Posted By TeckWrap Craft On October 09, 2024
How To Remove Sublimation Ink From Tumbler?
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Do you want to take off the old sublimation design from your drinkware or rectify a mistake that you made during the process? You can remove sublimation ink from a tumbler by applying heat to it in a convection oven or with a heat gun. You can also use acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or paint stripper to erase sublimation ink. In this blog, we will present the different methods of removing
Methods Of Removing Sublimation Ink From A Tumbler
While sublimating tumblers, you may make mistakes like misaligned transfer, ghosted design, incorrect color placement, or uneven seams. If any of this happens, you do not have to discard your tumbler. Use the methods mentioned below to remove sublimation ink from the place where you have made the mistake. You can even remove the whole design if you want. Here’s how:
Method #1: Using Convection Oven
If you want to remove the entire sublimated design from your tumbler, apply heat to it in a convection oven. This is what you should do:
- Preheat your oven to 385°F or 196°C.
- Clean the sublimated tumbler using rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to remove dust, grease, and other contaminants from its surface.
- An important step is to cover the mouth of the cup with a small piece of silicone matt so that the ink released from the tumbler won't settle inside it. This can be hazardous to health.
- Place the tumbler inside the oven and apply heat to it.
- It will take four to five hours to remove sublimation ink from the tumbler. Rotate it after every 15 minutes to distribute the heat evenly.
- Apply more heat if the ink is not removed completely, rotating it every 15 minutes. A tumbler might take more or less time than what we have mentioned depending on its construction and the sublimation design.
- Once the sublimation ink is removed, allow the tumbler to cool down completely before redesigning it.
Method #2: Using A Heat Gun
If you have made a mistake and only want to correct a specific area, this is the method to use for removing sublimation ink. Here’s how you can use a
- Keep the heat gun at the lowest setting.
- Apply heat to the area from where you want to remove the sublimation ink.
- The heat gun should be kept an inch away from the spot.
- Keep moving it to and from to apply heat evenly to the whole area. Be patient as this will take some time before you see the ink fading
- Once the ink is removed, allow the tumbler to cool down completely.
Method #3: Using Acetone Or Rubbing Alcohol
You can use solvents like acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove sublimation ink from tumblers. Here’s how to do it;
- Place a piece of foil on a table and place a paper towel on it. These should be big enough to completely cover your tumbler.
- Pour acetone or rubbing alcohol on the paper towel to soak it completely.
- Put your tumbler on the edge and roll it in acetone soaked paper towel and foil
- Scrunch the foil to tightly cover the tumbler. Leave it for three to four hours.
- Remove the foil afterward and you will see the ink transferred onto the paper towel.
- If you are not satisfied with the result, take a fresh paper towel and again soak it in acetone or rubbing alcohol. Cover the tumbler as stated above.
- You may have to repeat the process three to four times to completely remove sublimation ink from the tumbler.
Method #4: Using Paint Stripper
Paint stripper is another chemical you can use to remove sublimation ink from a tumbler. Here’s how:
- Apply paint stripper all over the tumbler with a brush covering it fully including the bottom.
- Take a piece of foil and cover the tumbler with it completely.
- Let it sit for three to four hours allowing the paint stripper to work.
- Remove the foil after the time is up and you will see that the sublimation ink has been removed.
- If there is any ink or spot left, wash the tumbler and repeat the process of applying the paint stripper to that area only.
- Wash the tumbler off with a mild dish detergent and it is ready for re-sublimation.
Tips For Removing Sublimation Ink From Tumblers
For successful sublimation ink removal and to ensure safety during the process, it is important to follow the tips mentioned below:
- Work in a well-ventilated area. This is a crucial precaution because fumes from sublimation ink can be injurious to health.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from chemicals. If you are using heat to remove the sublimation design, your gloves should be heat-resistant.
- After you have removed sublimation ink from your tumbler, handle it with care to protect its surface. Wash it with warm water and mild dishwashing soap, then set it aside to dry for a while.
- Removing a sublimation design is a time-consuming process. Be patient and do not rush it or you will not get the desired results.
- After re-sublimating your tumbler, it is better to hand wash it. Do not put it in a dishwasher.
- If you have made a small mistake, you cover it with permanent adhesive vinyl instead of removing the whole sublimated design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clean The Tumbler and Re-sublimate!
With the methods mentioned above, you can successfully remove sublimation ink from a tumbler and make it ready for redesigning. You can re-sublimate it or apply a permanent
For premium-quality sublimation sheets and adhesive vinyl, visit the TeckWrap Craft online store. Order from us now and bring your ideas to life. It’s time to sip in style by customizing tumblers with unique designs!
