Sublimation on a Low Budget, Done Right First Time: A Test-First Routine and Fault-Finder for AM.CO.ZA Inks and Presses
This page started as an August 2023 sublimationinks.co.za post, "Unveiling the Superiority of AM.CO.ZA Sublimation Printing Inks and Products for Low Budget Enthusiasts". The post promised low-budget users reliable, consistent results and support along the way. On a small budget, consistency is where the money goes: every failed mug or shirt costs a blank, a sheet of paper and ink, and a customer's patience. This deepened version turns the promise into practice. It gives a test-first routine, a fault-finder for the most common mug and T-shirt problems, and the consumables that stop those faults, all taken from AM.CO.ZA's own how-to videos and product data, with every product linked. The original post is kept at the bottom.
Other sublimationinks pages cover other angles: what to buy first on low-cost sublimation, every product family on the AM.CO.ZA sublimation range, mapped, printer and printhead compatibility on buying sublimation ink: a compatibility checklist, warranty and spare parts on affordable sublimation that lasts, driver and press settings in depth on the benefits of sublimation ink, and roll-to-roll garment faults on sublimation sport garment branding.
Facts come from the AM.CO.ZA product data behind buythis.co.za (product JSON on am.im; dump dated up to 2026-10-20) and from AM.CO.ZA's YouTube videos, each named where it is used. Prices change, so check the current price on each linked Buythis page. Stock is not shown here.
Quick answer
- Test one piece before every batch. AM.CO.ZA's own mug test came out pale at 40 seconds and was right at 80 seconds. Mug coatings, presses and room conditions differ, so the only reliable setting is the one you tested.
- Start from 200 °C. The videos treat 200 °C as the point where sublimation ink turns to gas and bonds; mugs and polyester T-shirts start there, with 60 to 90 seconds as the usual first try.
- Get pressure right before you press. Too little pressure leaves blotches; too much cracks mugs. On fabric, use light to medium pressure.
- Secure the paper and take it off hot. Heat-resistant tape stops the paper moving, and removing the paper straight after pressing prevents ghosting.
- Fix colour at the printer, once. Save an Epson driver preset with no colour adjustment, and design in RGB if you want brighter colours.
- Only sublimation-ready blanks work. A normal shop mug has no coating, and cotton washes out. Use coated blanks such as H-PRESS/MUG/36 and polyester fabric, or the cotton transfer papers.
Why consistency is the real budget saver
A low-budget setup is usually an office printer with bulk ink, a mug or flat press, and a pack of paper (see low-cost sublimation for the kit). The ink per print is small. What hurts is waste: a ruined mug, a shirt with a ghost image, a reprint because the colour was dull. The same few mistakes cause most of that waste, and every one of them shows up in AM.CO.ZA's how-to videos. The rest of this page is built around catching them on a test piece instead of on a customer's order.
The test-first routine
Use this every time you change something: a new box of mugs, a new fabric, a new press, or a new pack of paper.
- Print one test design on the correct paper, mirrored once (in the driver or in your design software, never both).
- Handle the print by the edges. Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22) warns that finger oils on the inked side leave blemishes.
- Set pressure first, with the press cold or the item in only briefly. Tighten in small steps until the item clips in with a little resistance, as the same video shows. Do not leave a mug sitting in a hot press while you adjust, or it starts transferring.
- Press at 200 °C with a first-try time. For mugs the 2018 demonstration Sublimation Print on Blank White Mugs Demonstrated on Heatware Heat Press with Prints by LA Dezign (2018-11-09) uses 60 to 90 seconds; for polyester T-shirts T-Shirt Sublimation Printing by Print on Office Inkjet Printer and Press on Heatware Heat Press Demo (2018-11-09) also uses 200 °C for 60 to 90 seconds. Paper-specific guidelines are in #SortIT, Sublimation and Heat Transfer Paper Temperature and Press Time Guideline for All Fabrics (2020-03-17).
- Peel the paper immediately, using tweezers on a hot mug.
- Judge the result in daylight. If blacks are grey or colours are flat, add time; the 2021 test doubled from 40 to 80 seconds at the same temperature. If there are blotches, add pressure or fix an air gap. Change one thing at a time.
- Write the winning settings down against the blank and supplier. A different mug coating needs a new test, because, as the 2021 video says, not every sublimation mug has the same coating.
