How to Sublimate a Beach Towel

What could be cooler than a custom personalized beach/pool towel in the summer months?

In this article, I’ll walk through how to easily create one with a desktop sublimation printer. In this case, I used a towel with 100% polyester on one side and brushed cotton on the other.

Step 1

Layout: you will need to have a printed image (regular paper and ink) to create a mockup so that it is easy to put together. (Fig. 1)

Step 2

Sizing the artwork:

• Corners: average size 6.25”-8.25” canvas to hold artwork printed on 8.5” x 11.0” sublimation paper and ink. Total of four images — one per corner
• Sides: The average size is 14” long by 5” high. Two of the images need to be printed for both sides
• Middle: 10” wide by 16” long

Step 3

Lay out the images in their proper locations. (Fig. 2)

Now the fun part is assembly and pressing!

• Fold the towel in half, then over, and press so you get a center point. This makes it easier to line up vertically and horizontally.
• Press at 400 degrees for 30 seconds
• Start with a corner. Then go to the sides and use your guide points by folding the center image in half — marking a center point — then line up.
• Work your way up one side, then repeat for the other side.

Then press the middle and you are finished! (Fig. 3)