Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.
What is Sublimation?
Sublimation is a printing method where special ink turns into a gas when heat is applied. Instead of sitting on top of the fabric like vinyl or screen print, the ink actually bonds into the fibers of the material.
In simple terms, the design becomes part of the shirt – not something that sits on top of it.
Because of this, sublimation prints don’t crack, peel, or fade like some other methods. The design feels soft and lightweight, and you can’t feel a heavy layer sitting on the fabric.
There is one important catch: sublimation only works on polyester (or high-polyester blend) materials. It will not bond to 100% cotton the same way. That’s why most sublimation shirts are white or light-colored and at least 50% polyester.
I personally use both sublimation and DTF printing in my business, but sublimation is one of the easiest and lowest-risk ways to start a t-shirt side hustle – especially for beginners.
Why Sublimation Is a Great Side Hustle
One of the biggest reasons I recommend sublimation as a side hustle is the low startup risk. Aside from your equipment, you don’t need a large amount of inventory to get started. You can keep blank shirts on hand and print only when orders come in, which means you’re not stuck sitting on pre-printed designs that may not sell.
That’s exactly the route I took. I keep blank shirts organized on shelves in my home office — the same space where I work my 9–5 job. When orders come in, I print and press them after work. You don’t need a storefront or a warehouse — just a small, organized setup and consistency.
Another reason sublimation works so well is the demand for custom shirts. There are always events happening — bachelorette parties, bridal gear with new last names, birthdays, girls’ trips, sports games, tailgates, and random themed events. Because you’re printing on demand, it’s easy to customize designs for whatever someone needs without committing to bulk inventory.
You can sell through platforms like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, local Facebook groups, or Instagram. It’s flexible, manageable, and realistic for someone balancing work or family — which is exactly why it works so well as a side hustle
Supplies You Need to Get Started
🖨 1. Sublimation Printer
You’ll need an inkjet printer that can be converted to sublimation using sublimation ink. Your printer size determines how large you can print your designs — which matters more than most beginners realize.
💰 Budget-Friendly Option – Epson EcoTank ET-2800
I started with the ET-2800 and printed on legal-size paper (8.5″ x 14″) to get slightly larger designs. It works great for small and medium shirts, but on larger sizes like L, XL, and 2XL, the design can sometimes look a little small.
👉 Budget Beginner Printer: https://amzn.to/4aYjS16
This is a great option if you’re testing the business and want to keep startup costs lower.
📈 Larger Format Option – Epson EcoTank ET-15000
About a year later, I upgraded to the ET-15000, which prints up to 13″ x 19″. This allows for much larger, more proportionate designs — especially for bigger shirt sizes — and gives you more flexibility as you grow.
👉 Larger Format Printer: https://amzn.to/4kFyYvM
You don’t have to start here, but if your budget allows, it saves you from upgrading later.
🎨 2. Sublimation Ink
Regular printer ink will not work. Sublimation ink is specially formulated to turn into gas under heat and bond with polyester fibers.
I’ve tried a few different brands over time, and this is the one that has printed the best colors for me — especially reds, which can be tricky with sublimation. The colors come out more vibrant and consistent, especially if you’re trying to match specific team or event colors.
👉 Sublimation Ink I Recommend: https://amzn.to/4bX557X
Quality ink = better colors and fewer reprints.
📄 3. Sublimation Paper
This is the special paper you load into your printer to print your design before pressing it onto the shirt.
Regular printer paper will not work. Sublimation paper is designed to release the ink properly when heat is applied. Cheap paper can become oversaturated and cause smudging, ghosting, or dull colors.
Make sure you choose the correct size for your printer. I personally use 8.5″ x 14″ (legal size) with the ET-2800 and 13″ x 19″ with the ET-15000 to allow for larger designs.
👉 Beginner-Friendly Sublimation Paper: https://amzn.to/3OgjUJ4
Using quality paper helps your prints transfer cleanly and evenly.
