How to sublimate a round ceramic ornament

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on how to sublimate a round ceramic ornament (Christmas decoration) with your own design 

What You’ll Need

• Blank round ceramic ornament (sublimation-coated)

• Sublimation printer with sublimation ink

• Sublimation paper

• Heat-resistant tape

• Heat press (flat press preferred — with a heat pad or silicone mat)

• Protective paper (Teflon sheet or parchment paper)

• Heat-resistant gloves

• Soft cloth or felt pad (for gentle pressing surface)

Step 1: Prepare Your Design

1. Create or import your design in design software (Canva, Photoshop, etc.).

2. Set size: measure your ornament — most round ones are 2.75–3 inches (7–7.6 cm) in diameter.

3. Add a bleed area (3–5 mm) around your circle so the design fully covers the edges.

4. Mirror your design (flip horizontally).

5. Print on sublimation paper using sublimation ink.

6. Let the print dry for a few minutes before cutting.

Step 2: Prepare the Ornament

1. Wipe the ceramic surface with a lint-free cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.

2. Make sure it’s completely dry and at room temperature.

3. If your ornament has a glossy coated side, that’s the side you’ll sublimate on.

Step 3: Apply the Transfer

1. Cut out your printed design roughly to shape.

2. Align the design face-down onto the sublimation surface of the ornament.

3. Secure it firmly with heat-resistant tape, especially near the edges so it doesn’t shift.

4. Place protective paper above and below your ornament in the press to prevent ink transfer.

Step 4: Heat Press Settings

Typical sublimation settings for round ceramic ornaments:

Tips:

• If your ornament is double-sided, press one side first, let it cool completely, then repeat for the other side.

• Place a soft silicone mat or felt pad under the ornament to help distribute pressure evenly and avoid cracking.
  

Step 5: Cool Down & Finish

1. Once done, carefully remove the ornament using heat-resistant gloves.

2. Peel off the transfer immediately while hot to prevent ghosting.

3. Lay the ornament flat on a heat-safe surface and allow it to cool naturally.

4. Once cool, attach the ribbon or string, and your Christmas ornament is ready to hang! 

💡 Extra Tips

• For crisper edges, use a bit of heat-resistant tape all around the edge of the paper.

• If your press tends to have hot spots, test with a spare ornament first.

• You can use the same process for square, star, or heart-shaped ornaments — just adjust the time slightly if thicker or thinner.
  
  Watch and like our video to help you