Tools and Optional Supplies

• Tumbler (the one that you messed up)
• Convection oven
• Sublimation design
• Tumbler press

Is It Worth Fixing? A Sublimation Mistake Assessment Quiz

How severe is the mistake on your tumbler?

Completely ruined
Slightly off

Do you have a convection oven?

Yes
No

Are you willing to spend up to 60 minutes or more to fix this?

Yes
No

Are you open to using vinegar or other household items if the oven method fails?

Yes
No

What are sublimation designs?  

Sublimation designs are graphic designs that use high heat to transfer the design onto a material.

Once you know how sublimation works it’s easier to figure out how to undo the process and fix your mistakes.

How Do You Remove Sublimation

Let’s say you forgot to reverse the image or put the paper upside-down. Now you’re wondering if you can remove and replace it with another design.

If you make a mistake it’s possible to save and reuse the tumbler.

You can try the 7-step method below.

Re-bake the Tumbler

If you’ve ever made a sublimation mistake, you know that it can be really annoying. 

But you can salvage the tumbler using the magic of an oven. Yes, it’s possible to rebake it!

Convection Oven Method

You’ll need a convection oven to rebake your tumbler.

The reason why you’ll use a convection oven instead of a regular oven is for the even distribution of heat.

You already know that high heat is needed for sublimation printing. So, it’s understandable that you can also use it to remove a design.

Steps to Fix a Sublimation Tumbler

Yield: 1

Steps to Fix a Sublimation Tumbler

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Print

Active Time 15 minutes

Instructions

1. Set your oven to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Place the tumbler in a convection or toaster oven. 
3. Set your timer to 60 minutes.
4. Check for signs of fading after 5 - 10 minutes. 
5. Leave the tumbler in and keep checking it after 15-minute intervals.
6. Remove the tumbler using protective heat gloves and let it cool
7. Apply a new sublimation design to the tumbler using a mug press.

Notes

You may need 15 - 30 extra minutes to fade the existing design from the tumbler. Put it in for an initial 60 minutes and check on the progress frequently. 

Recommended Products

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• 
  Sublimation Paper 100 Sheets 8.5 x 11 Inches, for Any Inkjet Printer with Sublimation Ink Epson, HP, Canon Sawgrass, Heat Transfer Sublimation for Mugs T-shirts Light Fabric

Can You Use Vinegar to Remove Sublimation?

This method works as an alternative to using vinegar or harsh chemicals like rubbing alcohol or acetone. 

You don’t want to remove the special coating that makes the tumbler able to be sublimated in the first place.

Pre-Soaking

There’s no need to soak the tumbler before baking it again. It’s an unnecessary step so skip it.

Brown Spots

There may be some brown spots on the bottom of the tumbler or the inside of the tumbler after using this method. If that’s not a deal breaker for you then go ahead and try it.

How To Avoid Mistakes with Sublimation Ink

Make sure to double-check the direction, placement, and sizing of your design to avoid making mistakes in the first place.

Pro Tip – Make sure to wear heat gloves to protect your hands. 

Do you have any other tips to fix sublimation mistakes tumblers? Let me know.

Working on smaller craft projects? Check out my post on how to remove sublimation from a mug.

Want to save this for later? Pin it to your favorite DIY board on Pinterest! 

Feel free to save this post to your craft tips board on Pinterest to refer to later.

Conclusion

Now you see that there’s an easy way to fix sublimation design mistakes, grab those tumblers, glass cans, and coffee mugs that you’ve been hiding in the junk drawer.

If you have a little patience, you should be able to fix them with no problem.

7 Easy Steps to Fix Sublimation Mistakes on Tumblers

Learn how to correct common sublimation mistakes on your tumblers with these easy steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the common sublimation mistakes on tumblers?

Common sublimation mistakes on tumblers include uneven prints, fading, and peeling. Learn how to fix them in this guide.

Q: How can I fix uneven prints on sublimated tumblers?

To fix uneven prints, ensure even pressure and temperature during sublimation and use high-quality blanks.

Q: What causes fading in sublimated tumbler designs?

Fading can be caused by using the wrong color profile. Make sure to use the correct color settings for your designs.

Q: How do I prevent peeling on sublimated tumblers?

Prevent peeling by using proper sublimation paper and making sure the tumblers are clean and free from contaminants.