DIY: sublimating drinking bottles

“Personalized drinking bottles are in high demand and simple to produce. This guide outlines the essential equipment, the process workflow and key tips to achieve consistent results at the POS.”

Various bottle formats can be decorated via sublimation. Our portfolio includes lightweight aluminum bottles and double-walled stainless steel thermo bottles. Each model features a transparent polymer coating optimized for high-quality sublimation printing.

Two Methods for Bottle Sublimation

Choose between:

• Sublimation with a Bottle Press or Multipurpose Heat Press
• Sublimation with an Oven and Shrink Film

Both methods deliver identical print quality. Review the relative advantages and considerations here: Press vs Oven and Shrink Film.

Equipment Checklist for Bottle Sublimation

• Blank sublimation bottles
• Sublimation printer
• Either:
  • Multipurpose Heat Press or Bottle Press
  • or Sublimation Oven plus Shrink Film

Sublimation with a Press

• Install the correct heat mat in your press and set the temperature for your bottle type.
• Print your design, allow 2 minutes to dry, then secure it to the bottle with heat-resistant tape.
• Start the press, insert the bottle and close the lid.
• After 70 seconds (you’ll hear a beep), remove the bottle in one smooth motion.
• Immediately peel off the transfer and cool the bottle in cold water or air.

Sublimation with Oven and Shrink Film

• Remove the oven basket. If bottles won’t stand upright, position them horizontally on heat-resistant supports.
• Print your design on sublimation paper and let it sit for 2 minutes.
• Attach the print to the bottle with heat-resistant tape, then wrap it in shrink film.
• Use a heat gun or hair dryer to shrink the film snugly around the bottle.
• Place the bottle in the preheated oven and start the timer.
• When the cycle finishes, remove the bottle, peel off film and transfer in one motion, then cool immediately.

Best-Practice Tips

• Follow the recommended heat, pressure and time settings found on each product page.
• Ensure shrink film fully covers your design and fits tightly to prevent ink migration in the oven.
• Protect uncoated steel parts and oven floors with heat-resistant tape or a PTFE sheet to avoid sticking and ink build-up.

Technotape: Your Sublimation Partner

At Technotape, you have full access to everything required for bottle sublimation and beyond. Explore our range of sublimation blanks, printers, heat presses and consumables to build your B2B offering and drive success at the POS.

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