How to Sublimate a Money Box

Personalised money boxes are a great addition to any sublimation business. They’re ideal for birthdays, new baby gifts, children’s savings, Christmas presents and personalised keepsakes, giving you plenty of opportunities to create something completely unique.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to sublimate a ceramic money box using a mug press, including the recommended time, temperature and pressure settings.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have:

• A blank sublimation money box

• Sublimation printer

• Sublimation ink

• Sublimation paper

• Heat-resistant tape

• Mug press

• Heat-resistant gloves

• Your chosen artwork or design

Our 11oz Sublimation Money Box features a glossy white ceramic surface designed specifically for vibrant sublimation printing. It measures approximately 9.8cm high × 8cm in diameter and includes a coin slot at the top and removable rubber stopper underneath.

Step 1: Prepare Your Design

Create your design using your preferred design software.

You could personalise your money box with:

• Names

• Photos

• Birth dates

• Children's characters or themes

• Savings goals

• Birthday designs

• New baby designs

• Business logos

• Motivational messages

Remember to mirror your design before printing so it appears correctly once transferred onto the money box.

If you purchase our Blank 11oz Sublimation Money Box, you'll also receive access to our Canva and Photoshop templates, helping you position your artwork correctly.

Step 2: Print Your Design

Print your mirrored artwork onto sublimation paper using your sublimation printer and inks.

For the best results, use a high-quality print setting and allow the ink to dry briefly before handling the transfer.

Step 3: Prepare the Money Box

Before pressing, make sure the ceramic money box has reached room temperature.

This is particularly important with ceramic sublimation blanks. Avoid pressing a money box that has been stored somewhere particularly cold, as sudden temperature changes can potentially damage the ceramic.

Make sure the printable surface is clean and free from dust, fingerprints or grease.

Step 4: Attach Your Sublimation Transfer

Position the printed side of your sublimation paper directly against the ceramic surface.

Wrap the transfer firmly around the money box and secure it using heat-resistant tape.

Make sure the artwork is:

• Straight

• Firmly secured

• Sitting flat against the ceramic

• Free from wrinkles or gaps

Good contact between the sublimation paper and the coated surface will help produce a sharp and even transfer.

Step 5: Set Your Mug Press

For our 11oz Sublimation Money Box, we recommend the following starting settings:

Temperature: 170–180°C
Time: 130–140 seconds
Pressure: Medium

These settings are intended as a guide. Different makes and models of mug press can perform slightly differently, so you may need to make small adjustments depending on your equipment.

Step 6: Press the Money Box

Carefully place the prepared money box into your mug press.

Check that the press is making even contact with the printable area before closing it.

Press using your chosen settings:

170–180°C for approximately 130–140 seconds at medium pressure.

Once the timer has finished, carefully open the press and remove the money box using heat-resistant gloves.

The ceramic will be extremely hot.

Step 7: Remove the Transfer

Carefully remove the sublimation paper and heat-resistant tape.

You should now see your design permanently transferred onto the glossy ceramic surface.

Place the money box somewhere safe and allow it to cool naturally before handling it further or replacing the rubber stopper.

Tips for the Best Sublimation Results

Make Sure the Blank Is at Room Temperature

Ceramic products can be affected by sudden changes in temperature. Always allow your money box to reach room temperature before pressing.

Use Heat-Resistant Tape

Secure the transfer firmly so that it cannot move during pressing. Movement can cause ghosting or blurred areas around your design.

Ensure Good Contact

Your sublimation paper needs to sit firmly against the coated ceramic surface. Any gaps between the paper and money box can result in faded areas.

Don't Use Excessive Pressure

Medium pressure should provide good contact without putting unnecessary stress on the ceramic money box.

Test Your Press

Every heat press behaves slightly differently. Our recommended 170–180°C and 130–140 seconds provides a good starting point, but you may need to fine-tune the settings for your particular press.

What Can You Make With Sublimation Money Boxes?

Personalised ceramic money boxes are incredibly versatile and work particularly well for:

• Children's personalised gifts

• New baby gifts

• Birthday presents

• Christmas gifts

• Holiday savings pots

• Wedding savings funds

• First home savings

• Personalised nursery décor

• Branded promotional products

• Craft fairs and personalised gift businesses

Because sublimation allows you to reproduce photographs, colourful artwork and detailed designs, there are almost endless possibilities.

Shop Blank Sublimation Money Boxes

Ready to create your own personalised money boxes?

Our Blank 11oz Sublimation Money Box is manufactured from high-quality ceramic with a glossy white sublimation coating designed for bright, full-colour transfers.

With a classic 11oz size, coin slot and removable rubber stopper, it's a practical blank that's ideal for personalised gifts, children's savings pots and custom merchandise.

Whether you're creating one personalised present or adding money boxes to your sublimation product range, they're an easy and versatile blank to customise.

Shop our Blank 11oz Sublimation Money Box and start creating your own personalised designs today.