Put full-color designs or even photographs on items like mugs and t-shirts with a sublimation printer and heat press—available during Studio A Open Hours in the Main Library Creative Studio. Sublimation printing is a process that infuses full-color images using special sublimation ink on sublimation-ready items. Then a heat press is used to transfer the ink onto your object.
Using the station
Ready to get started? Patrons ages 14+ can work on self-directed projects. Children ages 13 and under require an adult caregiver. Please read the sublimation specs and guidelines below before:
- Requesting a Learning Lab appointment for one-on-one help and guidance on getting started, or
- Dropping in during Studio A Open Hours (see hours below) to use the sublimation printer and/or heat press.
Studio A Open Hours
| MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 3-7 pm | 1-5 pm | 1-5 pm | 1-5 pm | — | 12-5 pm |
Sublimation guidelines
- Users are expected to engage in the design and planning of their own projects and can request staff assistance when ready to print and press their project.
- The Heat Press and Cricut Mug Press get HOT. Children under the age of 14 are prohibited from operating the machines.
- Creative Studio staff must be present and aware of use during press operations.
Available machines
- Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer
- Cricut Mug Press
- Flat Heat Press
Approved materials
Library-provided material is available to users: 2 sheets of sublimation paper per week, 1 sublimation-ready mug per 60 days.
- Patrons may not bring additional sublimation paper; only library sublimation paper may be used in the sublimation printer.
- Additional blank materials may be brought in by users for use with the heat press or mug press but should adhere to the material list guidelines below to achieve successful sublimation.
- Always bring extra material. Most projects require testing and adjusting. Be ready to experiment. The library is not responsible for damage to items not provided by the library.
Fabrics
- Polyester (white or light-colored) — best for sublimation. Higher polyester content is best, recommended 75% minimum. Dark fabrics will not show the design.
- Cotton — not recommended. Cotton does not bond with sublimation ink. A cotton-polyester blend may be acceptable pending staff approval.
- Rayon — prohibited. Material containing full or partial rayon burns and will darken in the shape of the heat press.
Other materials
- Non-fabric items must be poly-coated and heat-resistant. Look for items marked “sublimation blank;” items not designed for sublimation will not work. (Sublimation blanks often come with recommended heat settings and instructions. Keep the original packaging and bring it with you to the Creative Studio.)
- Mug size and material limits. Compatible sublimation mug blanks, poly-coated, 11-16 oz (350-470 ml) straight wall only; 82-86 mm diameter mugs +/- 1 mm (3.2-3.4 in). Mugs with metal components are not allowed.
Additional limits & restrictions
- The library reserves the right to refuse any sublimation project.
- The library’s sublimation printer and heat presses may not be used to create weapons or materials that:
- Are prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
- Are unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or that pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
- Are inappropriate for the library environment per library policies.
- Violate another person’s property rights. For example, the printer will not be used to reproduce objects or materials that are subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.
- The library will not be liable for functional failure of, or injuries or property damage caused by, objects or materials made through the use of our sublimation printer and heat presses.
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Log in with your Oak Park library card and PIN:
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