- For fabric, test shrinkage too. Easy Sublimation T-Shirt Printing, Follow Step by Step Easy Guide to Learn Sublimation Printing (2022-09-14) recommends pressing a 100 x 100 mm print first; the Prolite shirt fabric in that video shrank about 2 cm in height and 3 to 5 cm in width, so artwork was made slightly bigger.
Printer setup for repeatable colour
For most low-budget work, #SortIT, Choose EPSON EcoTank Bulk Ink Printer for Sublimation Printing for Our Heat Press Machine (2018-10-30) says a normal office printer with a bulk ink system is enough, as long as it can print with dye ink and reaches at least 600 dpi; Epson inkjets are the suggested choice. The office ink is H-INK/COMBO/100 (four 100 ml CMYK bottles for compatible piezo printers such as suitable Epson EcoTank models), or the single colours H-INK/BLACK, H-INK/CYAN, H-INK/MAGENTA, H-INK/YELLOW. Full compatibility rules are on the compatibility checklist.
#SortIT, Change Printer Setting for Better Colour While Using Heatware Sublimation Ink from AM CO ZA (2018-10-30) sets up the Epson driver once and saves it, so every print uses the same settings:
| Driver setting | Value from the video | Why it matters for consistency |
|---|---|---|
| Paper type | Plain paper | Matches how the sublimation paper takes ink |
| Quality | High | Fewer bands and a fuller colour layer |
| Colour correction | Custom, then Advanced, then No colour adjustment | Stops the driver changing the colours in your design |
| Mirror image | On, if you do not mirror in your software | The print must be back to front so it reads correctly on the blank |
| Preset | Save all of the above under a name | The next job uses the same settings without re-clicking |
On design, Easy Sublimation T-Shirt Printing, Follow Step by Step Easy Guide to Learn Sublimation Printing (2022-09-14) adds that designing in RGB rather than CMYK keeps colours brighter for general vibrant work (use your brand's colour process when you must match a set colour).
Mugs: centring and pressure
Crooked prints and blotches are the two classic mug failures. Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22) shows a simple centring method:
- Turn the mug upside down, line a ruler up with the handle and mark the bottom edge opposite the handle with a pencil.
- Measure the print side to side, and mark its halfway point on the edge of the paper (a 23 cm print is marked at 11.5 cm).
- Line the two marks up, then tape the print tight so there are no waves or bubbles. An air gap under the paper gives blotches.
- A white border is fine. There is no white ink, so blank paper transfers nothing.
- Slide the mug in sideways with the handle straight up and centred in the heating pad, then close the clamp.
Pressure is set with the adjuster on the press. Too high and the mug can crack during the press; too low and the ink does not fully transfer, leaving patches. The H-HOBBY/MUG (320 W, up to 210 °C) and H-PRESS/MUG (with a 320 ml cylinder attachment and adjustable temperature and pressure) are the single-mug presses, and H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO closes and opens by itself, as shown in Automatic Sublimation Mug Press Usage Instructions and Mug Press Demonstration (2024-05-13); that video also cools the finished mug under cold water before drying it.
Fault-finder: symptom, cause, fix
| What you see | Likely cause | Fix | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacks look grey, colours flat on a mug | Not enough time at temperature | Add time at the same temperature (the test went from 40 to 80 seconds) | Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22) |
| A small smudge on the mug | Time slightly too short for that mug surface | Press a little longer; practise on each new mug type | Sublimation Print on Blank White Mugs Demonstrated on Heatware Heat Press with Prints by LA Dezign (2018-11-09) |
| A faint second image (ghosting) | Paper moved while the item was still hot | Tape the print securely and peel it off straight after pressing | Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22), How Thermally Conductive Adhesive Transfer Tapes Works, Why You Need Thermal-Tape for Heat Press (2021-05-29) |
| Patches with no ink, blotches | Too little pressure, or an air gap or bubble under the paper | Tighten pressure in small steps; tape the paper tight with no waves | Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22) |
| Mug cracks in the press | Pressure too high, or a poor-quality mug | Back off the adjuster until the clamp closes with slight resistance | Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22), Sublimation Print on Blank White Mugs Demonstrated on Heatware Heat Press with Prints by LA Dezign (2018-11-09) |