🔥 4. Heat Press
A real heat press is critical. It provides even heat and consistent pressure, which is what allows the ink to properly bond into the shirt.
👉 Recommended Heat Press for Beginners: https://amzn.to/3OmiXPm
This is one area I would not cut corners on. I originally tried a clamping heat press and ended up returning it because the pressure wasn’t even. My prints weren’t transferring properly, and I wasted several blank shirts trying to make it work.
I upgraded to this automatic heat press, and it made a huge difference. It applies consistent pressure automatically, which gives much more reliable results – especially for beginners.
There is a newer version available that is more expensive, but this is the one I personally use and love. It performs great and costs less than the upgraded model.
👕 5. Polyester or Poly-Blend Shirts Blanks
Sublimation bonds best to polyester. Most guides will tell you that you need at least 65% polyester for the brightest results — and that’s true if you want bold, vibrant colors.
However, I’ve found that 50/50 blends can still work depending on the look you’re going for.
With 50/50 blends, the design will have more of a vintage or slightly faded look after the first wash. Some people actually prefer this softer, worn-in style. Personally, I use Bella Canvas 52% cotton / 48% polyester shirts often because customers love the feel, and they are less see-through than some 100% polyester options. Even though the print isn’t as vibrant as high-poly shirts, the comfort factor makes up for it.
👉 Beginner-Friendly Bella Canvas Option: https://amzn.to/4qQGVj2
👉 Another good option: https://amzn.to/3OOEeRO
If you want the brightest, most vibrant colors with minimal fading, stick to 65% polyester or higher.
It’s also important to understand that sublimation does not require a white shirt — but it does require a light-colored shirt.
You can print on light gray, pastel pink, light blue, and other soft shades. Just keep in mind that sublimation works more like watercolor painting than vinyl. The ink becomes part of the fabric, which means the base shirt color affects the final result.
For example:
• You cannot sublimate onto black shirts.
• There is no white ink in sublimation — the shirt itself acts as the white in your design.
• The darker the shirt, the more muted your colors will appear.
Always consider how your design colors will interact with the base garment before pressing.
As you grow, you will want to switch to wholesale suppliers for better margins, but Amazon is an easy place to start when testing the business. I will create another section on my favorite brands and where to buy.
🧰 6. Heat Resistant Tape
Heat-resistant tape keeps your design from shifting during pressing. Even the slightest movement when you close or open your heat press can cause “ghosting,” which creates a blurry shadow effect around your design.
This tape holds your transfer paper securely in place and can withstand high heat without melting.
👉 Heat Resistant Tape: https://amzn.to/3Mugnq1
👉 Tape Dispenser: https://amzn.to/4scaxc6
It’s inexpensive, but it saves you from wasting shirts – especially when you’re just starting out.
🧻 7. Butcher Paper
Butcher paper is used to protect your heat press and your shirt during pressing. You place it on top of your design to prevent ink from transferring where it shouldn’t.
Without it, excess ink can bleed through or transfer onto your heat press — and then onto your next shirt.
I always use fresh butcher paper for each press to avoid ghosting or accidental ink transfer.
👉 Butcher Paper Roll: https://amzn.to/4aLN3Df
It’s inexpensive, but it protects your equipment and saves you from ruining blanks.
🧹 8. Lint Roller
Always lint roll your shirt before pressing — even if it looks clean.
Tiny fibers, dust, or pet hair can get trapped under the design during pressing. When heat is applied, those particles can leave small blue or dark marks on the shirt that won’t come out.
It takes 10 seconds and can save you from ruining a blank.
👉 Lint Roller I Use: https://amzn.to/4kOIigS
It’s one of the cheapest tools in your setup, but one of the most important for clean, professional results.
9. Teflon Sheet (For Inside the Shirt)
I also recommend using a Teflon sheet inside the shirt when pressing. This helps prevent ink from bleeding through to the back of the garment — especially on thinner or lighter-weight blanks.
