Suggestions on how to remove sublimation ink from mugs

In the context of this article, the term ‘sublimation printing’ refers to the technology of image application based on the thermal sublimation of ink. Under the influence of high temperature, the sublimation ink particles convert to a gaseous state and penetrate the surface.

As a result of condensation, the ink particles become solid again and form a clear, bright, and full-color image on a decorated surface.

The sublimation ensures the strength of the ink that could hardly be removed. However, in this article, we’ll attempt to suggest some tricks on how to remove sublimation ink from mugs.

Removing sublimation ink from mugs

While sublimation printing is possible on almost any surface and any object, recently sublimation designs on glass or ceramic mugs become increasingly popular.

However, sometimes you want to change the design of, for example, your favorite coffee mug.

To do this, you should remove print from a sublimated mug.

Removing sublimation inks seems very difficult due to the durability of sublimation printing on the ceramic mugs. Furthermore, some people consider this problem an ‘uphill battle’.

In any case, many professionals for whom the sublimation of ceramic mugs is a business, share their experience in how to remove effectively the defective images from sublimated mugs.

There are various options of methods and supplies subject to discussion in plenty of publications. For a better understanding, we’ve conventionally divided them into three groups.

One group consists of mechanical methods when sharp items, such as a razor blade, a knife, a scraper, and similar tools are used.

I will not consider this method as it is dangerous and can seriously damage the surface.

Two other groups, thermal and chemical methods, are worth to be described in detail.

Methods based on the high-temperature impact

As mentioned above, in sublimation printing high temperatures are involved. Therefore, it is logical to assume the possibility of a reverse reaction.

High heat treatment facilitates the sublimation ink melting and, accordingly, makes it easier to remove the sublimation ink from a heat-resistant ceramic surface.

To heat the sublimated items you can use different devices, from a hairdryer to a toaster oven or a convection oven depending on the result you expect to achieve.

Applying the oven method to remove sublimation inks from ceramic mugs

This method is fast, easy, and most effective in part of getting off unwanted sublimation. Mugs should be placed inside a convection oven, a toaster oven, or another oven you usually use, and set a temperature as high as possible and safe.

Bake your coffee mug or other item you want to clean from sublimation ink until you achieve a satisfactory result.

If you deal with the sublimation process for professional purposes, it would go amiss to have a separate convenient oven. This will relieve you of the necessity to clean an oven from food residues, grease, and so on.

Applying the dishwasher method to remove sublimation inks from a ceramic mug

This is the most common method though you scarcely achieve prompt success. The process takes much time and more than a few cycles should be performed before you see a result.

In addition, to ensure the removal of all ink particles, you will need to use a detergent and a small-sized brush, for example, a toothbrush.

First, ceramic mugs should be placed in the lower rack of a dishwasher where the highest temperature settings are available. Add an ordinary detergent.

After running a few cycles in a dishwasher and getting off the sublimation, mugs should be scrubbed with a toothbrush and, finally, rinsed with hot water and dried.

Using traditional household chemicals and cleaners

To remove sublimation print from your glass or ceramic mug, you can use a few household items.

While the household remedies often appear to be not very effective and just make a sublimation image fade, sometimes they work though require much time and strong effort.

Using a dish soap and water solution to remove sublimation ink from a ceramic mug

First, prepare a mixture of mild soap and warm water, then apply the obtained solution to the surface of the sublimated mug preliminarily sprinkled with a thin layer of water.

Leave the soapy solution on the glass or ceramic mug surface for a few minutes to allow soaking of the entire sublimation ink print. Gently rub the surface to remove the remaining ink using a soft cloth or a sponge.

Using white vinegar to remove sublimation print from a ceramic mug

For removing sublimation ink, white vinegar and warm water should be mixed in equal portions.

Wet a cloth or a sponge with the obtained vinegar solution and gently scrub the ink until it fades and, finally, rinse the surface to remove all vinegar residues.

Using baking soda to get off sublimation print from a ceramic mug

Baking soda is a multipurpose, must-have item in everyday living. For removing sublimation inks you can use baking soda as a liquid mix or in the consistency of a paste.

Apply a soda solution or paste to the surface and leave for several seconds. When the ink becomes fade, gently scrub all remaining ink from the surface and rinse it with warm water.

Using a paint stripper

As far as a paint stripper is concerned, different users have different opinions. While some of them express appreciation for its effectiveness, others don’t get their enthusiasm for it.

In any case, this method should be used in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

This method consists of a few steps. Apply paint stripper onto the surface and evenly spread with a brush. Leave it for 20-30 minutes, then scrub the area and rinse with a soupy solution.

Final words

In our article, we’ve presented just a brief list of methods suggested in publications presented both by professionals and amateurs in the sublimation printing on mugs.

The main thing that we’d like to outline is that despite the abundance of pieces of advice, the truly effective method can be found only through practice.

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