| Marks or blemishes in the image | Finger oils on the printed side | Hold prints by the edges | Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22) |
| Nothing transfers onto a mug | A normal shop mug without sublimation coating | Use coated sublimation blanks such as H-PRESS/MUG/36 | Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22) |
| Colours duller than on screen | Driver colour correction left on, or design converted to CMYK | Save a no-colour-adjustment preset; design in RGB for vibrant work | #SortIT, Change Printer Setting for Better Colour While Using Heatware Sublimation Ink from AM CO ZA (2018-10-30), Easy Sublimation T-Shirt Printing, Follow Step by Step Easy Guide to Learn Sublimation Printing (2022-09-14) |
| Text reads backwards on the item | Mirror missing, or mirrored twice | Mirror once, in the driver or in software | #SortIT, Change Printer Setting for Better Colour While Using Heatware Sublimation Ink from AM CO ZA (2018-10-30) |
| Shirt print fades after washing | Cotton content; sublimation bonds to polyester | Use polyester (or the 75/25 poly-cotton blend in the video); for cotton use the transfer papers below | T-Shirt Sublimation Printing by Print on Office Inkjet Printer and Press on Heatware Heat Press Demo (2018-11-09), Sublimation Printing FAQ, Large Format Sublimation Printer and Roller Heat Press Usage Guide (2025-02-10) |
| Ink on the press platen or a stained next item | No protective sheet | Use PTFE (Teflon) sheets top and bottom on fabric | T-Shirt Sublimation Printing by Print on Office Inkjet Printer and Press on Heatware Heat Press Demo (2018-11-09) |
| Paper warps, white streaks on large prints | Paper too thin for the ink load on large format printers | Use heavier paper (the video recommends 130 g or more; AM.CO.ZA rolls are 120 g) | Easy Sublimation T-Shirt Printing, Follow Step by Step Easy Guide to Learn Sublimation Printing (2022-09-14) |
Roller-press problems such as streaks from an unsettled blanket are covered on affordable sublimation that lasts and sublimation sport garment branding.
The right paper for the job
Most budget waste on fabric comes from the wrong paper. #SortIT, Sublimation and Heat Transfer Paper Temperature and Press Time Guideline for All Fabrics (2020-03-17) describes three Heatware papers, all in A4 and A3 and for inkjet printing:
| Paper | Use it for | Notes from the product record |
|---|---|---|
| H-PAPER/A4, H-PAPER/A3 | Hard surfaces (mugs, coated blanks) and light-colour polyester | 100 g, 100 sheets per bag, print as a mirror image with sublimation ink |
| H-PAPER/A4L, H-PAPER/A3L | Light fabrics including up to 95% cotton | 20 sheets per bag, prints on normal inkjet or laser printers, mirror image |
| H-PAPER/DARK/A4, H-PAPER/DARK/A3 | Dark fabrics including up to 95% cotton | 20 sheets per bag, normal inkjet, cut around the design; heat press or suitable iron |
Consumables that protect your results
| Item | What it prevents | From the product record |
|---|---|---|
| H-TAPE/THERMAL/T20 | Paper shifting, ghosting | 20 mm Teflon-based tape, 0.08 mm thin, 100 m roll, no residue |
| H-FABRIC/XXL | Ink and residue sticking to the press or marking the item | 500 x 500 mm non-stick PTFE-coated fibreglass sheet, can be trimmed, reusable |
| H-FABRIC/4060, H-FABRIC/6080 | The same, sized for 400 x 600 mm and 600 x 800 mm stations | PTFE-coated fibreglass with wire sleeve |
| H-PRESS/MUG/36 | Failed transfers on uncoated mugs | 36 standard 320 ml (11 oz) sublimation mugs; offered without shipping, so plan collection |
| F-AQUA/CLEAN/100, F-AQUA/CLEAN | Blocked nozzles and banding | Water-based cleaning solution listed with the sublimation inks |
New Locally Produced Sublimation Ink for Vibrate Colour, Fresher Stock Than Any Imports (2023-01-21) adds that AM.CO.ZA's locally produced sublimation ink is fresher than imported stock, which matters for colour from one batch to the next.
Where to learn and get help
- Short how-to clips. The #SortIT videos on the AM.CO.ZA YouTube channel cover printer choice, driver settings and paper guidelines (linked above).
- Longer walk-throughs and FAQs. Sublimation Printing FAQ, Large Format Sublimation Printer and Roller Heat Press Usage Guide (2025-02-10) answers why fabric is printed via paper, why cotton fades, and how long sublimation lasts; Heat Press FAQ - Why can you not print directly onto the material and then heat press? (2025-02-18) explains why ink is not printed straight onto the material.