Even if you’re using butcher paper on top, placing a Teflon sheet inside the shirt adds an extra layer of protection and keeps your results clean.
👉 Teflon Sheet I Use: https://amzn.to/4rFMJNW
It’s not expensive, but it can save you from ruining a shirt — especially when you’re pressing larger designs.
📏 10. T-Shirt Alignment Ruler
A t-shirt alignment ruler helps you center your design properly every time. It lays across the collar of the shirt so you can line up your transfer before pressing.
When you’re first starting out, it can be difficult to “eyeball” placement — especially for adult vs youth sizes. This tool removes the guesswork and keeps your prints looking consistent and professional.
👉 T-Shirt Ruler Guide Set: https://amzn.to/4kUfXG2
👉 T-Shirt Ruler Youth, Toddler, Infant Set: https://amzn.to/4s6KGC6
It’s inexpensive, but it helps prevent crooked designs and wasted blanks.
🧼 11. Clear Plastic Sleeves
These are thin clear sleeves you slide shirts into before putting them in the mailer. They help keep the shirt clean, wrinkle-free, and protected from moisture or dust during transit.
👉 Clear Sleeve Protectors: https://amzn.to/3ZSvBbq
💻 12. Laptop (Required for Design & Business)
A laptop is essential for running design software, managing orders, editing graphics, and handling your sublimation side hustle tasks.
You need a laptop to:
• Create and edit designs (Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator)
• Use Silhouette Studio
• Manage listings, orders, spreadsheets, pricing, and business tasks
• Download fonts, manage files, and organize assets
• Run multiple windows and tools at the same time
If you already have a laptop that runs these tools, you do not need to buy a new one. But if you’re starting from scratch, here are some good options on Amazon that handle design and business work well.
👉 Affordable Laptop I recommend: https://amzn.to/3Ooz2nN
👉 Apple Laptop I recommend: https://amzn.to/46WSb6w
🏷️ Label Printer (For Shipping Orders)
If you plan to ship shirts, a thermal label printer makes fulfillment much easier. It prints 4″ x 6″ shipping labels quickly and doesn’t require ink – just thermal labels.
Once I started getting consistent orders, this saved me a lot of time and made my packaging look more professional.
👉 Label Printer I Recommend: https://amzn.to/4792ZOW
👉 Thermal Shipping Labels I recommend: https://amzn.to/3MV8aLD
It’s not required on day one, but if you’re selling online, you will need one.
📬 Poly mailers (For Shipping Orders)
Poly mailers are the plastic envelopes you use to ship shirts. They’re lightweight (which keeps shipping costs down) and durable.
👉 Poly mailers I Recommend: https://amzn.to/3ZSLKxr
⚖️ Shipping Scale (For Shipping Orders)
If you’re mailing shirts yourself, a small digital shipping scale is extremely helpful. It allows you to weigh your packaged shirt at home so you can purchase the correct postage and avoid overpaying or having packages returned.
Even though most single t-shirts are lightweight, packaging can change the total weight — especially for hoodies or multiple items.
👉 Digital Shipping Scale I Recommend: https://amzn.to/4qWMRah
It’s inexpensive, accurate, and saves you from guessing on shipping costs.
🟡 Tools That Made My Life Easier
✂️ Paper Cutter
A paper cutter isn’t required to start, but it makes trimming your sublimation transfers much faster and cleaner.
Instead of cutting each design by hand with scissors, you can quickly trim straight edges and keep your workflow moving – especially when you’re batching multiple orders.
👉 Paper Cutter I Use: https://amzn.to/3MQPpZA
If you plan on doing more than a few shirts at a time, this small upgrade makes a big difference.
Startup Costs Breakdown
One of the first questions most people ask is, “How much does it actually cost to start?”
The honest answer is: it depends on what you already own and how big you want to start. The good news is you don’t need a storefront, employees, or thousands of dollars in inventory. This is a relatively low-overhead business compared to most traditional startups.
