How To Remove Sublimation Ink From Metal

Are you trying to figure out how to get sublimation ink out the of metal? I’ve got you here, then. In this essay, I’ll go through the best technique for getting sublimation ink off of metal. Additionally, we ran certain studies, and we came to our conclusion based on those findings. Continue reading to learn how to remove sublimation ink from metal quickly and effectively.

For everyone’s benefit, let’s use the metallic tumbler as an example here. We used a metallic tumbler for the experiment and sublimated three tumblers using the same sublimation ink, pattern, etc. Then, we made three separate attempts to clean them of sublimation ink.

  1. By Using White vinegar
  2. By Using Apple cider vinegar
  3. By Using bleach

By Using White vinegar

Therefore, we began by adding the common white vinegar to a basin, immersing the metal tumbler within, and left it there for 45 minutes. Then using the basic scrub we began cleaning the ink off the tumbler and slowly it started fading. The tumbler was then placed in the bowl for an additional 15 minutes, and the procedure was repeated. We scrubbed the tumbler twice, and 99% of the ink was removed. Then, after a little more scrubbing, bang. Within an hour, all of the ink had been wiped off the metal tumbler.

By Using Apple cider vinegar

Remove sublimation ink by using Apple cider vinegar

The procedure was exactly the same as with white vinegar. Using apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar was the only change. When we tried to clean the ink from the tumbler after 45 minutes, we were unable. We tried to scrape off the sublimation ink after another 15 minutes of soaking the metallic tumbler in the basin of apple cider vinegar. The amount of ink that came off was very small. Three to four times we tried to repeat the procedure, but not even half of the ink faded. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use apple cider vinegar to remove the sublimation ink from the metal.

By Using bleach

Remove sublimation ink by using bleach

Bleach is a slightly unusual, time-consuming, but effective method for removing sublimation ink from metal. Although it takes longer than white vinegar, it functions almost exactly the same. The metallic tumbler is placed in the bowl once the liquid bleach has been added. Ensure that the bleach has thoroughly coated the sublimation-printed section. Start cleaning the ink after waiting 45 minutes. Put the metallic tumbler back in the bleach and clean it one more after 15 minutes. All of the sublimation ink must be removed from the metallic tumbler by rubbing 3–4 more times every 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reverse sublimation?

Yes, however there is no certainty since some of the original print design won’t be removed during the second press. Make careful to cover it with Teflon or Kraft paper in this situation.

Can you remove sublimation from a mug?


Try putting your coffee cup in the dishwasher several times at a high temperature on the lowest rack if you want to get rid of the picture on it. The majority of the previous design should be gone after a few cycles, though you could still see some flakes.

How many times can you reuse a sublimation transfer?

Regardless of the type you use, your thermal transfer paper cannot be reused. Although you could notice that some ink is still on the sublimation paper, it won’t be enough to produce a print of high quality.

Can you fix Ghosting sublimation?

Ghosting happens when the heat press is opened while the sublimation ink is still active. The picture is somewhat skewered from its original position due to the opening of the heat press moving the paper and substrate on the image. This leaves a ghostly impression behind that cannot be eliminated.

How do you stop sublimation from bleeding?

Using parchment paper (or butcher paper) rather of wax paper when pressing sublimation transfers is the simplest technique to prevent sublimation ink from seeping through shirts (and other thin sublimation textiles). Before pressing, cover the bottom platen of your heat press with a piece of parchment paper.

Can sublimation tumblers go in the dishwasher?

Thermal tumblers have a beautiful polish and are long-lasting. With the unique ORCA dye-sublimation coating on our tumblers, you can customize them anyway you like with full-color images, logos, or both! They are also dishwasher safe!

Conclusion

It is simple to remove sublimation ink from metal. All you need is regular white vinegar, and that’s all. Simply follow the directions above, and the metallic object you have, like a tumbler, will be free of any sublimation ink. The wonderful thing about this technique is that you may sublimate once again on the same metal (or item).