- Try without a printer. Pens with Sublimation Inks Draw on Sublimation Paper, Sublimation Printing Without Printer (2024-10-27) shows hand-drawn designs on sublimation paper pressed onto a mug.
- People and places. The 2023 anniversary section of New Locally Produced Sublimation Ink for Vibrate Colour, Fresher Stock Than Any Imports (2023-01-21) describes the group: AM.CO.ZA supplies machines, spares and consumables, machine.africa handles installations and repairs, Ambitious Academy provides training, and Buythis is the online store. Later videos name showrooms in Sunnyrock (Johannesburg) and Montague Gardens (Cape Town).
The 2023 claims, checked
| 2023 claim | What AM.CO.ZA's data and videos show |
|---|---|
| Affordability without compromise | Prices are on each Buythis page and change with exchange rates, so none is quoted here. The office route needs only a normal dye-ink office printer at 600 dpi or more, per #SortIT, Choose EPSON EcoTank Bulk Ink Printer for Sublimation Printing for Our Heat Press Machine (2018-10-30). |
| Exceptional print quality on fabric, ceramics, metal | The papers cover hard surfaces, polyester and (with transfer papers) cotton. No lab or fade figures are published, so quote none. |
| Versatility: inks, papers, presses, blanks | True: inks, papers, mug, tumbler, flat and multifunction presses, blank mugs, tape and PTFE sheets are all listed (see the range map). |
| Reliable, consistent performance | Consistency depends on tested settings, the right blank and the right paper; the routine and fault-finder above are how to get it. |
| Support, troubleshooting, tutorials | AM.CO.ZA publishes how-to and FAQ videos, and the group includes repairs (machine.africa) and training (Ambitious Academy). |
| The go-to choice for best value | A judgement, not a fact. Compare kit on low-cost sublimation. |
FAQ
What temperature and time should I start with? 200 °C, with 60 to 90 seconds for mugs and polyester T-shirts, then adjust from a test piece. Each mug coating and press is different.
My mug came out pale. Should I raise the temperature? AM.CO.ZA's test kept 200 °C and doubled the time from 40 to 80 seconds, which fixed it. Change one setting at a time.
Why is there a shadow next to my design? That is ghosting: the paper moved while hot. Tape it securely and peel it off as soon as the press opens.
Can I use any mug from a shop? No. It needs a sublimation coating. H-PRESS/MUG/36 is a box of 36 coated 320 ml mugs.
Do I need a special printer? For desktop work, a normal Epson office inkjet with a bulk ink system, dye ink and 600 dpi or more is enough, per the AM.CO.ZA video.
Can I sublimate on cotton? Sublimation bonds to polyester and fades from cotton in the wash. For cotton, use H-PAPER/A4L on light fabric or H-PAPER/DARK/A4 on dark fabric.
Do I need a Teflon sheet? The T-shirt demonstration uses one top and bottom. It keeps ink off the press and off the next item. H-FABRIC/XXL can be trimmed to size.
Videos
- Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22): mug press tips, centring, pressure, time tests and ghosting.
- Sublimation Print on Blank White Mugs Demonstrated on Heatware Heat Press with Prints by LA Dezign (2018-11-09): mug demonstration at 200 °C, 60 to 90 seconds.
- Automatic Sublimation Mug Press Usage Instructions and Mug Press Demonstration (2024-05-13): using the automatic mug press.
- T-Shirt Sublimation Printing by Print on Office Inkjet Printer and Press on Heatware Heat Press Demo (2018-11-09): T-shirt from an office inkjet printer, fabric rules and Teflon sheets.
- #SortIT, Change Printer Setting for Better Colour While Using Heatware Sublimation Ink from AM CO ZA (2018-10-30): Epson driver settings for sublimation.
- #SortIT, Choose EPSON EcoTank Bulk Ink Printer for Sublimation Printing for Our Heat Press Machine (2018-10-30): choosing an office printer for sublimation.
- Affordable Sublimation Ink for Sublimation Printing from AM CO ZA for Office Inkjet Printer (2018-10-30): office-printer sublimation ink.
- #SortIT, Sublimation and Heat Transfer Paper Temperature and Press Time Guideline for All Fabrics (2020-03-17): paper temperature and time guidelines.
- How Thermally Conductive Adhesive Transfer Tapes Works, Why You Need Thermal-Tape for Heat Press (2021-05-29): why thermal tape matters.