Your main investment will be equipment. After that, ongoing costs are minimal and tied directly to the number of shirts you sell.
Below is a realistic estimate based on the supplies listed in this guide.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Links |
| Sublimation Printer | $200.00 | https://amzn.to/4aYjS16 |
| https://amzn.to/4kFyYvM | ||
| Sublimation Ink | $35.00 | https://amzn.to/4bX557X |
| Sublimation Paper | $30.00 | https://amzn.to/3OgjUJ4 |
| Heat Press | $200.00 | https://amzn.to/3OmiXPm |
| Shirt Blanks (10-20 Shirts) | $100.00 | https://amzn.to/4qQGVj2 |
| https://amzn.to/3OOEeRO | ||
| Heat Resistant Tape & Dispenser | $25.00 | https://amzn.to/3Mugnq1 |
| https://amzn.to/4scaxc6 | ||
| Butcher Paper | $15.00 | https://amzn.to/4aLN3Df |
| Lint Roller | $15.00 | https://amzn.to/4kOIigS |
| Teflon Paper | $10.00 | https://amzn.to/4rFMJNW |
| T-shirt Ruler Guides | $30.00 | https://amzn.to/4kUfXG2 https://amzn.to/4s6KGC6 |
| Clear Plastic Sleeves | $12.00 | https://amzn.to/3ZSvBbq |
| Label Printer (For Shipping) | $75.00 | https://amzn.to/4792ZOW |
| Shipping Labels (For Shipping) | $20.00 | https://amzn.to/3MV8aLD |
| Poly Mailers (For shipping) | $10.00 | https://amzn.to/3ZSLKxr |
| Digital Scale (For Shipping) | $20.00 | https://amzn.to/4qWMRah |
| Estimated Startup (Without Laptop): | $797.00 | |
| Laptop | $500.00 | https://amzn.to/3Ooz2nN |
| https://amzn.to/46WSb6w | ||
| Estimated Startup (With Laptop): | $1,297.00 |
This estimate includes everything needed to launch and fulfill orders from home. Many people already own a laptop, which lowers the initial investment significantly.
Business Setup Costs (Optional at First, Needed for Wholesale)
Once you’ve decided you’re serious about moving forward and investing in equipment, the next step is setting up your business properly — especially if you plan to grow and purchase from wholesale suppliers.
You can technically start selling shirts without forming an LLC right away. Many people begin as a sole proprietor while testing the business.
However, if you plan to buy from wholesale shirt suppliers (instead of Amazon, ShirtSpace, or Jiffy), you will need:
• A registered business (LLC or sole proprietorship)
• A Resale Certificate / Sales Tax ID
• An EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Wholesale suppliers require these because you are purchasing products tax-free to resell.
Setting this up allows you to open wholesale accounts, reduce your cost per shirt, and increase your overall profit margins as your business grows.
🏢 LLC Registration
Forming an LLC separates your personal and business finances and can provide legal protection. Filing fees vary by state, but most range between:
$50–$300 (one-time filing fee)
An LLC is not required to start, but it becomes helpful once you’re ordering from wholesalers or scaling.
🧾 Resale Certificate (Sales Tax ID)
A resale certificate allows you to purchase blank shirts and supplies without paying sales tax, since you will be charging sales tax when you resell them.
In most states, this is either free or a small registration fee through your state’s Department of Revenue.
This is typically required to open wholesale accounts with suppliers.
🆔 EIN (Employer Identification Number)
An EIN is issued by the IRS and is free to apply for online. Even if you don’t have employees, wholesalers often require an EIN when setting up an account.
It helps separate your business finances from your personal Social Security number.
Buying Shirt Blanks Cheaper: Retail vs Wholesale
When you’re first starting out, buying shirt blanks from Amazon or small retail packs is completely fine. It allows you to test designs, take a few orders, and learn the process without opening wholesale accounts right away.
However, as your side hustle grows, switching to wholesale suppliers can significantly increase your profit margins.
