FAQ

Top 10 Questions You Should Ask Before Your First Sublimation Craft Project

1. Are there blanks that are incompatible with Artesprix Iron-on-InkTM?

Yes. If you attempt to transfer your Artesprix project to a material other than a sublimation blank it will yield
unsatisfactory results, wash out, and possibly not transfer at all. Your blank must have a polyester coating applied
by the manufacturer or be made of polyester fabric. We recommend choosing white or light-colored blanks for
best results.

2. Artesprix Iron-on-Ink appears to be “dull” when I start designing on paper. Why is this happening?

Just like traditional sublimation, the color on the paper will become vibrant once the design is transferred onto the
sublimation blank. That is the magic of sublimation!

3. Can I create directly onto the blank with my Iron-on-Ink?

We do not recommend this. For the best results and clearest, brightest transfer, we recommend creating on plain
paper and then applying to the blank.

4. Can I transfer my design from paper onto any type of surface?

No, the design must be transferred on a blank that is made for sublimation. This means it either has polyester in the
material or has a polyester coating.

5. What percentage of Polyester is best?

100% Polyester. The percentage of polyester within the fabric is the exact percentage of fabric that will bind to the
Iron-on-Ink for life. The fabric that is not polyester will not be able to hold onto the sublimation ink and will wash
out/fade.

6. How do I know what time and temperature is needed to transfer my Artesprix project?

Time and temperature are specific to the material of the blank. You can find transfer specifications and print
friendly directions for each Artesprix blank under the support tab of the website.

7. Why is Protective Paper an essential supply for a sublimation project?

Sublimation ink is powerful. When heat is combined with pressure and applied to the sublimation ink, it turns into
a gas, this gaseous color can migrate onto different work surfaces during the transfer process. Protective Paper
protects those work surfaces from migrating ink than can eventually stain.

8. There is a “ghost-design” on my finished creation. What happened?

Your design may have “slipped” during the pressing process causing the ink to shift on the blank. Artesprix Heat
Tape prevents this from happening. It is necessary to use tape on all sides of your project to ensure your design
transfers where intended.

9. Are there any additional steps needed for my sublimation project after the transfer is complete?

There is no need to add any sealant or epoxy to your sublimation blank after the transfer is complete. If your
sublimation blank has a polyester coating or is made of polyester fabric, your design is lifetime permanent once the
full transfer time has occurred.

10. How can I ensure that I am producing consistent results with Artesprix Iron-on-Ink?

Always use Heat Tape when securing your design before transfer. Protective Paper will help ensure your ink
transfers where intended. Additionally, using a Heat Press offers consistent heat throughout the heat platen which
will result in a consistent transfer.

Top 10 Questions No One Asks but Should

1. How do I create text-based designs if I can’t write backwards?

There are numerous ways to achieve great text-designs results without learning how to write backwards!
1. Write normally with a ball point pen or permanent marker, flip the piece of paper over, and trace!
Only the Artesprix Iron-on-Ink will transfer.
2. Use a stencil. Flip any stencil over with text and trace to create mirrored text.
3. Use a lightbox or a window for easy tracing.
4. Let your cutting machine do the work for you! Using the writing or sketch feature, insert your Artesprix
Sublimation Marker and ensure the design is mirrored.

2. If I use pencil to create my Iron-on-Ink design, do I need to erase my pencil marks before transferring?

No. Pencil will not transfer, so there is no need to erase any pencil designs as they will not be on your final project.

3. Do I need sublimation paper to complete a project with Artesprix Iron-on-Ink?

No! With Artesprix Iron-on-Ink, there is no need for investing in any specialty papers, you can design directly on
regular office/copy paper to achieve great results. We do not recommend using sublimation paper, plain paper
yields the best results.

4. After I have finished designing, how long can I wait to transfer my design?

There is no specific time in which your finished Iron-on-Ink design must be transferred. We have transferred designs
up to a year after they were initially created with fantastic results.

5. Can you use a home iron with Iron-on-Ink?

You can! There are just a few rules you should follow to produce the best results. Your design should not be larger
than the space in-between the steam holes. We recommend small blanks for home iron projects, bookmarks,
key chains, magnets, are all great options. When transferring your design with a home iron you want to use a
“tile” technique, instead of the traditional ironing technique. Instead of moving the iron back-and-forth during the
transfer process, you should place it directly on top of the design, hold stationary for approximately 3 minutes, then
lift the iron straight up to prevent any “ghosting”.

6. Sublimation Ink accidentally migrated onto my heat press/work surface, now what?

Forgot to use Artesprix Protective Paper and now there is ink permanently on your press or work surface? Don’t
fret. You can place a piece of copy paper under your heat platen and re-press. The ink should heat up enough to
turn back into a gas and onto the paper. You can repeat this step as many times as you like, the ink will not be
removed entirely. As long as you are always using Protective Paper on future projects, it will protect your next
projects from unwanted ink that may have been left behind.

7. How durable are the transferred designs when using Artesprix Iron-on-Ink?

Your transferred designs are just as durable and permanent as those achieved by the traditional sublimation
process. In fact, that is what sets Artesprix apart from other types of craft personalization on the market. Artesprix
Iron-on-Ink is manufactured to withstand the lifetime of the sublimation blank it is applied to, allowing for
permanent, precise results on soft polyester fabrics and hard polyester-coated blanks.