- Easy Sublimation T-Shirt Printing, Follow Step by Step Easy Guide to Learn Sublimation Printing (2022-09-14): colour, fabric, shrinkage and paper weight on a sublimated shirt.
- Sublimation Printing FAQ, Large Format Sublimation Printer and Roller Heat Press Usage Guide (2025-02-10) and Heat Press FAQ - Why can you not print directly onto the material and then heat press? (2025-02-18): sublimation FAQ.
- New Locally Produced Sublimation Ink for Vibrate Colour, Fresher Stock Than Any Imports (2023-01-21): locally produced sublimation ink.
- Pens with Sublimation Inks Draw on Sublimation Paper, Sublimation Printing Without Printer (2024-10-27): sublimation pens, no printer needed.
Related pages
- Low-cost sublimation
- Affordable sublimation that lasts: warranty, spares and upkeep
- The AM.CO.ZA sublimation range, mapped
- Buying sublimation ink: a compatibility checklist
- The benefits of sublimation ink: driver and press settings
- Buying sublimation ink from AM.CO.ZA: packs, pricing and returns
- Five sublimation projects
- sublimationinks.co.za site page
Original post (2023, sublimationinks.co.za)
Source: https://sublimationinks.co.za/best-budget-sublimation-inks
- published: 2023-08-08 18:36:40
- modified: 2023-08-22 12:47:51
The world of sublimation printing has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, empowering individuals and businesses to explore creative possibilities like never before. Among the many options available, AM.CO.ZA has emerged as a frontrunner, offering a range of sublimation printing inks and products that stand out for their exceptional quality, affordability, and versatility. For those on a tight budget, AM.CO.ZA presents an enticing proposition, enabling them to achieve professional-grade sublimation results without breaking the bank, which you can shop via the https://sublimationinks.co.za/shop or the Buythis.co.za websites.
Affordability without Compromise
One of the primary factors that set AM.CO.ZA apart is its commitment to providing cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Low-budget enthusiasts can confidently invest in AM.CO.ZA's sublimation printing inks and products, knowing they will receive reliable performance at a fraction of the cost of some higher-priced alternatives.
AM.CO.ZA understands the challenges faced by budding entrepreneurs, small businesses, and hobbyists who seek to delve into the world of sublimation printing. By offering competitively priced inks and products, the brand democratizes access to this cutting-edge technology, empowering a wider audience to realize their creative visions.
Exceptional Print Quality
While affordability is a significant consideration, AM.CO.ZA doesn't skimp on print quality. Their sublimation printing inks are engineered to deliver vibrant, high-resolution images with impeccable colour accuracy and sharpness. Whether you're printing on fabric, ceramics, metal, or other substrates, AM.CO.ZA's inks ensure that your designs come to life in stunning detail, rivalling the output of much more expensive options.
Versatility Unleashed
AM.CO.ZA's range of sublimation printing inks and products isn't just limited to affordability and print quality; it's about versatility too. The brand offers a comprehensive selection of products, from inks and transfer papers to heat presses and sublimation blanks. This versatility means that low-budget enthusiasts can explore a wide array of creative possibilities, from customized apparel and accessories to personalized home décor and promotional items.
Reliable and Consistent Performance
When operating on a tight budget, the last thing anyone wants is to deal with subpar or unreliable products. AM.CO.ZA prides itself on delivering sublimation printing inks and products that offer consistent, dependable performance. This reliability ensures that users can meet their project deadlines and maintain a consistent level of quality, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.
Customer Support and Resources
AM.CO.ZA doesn't just provide products; they offer a comprehensive support ecosystem to assist users at every step of their sublimation journey. From technical support and troubleshooting to educational resources and tutorials, the brand goes the extra mile to empower users with the knowledge and skills needed to maximize the potential of their sublimation printing endeavours.
Conclusion
In the world of sublimation printing, AM.CO.ZA's range of sublimation printing inks and products shines as a beacon of hope for low-budget enthusiasts. By offering affordability, exceptional print quality, versatility, and reliable performance, AM.CO.ZA ensures that individuals and businesses with limited resources can engage in professional-level sublimation printing without compromise. As the brand continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it's clear that AM.CO.ZA is dedicated to empowering creativity and enabling dreams, making it the go-to choice for those seeking the best value for their sublimation printing investments. Browse the Sublimation Ink Shopfor savings today!