Two of the most common wholesale apparel suppliers are:
• S&S Activewear
• SanMar
These companies sell blank shirts at bulk pricing, but to open an account you need:
✔ A registered business (LLC or sole proprietorship)
✔ A resale certificate
✔ An EIN
Once approved, you can purchase shirts at wholesale pricing instead of retail.
For example:
• A shirt that costs $8–$10 retail may cost closer to $4–$6 wholesale
• That $2–$4 difference per shirt adds up quickly
• If you sell 50 shirts, that could mean $100–$200 more profit
This is one of the biggest ways to increase income without raising your prices.
I personally started by buying smaller quantities while testing designs, then moved to wholesale once orders became consistent. That progression allowed me to lower my cost per shirt and increase my margins over time.
If you’re just testing the business, start simple. Once you’re getting steady orders, wholesale accounts are worth setting up.
How Much You Can Make
Income depends on your pricing, your cost per shirt, and how many you sell.
Let’s break it down realistically using both retail and wholesale blank pricing.
👕 Scenario 1: Using Retail Blanks ($7)
Estimated breakdown:
• Tee Shirt blank: $7.00
• Ink + paper: $0.33
• Packaging (sleeve + mailer): $0.24
Total cost per shirt: ~$7.57
If you sell the shirt for $25:
$25 – $7.57 = $17.43 profit per shirt
Now let’s scale:
• 10 shirts → $174.30
• 25 shirts → $435.75
• 50 shirts → $871.50
• 75 shirts → $1,307.25
• 100 shirts → $1,743
That’s solid side hustle income — even using retail pricing.
📦 Scenario 2: Using Wholesale Blanks ($4)
Estimated breakdown:
• Tee Shirt blank: $4.00
• Ink + paper: $0.33
• Packaging: $0.24
Total cost per shirt: ~$4.57
If you sell the shirt for $25:
$25 – $4.57 = $20.43 profit per shirt
Now let’s scale:
• 10 shirts → $204.30
• 25 shirts → $510.75
• 50 shirts → $1,021.50
• 75 shirts → $1,532.25
• 100 shirts → $2,043
That’s a $300 difference at 100 shirts just from switching to wholesale.
📈 What This Really Means
If you consistently sell 50–75 shirts per month:
You could realistically generate:
$870 – $1,500+ per month
As a side hustle.
Step-by-Step: How to Sublimate a Shirt
Once you have all your supplies and equipment set up, there are two important things you need to do before pressing your first shirt:
- Download your design software
- Convert your printer for sublimation ink
Step 1: Download Design Software (Silhouette Studio)
The first thing you’ll need to do is download Silhouette Studio on your laptop. This is the software I use to size and print my sublimation transfers.
Silhouette Studio is required for my workflow because it allows you to:
• Import PNG files
• Resize designs accurately
• Mirror (flip horizontally) before printing
• Send files directly to your printer
Mirroring is critical — if you forget this step, your design will press backwards.
Personally, I create all of my designs in Canva because I find it much more user-friendly for designing. Once my design is finished, I download it as a high-quality PNG and upload it into Silhouette Studio for resizing and printing.
You can design directly inside Silhouette Studio if you prefer — it has design tools built in — but I find Canva easier for layout and graphics.
Windows: https://youtu.be/439rWo6oOiU?si=IypAldbLwEQIr5lj
apple: https://youtu.be/nujxxaE5Ows?si=b81BhMQjWnabDXjb
Step 2: Convert Your Printer for Sublimation
If you’re using an Epson EcoTank (like the ET-2800 or ET-15000), it must be converted to sublimation before use.
This means:
• Filling it with sublimation ink (not regular ink)
• Running cleaning cycles
• Printing test pages to confirm color accuracy
⚠️ Important: Once regular ink has been used in a printer, it cannot properly be converted. It must be brand new or thoroughly flushed.
