prevents “ghosting” (blurry edges).
• Step 3: Protect
  Wrap a layer of butcher paper over the taped design to protect your heating element from shifting ink.
• Step 4: Press
  • Tumbler Press: Press at 360°F–375°F for 45–60 seconds. If doing a full wrap, rotate 180 degrees and press for another 45 seconds.
  • Sublimation Oven (with shrink wrap): Bake at 375°F–400°F for 5–6 minutes, turning halfway through.

• Step 5: Peel Hot
  Put on heat gloves, remove the item from the heat source, and carefully peel the tape and paper away immediately to stop the sublimation process.

Setup 2: Polyester Apparel & Fabrics

• Step 1: Preheat & De-moisturize
  Set your flat heat press to 385°F–400°F. Lint-roll your garment thoroughly. Place the fabric in the press for 3–5 seconds to remove wrinkles and hidden moisture.
• Step 2: Insert Protection
  Place a piece of butcher paper inside the shirt. This prevents the ink from bleeding through the front fabric onto the back of the shirt.
• Step 3: Align the Design
  Place your sublimation sheet face down on the garment. Secure it with a few pieces of heat-resistant tape so it cannot shift when the press closes.
• Step 4: Cover & Press
  Cover the entire setup with a clean sheet of butcher paper. Press with medium pressure at 385°F–400°F for 45–60 seconds.
• Step 5: Smooth Reveal
  Open the press slowly. Lift the transfer paper quickly in one swift motion to prevent the hot paper from shifting and creating a “shadow” effect on the fabric.

• The “Ghosting” Fix: If your text or image looks blurry or has a shadow, the paper shifted while hot or was not taped tightly enough. Always tape securely and lift the paper straight up when finished.
• Brown Scorch Marks: If your white fabric or ceramic turns yellowish or brown, your temperature is too high, or you pressed it for too long. Drop the heat by 10 degrees and try again.
• Faded or Dull Colors: Sublimation paper looks dull before it is pressed. The colors only activate with intense heat. If it looks faded after pressing, you need more pressure or a slightly longer press time.

• Why it matters: Invisible finger oils, dust, car wax, and window cleaners (like Windex) leave a residue that destroys adhesive performance.
• Note: Allow the surface to dry completely before applying the sticker.

• Touch one edge of the sticker to the surface first.
• Use a squeegee or credit card to slowly scrape and flatten the rest of the sticker down in one smooth direction. This pushes all trapped air out to prevent bubbles.