How to Sublimate on Cotton T-Shirts

Sublimation printing is one of the best ways to create vivid, long-lasting designs on apparel — but it doesn’t naturally work on cotton. Traditional sublimation relies on polyester to bond dye molecules, which means cotton needs extra preparation.

 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to successfully sublimate on cotton t shirts using transfer coatings, hybrid sheets, or alternative print methods — and what to expect when working with advanced fabrics like the Airism cotton t shirt from Uniqlo.

Why Sublimation Doesn’t Stick to Cotton by Default

Sublimation ink turns into gas under high heat and bonds with polyester fibers. Cotton, being a natural fiber, lacks the chemical structure to hold sublimation dye. As a result, the print looks faded or washes off easily — unless you add a coating that imitates polyester.

 

The solution: create a thin synthetic layer on top of cotton so the dye can adhere properly.

Method 1: Using Sublimation Coating Spray

The easiest way to sublimate on cotton is to apply a sublimation coating spray.

 

Steps:

  1. Lay the cotton t-shirt flat and clean the print area.
  2. Spray a thin, even layer of sublimation coating.
  3. Let it dry completely or heat-set as instructed.
  4. Place your sublimation print face-down and press at 380°F (195°C) for 60 seconds.

This creates a polyester-like surface that permanently holds the sublimation ink.

Method 2: Sublimation on Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

This method adds a vinyl layer between the print and the cotton fabric.

  1. Cut a sheet of white sublimation HTV.
  2. Press it onto your cotton t-shirt first (use moderate pressure, 320°F / 160°C for 15 seconds).
  3. Place your sublimation design on top of the vinyl and press again at 380°F / 195°C for 60 seconds.

The colors will be vibrant, and the texture remains soft if you use quality vinyl.

Method 3: Using Sublimation Transfer Paper for Cotton

Special papers like Forever Subli-Light or Siser EasySubli work directly on cotton. These combine adhesive coating and dye-sub technology.

 

Steps:

  1. Print your design on the transfer paper using sublimation ink.
  2. Press it onto the shirt at 375°F (190°C) for 30–45 seconds.
  3. Peel warm and allow to cure for 24 hours.

These papers are great for lightweight cotton t shirts and hybrid fabrics such as Airism cotton t shirts, which mix cotton with polyester.

Working with Airism Cotton T-Shirts

Airism cotton t shirts are made from a cotton-polyester blend engineered for breathability. This means sublimation adheres more easily than on pure cotton.

 

Tips for best results:

  • Use lower heat (around 370°F / 188°C) to protect fabric softness.
  • Always test a small area first — Airism has heat-sensitive stretch fibers.
  • Light-colored shirts yield brighter prints.

The result is smoother, cooler, and longer-lasting prints with less stiffness than standard coated cotton.

Looking for the perfect blank tee for printing?

Check out our best-selling retro cotton t-shirt here.

FAQs About Cotton Sublimation

Can you sublimate directly on cotton?
Not without coating. Sublimation ink needs a polyester layer to bond.

 

Is sublimation on Airism cotton possible?
Yes — Airism blends make it easier, but still perform best with a coating or HTV layer.

 

Do coated shirts feel stiff?
Slightly, but high-quality sprays and vinyl minimize stiffness.

 

What’s the best temp for cotton sublimation?
Around 375–385°F (190–195°C) for 45–60 seconds.

Final Thoughts

Sublimating on cotton t shirts isn’t impossible — it just requires preparation. Whether you use coating sprays, heat transfer vinyl, or hybrid paper, you can achieve bright, lasting prints on your favorite cotton tees.

 

If you’re working with modern fabrics like Airism cotton t shirts, the polyester blend gives you a head start — vibrant color, smooth feel, and professional results with minimal effort.