📺 Watch this tutorial for a visual walkthrough of converting your printer:
Epson ET-15000: https://youtu.be/nRSADhp5zrk?si=nQkbHawkgAqbZ4xf
Epson ET-2800: https://youtu.be/rD9hrq5kfO0?si=vH03K2n0bHbgyR-A
Once your printer is successfully converted, you’re ready to start printing.
Step 3: Create or Purchase Your Design
Once your software is installed and your printer is converted, it’s time to prepare your design.
You have two options:
✔ Create your own design
✔ Purchase a ready-made PNG file
Option A: Design in Canva
I personally design most of my shirts in Canva because I find it more user-friendly for layouts, fonts, and graphics.
When designing in Canva:
• Use high-resolution elements
• Keep your background transparent
• Resize your image to 5,000×5,000 pixels
• Download your design as a PNG
Once downloaded, import the PNG into Silhouette Studio for resizing and printing.
📺 If you’d like to see exactly how I design in Canva for sublimation, watch my full tutorial here:
(Insert your Canva YouTube link)
Option B: Purchase a PNG Design
If you’re not ready to design from scratch, you can purchase ready-made sublimation PNG files.
When purchasing a PNG:
• Make sure it is high resolution (300 DPI)
• Confirm it’s sized appropriately
• Make sure the design has a transparent background
After downloading, import the file into Silhouette Studio, resize it to your desired dimensions, and mirror it before printing.
📺 If you want to see how I import a purchased PNG into Silhouette Studio and print it step-by-step, watch this video here:
Step 4: Prep the Shirt
Before placing your design, you’ll want to properly prep the shirt to avoid any imperfections in your final print.
Start by placing a white Teflon sheet inside the shirt. This prevents any ink from bleeding through to the back of the garment during pressing.
Next, lint roll the shirt thoroughly. Even if it looks clean, small fibers, dust, or pet hair can cause blue or dark marks when heat is applied — and those won’t come out.
Finally, pre-press the shirt for 5–10 seconds to remove any moisture and wrinkles. This helps create a smooth, even surface for your design.
Step 5: Align the Design
Once your shirt is prepped, place your printed transfer face-down onto the shirt.
Use a t-shirt alignment ruler to position your design correctly along the collar. This helps ensure your design is centered and placed consistently.
After placing it, I like to double-check my alignment by measuring each side with a tape measure. This extra step helps make sure everything is even — especially on larger designs.
Once aligned, secure your transfer in place using heat-resistant tape so it doesn’t shift during pressing.
Step 6: Press the Design
Once your design is aligned and secured with heat-resistant tape, place a sheet of butcher paper on top of the design. This protects your heat press and prevents any excess ink from transferring onto it.
Using my heat press (HTV Ront automatic press), these are the settings I use:
• 50% cotton / 50% polyester:
390°F for 50 seconds
• 100% polyester:
395°F for 60 seconds
My press is automatic, so the pressure is applied for you and cannot be adjusted. This makes it easier to get consistent results every time.
Once the timer finishes, the top of the press will automatically lift. Carefully remove the transfer paper right away.
⚠️ Important Tips
• Always follow your ink, paper, and blank recommendations if they differ
• Higher polyester = more vibrant results
• Lower polyester blends = softer, more vintage look
• Do not shift the paper after pressing — this can cause ghosting
Step 7: Finish the Shirt
After pressing, remove the transfer paper and the butcher paper.
The butcher paper should be thrown away after each use — do not reuse it, as leftover ink can transfer onto future shirts.
Next, remove the Teflon sheet from inside the shirt and let it cool for about 5–10 seconds.
Once cooled slightly, check your design to make sure:
• The print transferred evenly
• There is no ghosting
• The placement looks clean and centered
If everything looks good, fold the shirt and place it into a clear plastic sleeve to keep it clean and protected — whether it’s for shipping or local pickup.
If I’m doing a local pickup, I also add a sticky note with the customer’s name on the outside of the plastic sleeve so everything stays organized and easy to hand off.
