Coasters are a perfect sublimation product. They are inexpensive to make, quick to press, easy to package in sets and they sell all year: housewarming gifts, wedding favors, real estate closing gifts, business logos, pet portraits and holiday sets. This guide shows you how to sublimate the three most popular types of coaster blanks, sandstone, MDF and car coasters, and how to avoid the problems that cause blurry or faded results.
What You Need
- Sublimation coaster blanks from our sublimation coasters collection
- A sublimation printer, sublimation ink and sublimation paper. Shop sublimation printers, sublimation ink and sublimation paper.
- A heat press with adjustable pressure
- Heat-resistant tape
- Butcher paper or protective paper for the top and bottom
- Heat-resistant gloves, since coasters hold a lot of heat
Choosing a Coaster Blank
Sandstone coasters with cork base
Our sandstone sublimation coasters have a matte white sandstone surface for crisp, full-color designs and a cork base to protect tabletops. They come in square (3.93") and round (3.8") shapes, in 4-packs or 80-piece cases. Because sandstone is naturally absorbent, these coasters are practical as well as decorative. Pressing guideline: 375°F for 240 seconds.
MDF coasters with cork back
Cork-back MDF sublimation coasters (4" x 4", 10 per pack) have a coated hardboard surface that produces glossy, vibrant color. They are lightweight, consistent and ideal for bulk orders and corporate giveaways.
Plywood car coasters
Plywood sublimation car coasters are 2.5" rounds sold 15 per pack. They fit in vehicle cup holders and make great add-on sales, especially with matching keychains.
Always follow the time and temperature recommended for your specific blank. Coating thickness and core material vary, and the blank's instructions are the best starting point.
Step 1: Size Your Design
Create your design slightly larger than the coaster, often about 1/8" larger on each side, so the image "bleeds" off the edges. This prevents a white border if the transfer shifts slightly. For round coasters, design a circle; for square coasters, include the rounded corners in your bleed area. Use high-resolution images; our guide to image resolution explains why it matters.
Step 2: Print and Mirror
Print your design in mirror image on sublimation paper using your printer's sublimation profile. Not sure how sublimation paper works? Read how sublimation paper works.
Step 3: Prep the Coaster
- Remove any protective film from the printable surface.
- Wipe away dust with a lint-free cloth.
- Handle the printable side by the edges to avoid fingerprints.
Step 4: Tape the Transfer
Place the coaster face down on the printed side of the transfer, center it and wrap the paper around the edges. Secure with heat-resistant tape on the back. Tight taping prevents shifting, which is the number one cause of ghosting and blurry images.
Step 5: Set Your Press
- Temperature and time: use your blank's guideline, such as 375°F for 240 seconds for our sandstone coasters.
- Pressure: coasters are thick, so you will need to raise the upper platen or reduce pressure compared to shirts. Aim for firm, even contact without forcing the handle. Our pressure settings guide explains how to adjust.
- Protection: put butcher paper above and below the coaster to catch ink gassing out.
Step 6: Press and Peel
- Place the taped coaster on the lower platen with protective paper underneath and on top.
- Close the press and start the timer.
- When the timer ends, open the press and remove the coaster with heat-resistant gloves.
- Peel the paper while hot in one smooth motion, without letting it slide across the surface.
- Let the coaster cool on a flat, heat-safe surface.
Troubleshooting Sublimated Coasters
- Blurry edges or ghosting: the paper shifted. Tape more securely and peel straight up.
- Faded or dull colors: too little time, heat or pressure, or the wrong printer settings. See why sublimation colors look dull.
- Light spots in the middle: uneven pressure. Check that the coaster is centered and the press closes evenly.
- White edges: design too small. Add more bleed.
- Brown or scorched spots: too much heat or time. Lower the time slightly and test.
Product and Selling Ideas
- Sets of four with a family monogram or last name
- Pet photo coasters
- Real estate closing gifts with the home's address
- Business logo coasters for restaurants, bars and offices
- Wedding and shower favors
- Holiday and seasonal sets
- Car coasters with sports teams, school mascots or names
For more product ideas, see our 25 easy sublimation gift ideas that sell. Do not have a sublimation printer? Ask about sublimation transfers to get started.
Care Instructions to Share with Customers
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Do not soak or put coasters in the dishwasher.
- Let sandstone dry fully between uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sublimate a coaster on a mug press or with an iron?
No. Coasters need a flat heat press with even pressure and the long press times sublimation requires.
Can I sublimate on regular stone or wood coasters?
Sublimation only bonds to polyester or poly-coated surfaces. Use blanks made for sublimation. Learn more in how does the sublimation process work.
Why are my sandstone coasters taking longer than shirts?
Thick, dense blanks take longer to heat all the way through, which is why the sandstone guideline is 240 seconds.
With the right blank, a secure tape job and the correct time, temperature and pressure, sublimated coasters are quick, profitable and fun to make. Stock up on blanks in our sublimation coasters collection and explore more sublimation blanks to build out your product line.