Sublimation ink is used in ceramics, dishes, and glasses to create fine art prints. Like other dye-based inks, it can sometimes cause problems during the printing process. And while this ink is relatively easy to remove from paper surfaces, removing it from tumblers can sometimes be quite more challenging. Luckily for you, we have the solution! In this article, you will learn a few common ways to remove sublimation ink from tumblers. Let’s begin!
Can you remove sublimation ink from a tumbler?
Yes, you can! Removing sublimation ink from a tumbler is possible with the use of a wet sponge, paper towel, and some water. But you can also use a toothbrush or abrasive pads to remove sublimation ink from a tumbler. It is not necessary to have expensive tools or techniques for removing sublimation ink from a tumbler. What you need are patience and a little knowledge. You will be able to take care of your problem in a matter of minutes!
Best ways to remove sublimation ink from a tumbler
1. Soak the Tumbler in Warm Water
Sublimation ink tends to stick strongly to ceramic tumblers, especially when it has been allowed to dry for extended periods. One of the best ways to remove this type of ink is to soak it in a mixture of warm water and standard dish soap for approximately 30 minutes.
2. Use a Soapy Solution
Another method for removing sublimation ink from tumblers is by using a mixture of two parts water and one part distilled or glycerine soap. This works especially well when the sublimation ink has dried out from previous attempts at removal.
3. Use Warm Water and Baking Soda
The third way to remove sublimation ink from the tumbler is by using warm water, baking soda, and dishwashing detergent. Just mix up the solution in a bowl and then pour it into the tumbler.
4. Use Paper Towels
Another method for removing sublimation ink from ceramic tumblers is to clean them using paper towels. With this method, you will need to keep a constant vigil on the tumbler during your attempts at removal. Continue to clean the surface with paper towels until all traces of ink have been removed.
5. Try to Remove the Ink with a Blender
Another method for removing sublimation ink from tumblers is to try to remove the ink with a blender. This may not work for more intricate designs, but it can be used to help loosen the ink bond. Just fill an empty tumbler with water and then blend in small amounts of soap while blending. While blending you will see that the colors of your design begin to fade and eventually disappear completely.
6. Use a Scrub Brush or Soft Brush
For some designs, the use of a scrub brush can be an effective way of removing sublimation ink from tumblers and glasses. For this method, simply fill the tumbler halfway with warm water and then stir in a few drops of dishwashing detergent or dish soap. Next, use a soft scrub brush to gently remove the ink from your design. Moreover, with this method, you will find that your design is easily removed from the tumbler.
Because of how sublimation ink bonds to glass and ceramic surfaces, you may be able to remove some of it with one or more of these methods. However, if you are unable to remove the ink completely then it’s possible that additional cleaning or repair may be required. The best thing to do is contact an art supply store and ask them what they suggest.
7. Allow the Ink to Dry
The most effective way to remove sublimation ink from tumblers is to allow it to dry out completely. This can be done by placing the tumbler in a warm environment and leaving it there for approximately 3 days. After that, the ink will have dried out and it can be easily removed. If your sublimation ink has dried and you still haven’t been able to remove it, don’t give up just yet. It’s possible the ink was only partially dry, or it simply wasn’t fully cured. w!
8. Wash the Tumbler with Soap and Hot Water
Another method for removing sublimation ink from tumblers is washing them using hot water and dish soap. Just fill the tumbler with warm water, add a few drops of dish detergent, and then scrub the surface of your design with an old toothbrush.
While this method works well on some designs, it can pose issues for more intricate ones. If this is the case for your design, you may want to try another method.
9. Applying Acetone with a Toothbrush
A popular method for removing sublimation ink from tumblers is using acetone and an old toothbrush. Just fill a small container with acetone and scrub the surface of your design with an old toothbrush. In this way, it will be possible to follow all of the contours of your design and remove the ink from it.
10. Use a Glass Cleaning Pad
An alternative method for removing sublimation ink from the tumbler is to use a glass cleaning pad. Just moisten the pad with warm water, wrap it around your design, and gently rub it against the surface of your tumbler. The pad should be damp when you are finished, so leave it on the tumbler until it has completely dried.
11. Use Strong Vinegar and a Paper Towel
Another method for removing sublimation ink from the tumbler is to use strong white vinegar and an old paper towel. Just fill a lazy susan with water and then set it in place at the top of your tumbler. Once your design is completed, dip a paper towel in vinegar and wring out the excess liquid into your tumbler.
Conclusion
This is the end of our sublimation ink removal guide. Throughout this tutorial, we have given you a lot of useful information and illustrated the various methods that you can use to remove sublimation ink from a tumbler and glasses. Hopefully, this will help clear things up for you.