🎥 If you want to see exactly how I do this from start to finish, watch this:
I show how I design in Canva, bring it into Silhouette, print it, and press the shirt all in one full process video:
Common Beginner Mistakes
⚠️ Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
When I first started, I made a lot of small mistakes that cost me time, money, and wasted shirts. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:
❌ Not Mirroring Your Design
This is one of the biggest beginner mistakes.
If you forget to mirror your image before printing, your design will press backwards and be unusable.
Always double-check that your design is flipped horizontally in Silhouette Studio before printing.
❌ Not Lint Rolling the Shirt
Even if your shirt looks clean, it’s not.
Lint, dust, or pet hair can leave small blue or dark marks on your shirt once heat is applied — and they won’t come out.
Always lint roll before pressing.
❌ Skipping Butcher Paper or Reusing It
Butcher paper protects your heat press and your shirt from excess ink.
If you skip it, ink can transfer onto your press — and then onto your next shirt.
Also, never reuse butcher paper. Ink residue can transfer and ruin future prints.
❌ Using the Wrong Fabric
Sublimation does not work on all materials.
• It works best on polyester
• It can work on poly-blends (with a faded look)
• It does NOT work on dark fabrics
• It does NOT work on 100% cotton (without special products)
Make sure you’re using the right blanks before pressing.
❌ Not Securing the Design Properly
If your design shifts even slightly during pressing, it can cause “ghosting” — a blurry shadow around your image.
Always use heat-resistant tape to secure your design in place.
❌ Incorrect Temperature or Time
If your temperature is too low or your press time is too short:
• Colors may look dull
• Design may not fully transfer
If your temperature is too high:
• You can scorch the fabric
• Colors can look off
Always test your settings and adjust as needed based on your materials.
❌ Not Pre-Pressing the Shirt
Skipping the pre-press step can lead to:
• Moisture in the fabric
• Uneven prints
• Wrinkles under your design
A quick 5–10 second pre-press makes a big difference.
❌ Expecting Bright Colors on Dark Shirts
Sublimation does not print white.
The shirt color becomes part of the design.
If you try to sublimate onto a dark shirt, your design will not show correctly.
Stick to light-colored garments for best results.
🧠 Final Tip
Mistakes are part of the process — but understanding these upfront will save you money, time, and frustration as you learn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you sublimate on cotton?
Sublimation works best on polyester.
It does not work well on 100% cotton because the ink needs polyester fibers to bond to. However, you can use poly-blend shirts (like 50/50), which will give a softer, more vintage look.
The lower the polyester count, the more faded the design will appear after washing.
Do I need an LLC to start?
No — you can start as a sole proprietor and begin selling right away.
However, if you plan to buy from wholesale suppliers, you will typically need:
• A registered business (LLC or sole proprietor)
• A resale certificate
• An EIN
Many people start small and set this up once they begin getting consistent orders.
Can I start with $500?
It’s possible, but it will be very tight.
Most realistic startup setups fall closer to $700–$1,000 if you already own a laptop. This includes your printer, heat press, supplies, and some starter inventory.
If you’re trying to stay closer to $500, you may need to:
• Start with fewer shirts
• Look for deals on equipment
• Upgrade over time
How long do sublimation shirts last?
Sublimation designs are permanent because the ink becomes part of the fabric.
That means:
• No cracking
• No peeling
• No fading from normal washing (on higher polyester shirts)
On lower polyester blends, the design may appear slightly more faded over time, but this is often part of the desired look.
Is sublimation still profitable in 2026?
Yes — especially if you focus on custom, print-on-demand designs.
There is always demand for:
• Bachelorette shirts
• Birthday and event shirts
• Sports and themed apparel
• Personalized items
The key to profitability is:
• Keeping your costs low (wholesale blanks)
• Offering custom designs
• Selling where your customers are (Etsy, local groups, social media)
Like any business, it depends on consistency — but it is still a very viable side hustle.
T-Shirt Side Hustle 
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