How to sublimate a mouse mat with your design

Here’s a full step-by-step guide on how to sublimate a mouse mat with your own design  — simple, quick, and great for gifts, merch, or office branding!

What You’ll Need

• Blank sublimation mouse mat (white polyester top, black rubber base)

• Sublimation printer with sublimation ink

• Sublimation paper

• Heat press (flat press, not an iron)

• Heat-resistant tape

• Teflon sheet or parchment paper

• Lint roller

• Heat-resistant gloves

Step 1: Prepare Your Design

1. Measure your mouse mat — the standard size is 205 x 240 mm

2. In your design software (e.g. Canva, Photoshop, Affinity):

   • Create a canvas that matches your mat’s size.

   • Add 3–5 mm bleed around the edges to avoid white gaps.

   • Mirror (flip horizontally) your design before printing.

3. Print on sublimation paper using sublimation ink, and let it dry fully before pressing.

Step 2: Prep the Mouse Mat

1. Use a lint roller to remove dust or debris — any small fibres will block ink.

2. Pre-press the mat for 5–10 seconds at about 165°C to remove moisture and flatten it.

3. Let it cool for a few seconds.

Step 3: Apply the Transfer

1. Place the printed design face-down on the white polyester surface of the mat.

2. Secure all edges firmly with heat-resistant tape to prevent shifting.

3. Place a Teflon sheet or protective paper on top to protect your press.

Step 4: Heat Press Settings

Tips:

• Start your timer once the press is fully closed.

• Don’t move the press while heating — any shift causes ghosting or blurry edges.

• Some thicker mats may benefit from 65 seconds of press time.

Step 5: Reveal & Cool

1. Carefully open the press and peel off the paper immediately while it’s still hot.

2. Lay the mat flat to cool on a clean surface (don’t bend or roll it while hot — it can warp the rubber backing).

3. Once cool, check for even, vibrant color — it should look smooth and sharp.

Extra Tips

• If your press has uneven heat, rotate the mat halfway through pressing for consistent results.

• Avoid over-pressing — it can cause fading or yellow edges.

• For bulk production, use heat-resistant foam underlay to distribute pressure evenly.

• Always use polyester-topped mouse mats — sublimation won’t bond with cotton or pure rubber.