8. Can I wash my Artesprix Iron-on-Ink apparel?

Yes! Once your transferred design is set with heat, it is washable.

9. If Artesprix Iron-on-Ink gets on something unintended, is it washable?

Our Iron-on-Ink is water-based, so it will wash off as long as no heat is used during the cleanup process. If excess ink
finds its way onto a porous surface, DO NOT STEAM CLEAN THE INK. The heat will cause the ink to set and bake into
the surface. Once the design has been exposed to heat it is permanently affixed. Treat this Iron-on-Ink as you would

a permanent marker and protect your surfaces when in use. Markers, Stamp Pads, and Ink Refills are all water-
based and will wash out before heat is applied. However, just like other Acrylic Paints on the market, our Acrylic

Paint will stain surfaces regardless of where you are in the creation process.

10. Can you transfer designs to dark-colored blanks?

You can, but you must incorporate a tool to accept the sublimation ink. There are sublimation vinyls on the market
and glitter vinyl is an option too! Simply apply the vinyl to your dark colored fabric, then transfer your sublimation
design to the vinyl.

Sublimation Marker Frequently Asked Questions

How should my Artesprix Sublimation Markers be stored?

While not in use, your markers should lay horizontally. Before use, place markers tip down for approximately 15
minutes (30 minutes for brand new packs). Leaving your markers tip down for an extended period could saturate
your marker nib, however, leaving markers tip up could cause them to appear dried out momentarily.

My markers appear to be “dried-out”, what should I do?

Due to the type of material that is used in these markers the position in which they are stored is important. Your
markers could have been stored tip up for an extended period causing the nib to dry out. Simply place your marker
tip down to allow the dye to saturate the tip of the marker again.

How long does the ink in the Artesprix Sublimation Markers Last?

Our markers have been tested and the average distance of continuous ink before drying out is 400 meters/1,312
feet. That’s over 4 football fields!

Do the Markers fit in my Cricut, Silhouette, or Brother Scan N’ Cut?

Cricut: You will need an off-brand adapter for our markers to fit in your larger Cricut Machine. The Cricut Joy does
not need an adapter to be used with our markers.
Silhouette: Silhouette offers a pen adapter set that can be used with our markers. From the set you will need the
white and the gray piece.
Brother Scan N’ Cut: Our markers fit in the writing tool without an adapter.

Sublimation Stamp Pad Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any stamps with Artesprix Sublimation Stamp Pads?

You can use all your stamps with our Sublimation Stamp Pads, both polymer cling stamps and rubber stamps.
However, when using traditional text stamps, you will need to incorporate a mirroring tool to ensure your text
reads mirrored when on your paper. Artesprix created a set of “Sublimation Stamps” which are polymer cling stamp
words that are not reversed so they can easily be used with our Sublimation Stamp Pad.

How should my Sublimation Stamp Pads be stored?

Artesprix Sublimation Stamp Pads should be stored flat in a climate-controlled environment. If you find that your
stamp pad needs re-inking, use the complementary Sublimation Stamp Ink Refill in the matching color.

How many Sublimation Stamp Pad refills are in the Sublimation Stamp Ink Refill?

Depending on stamp pad usage and how heavily you meter ink onto your stamp pad when re-inking, there are
approximately 4-5 refills in each Sublimation Stamp Ink Refill bottle.

Is there a recommended method to refilling my Sublimation Stamp Pad?

Yes! Visit our directions page under the support tab for step-by-step printable directions.

Sublimation Paint Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Acrylic Lightening Medium Paint transfer to dark fabrics and blanks?

No. In short, there is no such thing as “white sublimation ink”, our paint is no acceptation. Our Acrylic Lightening
Medium Paint only acts as a complimentary lightener to our four Sublimation Acrylic Paint colors so you can lighten
the shades of paint you desire.

What happens if I do not allow my paint design to dry before transfer?

We do not recommend this. If you do not allow your design to dry before transfer, your transferred design will not
look as you intended. It will blur and frankly cause a mess!

More Iron-on-Ink Frequently Asked Questions

Is Artesprix Iron-on-Ink flammable?

No, the inks are water-based. However, its best to keep them away from sources of heat to prevent them from
drying out.

Where can I purchase Artesprix products outside the US?

You can email us at info@artesprix.com to find the nearest reseller near you!

Where can I find more Aresprix Iron-on-Ink inspiration outside the blogs on the website?

Join the ‘Artesprix Iron-on-Ink Inspirational Facebook Group’! It is a great place to ask questions, post projects, and
share ideas!

If I transfer my Artesprix Iron-on-Ink to a sublimation blank intended to be used for eating is it food safeonce transferred?

Yes, just like traditional sublimation, once your design is infused into the blank it is food safe.

Do you need to work with Artesprix Iron-on-Ink in well ventilated areas?

No. Any omission of visible airborne matter or odor during transfer is from the sublimation blank. We recommend only using the highest quality sublimation-ready blanks to avoid this.