Artesprix Sublimation Markers Product Specifications and Instructions

Product Specifications:

One (1) pack of Artesprix™ Permanent Heat Transfer Markers. Includes ten (10) chisel-tip sublimation markers.
Features a 1-4mm nib, vented cap, and ergonomic grip.
Colors included: Yellow, Pink, Orange, Red, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Green, Purple, Brown, and Black.
Intended for ages 9+.

Information:
Every item/substrate you decide to sublimate may require different time and/or temperature settings. For best results, refer to the transfer instructions provided with your blanks. Temperatures may range between 365-400F, and transfer times may vary between 1-7 minutes, depending on your substrate.
For best results, use a commercial or craft heat press.
If you are using a household iron as your heating element, ensure that you are using the highest temperature setting with NO steam (this is critical). A dry iron (no holes) is best. Press firmly with the iron and hold stationary for 1-5 minutes. Do not leave your iron unattended.
Oven (for ceramics only): when pressing ceramic items such as mugs, ensure that you are securing your image to the substrate with a mug wrap. We recommend baking the wrapped substrate at 350F for 7 minutes. Please also refer to the transfer instructions provided with your ceramics. Do not leave oven unattended. Allow item to cool before removing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does the ink in the markers last?
Each color behaves a tiny bit differently, but the average distance of continuous ink laydown before drying out is 400 meters/1,312 feet. That's 4 football fields.

Can I draw directly onto the substrate?
We do not recommend this. For the best results and brightest image, we recommend drawing on plain paper and then transferring this image to the substrate.

Do I need to draw my designs on special sublimation paper?
No! With these markers, there is no need for investing in any specialty papers - you can draw right on regular copy paper to achieve great results. We don't recommend trying to use sublimation papers, as they can may cause the tips of the markers to dry out quickly.

Can I transfer my image from paper onto any surface?
No, the image must be transferred on a substrate that is either polyester or has a polyester coating. There are thousands of blank items to choose from. Just visit one of our dealers' websites to choose from an assortment of products.

How durable are the transfer images when using the markers?
When using the markers, your transferred designs are just as durable and permanent as those achieved by any other sublimation process. In fact - that's what sets these markers apart from other fabric and ceramic markers on the market. Our markers are manufactured to withstand the lifetime of the poly-coated items it is applied to, allowing for permanent, precise results on soft and hard poly-coated substrates. You can place your mug in the dishwasher or your t-shirt in the wash without fading!

Are the Artesprix™ markers washable?
Technically, yes and no. These sublimation markers are created using water-based ink, so they will wash off as long as no heat is used during the cleanup process. If excess ink finds its way onto upholstered furniture or carpet, DO NOT STEAM CLEAN THE INK. The heat will cause the ink to set and bake in to the fabric weaves of the carpet or furniture. Once the image has been exposed to heat it is permanently affixed. Treat this marker as you would a Sharpie!

Are there substrates that are incompatible with these markers?
As long as your substrate of choice is poly-coated or made of polyester, you should encounter no issues when transferring your designs. We recommend choosing white or light-colored substrates for best results. Items composed of cotton are not compatible with these sublimation markers and will result in unsatisfactory decoration results.

Are the markers flammable?
Although the inks are water based, it is best to keep them away from sources of heat to prevent drying.

Can you transfer images to dark-colored items or metallic substrates?
You can, but your results will not come out as bright or as vibrant as they would on light-colored substrates. We recommend using glitter vinyl if you want to show off your design on cotton or dark substrates.

How can I ensure that I am producing consistent results with these markers?
Always use a heat press for consistent color lay-down. You can use a household iron, but due to the inconsistency of pressure during pressing, a heat press is the preferred way to transfer your images.

How do I use the markers for text-based designs if I can't write backwards?
There are numerous ways to achieve great text-design results without learning how to write backwards! You can create your desired artwork using stencils or various graphic design software - then ensure you mirror the design before printing it out on regular copy paper. You can then trace the printed design using tracing paper or another piece of copy paper before coloring in the design with the markers. Another trick is to write your name in a regular pen on one side of the copy paper, then flip your paper over and use the markers to trace your drawing from the other side! Additionally, you can use a light box or a window to achieve mirrored results as well.

You can also let the Silhouette Cameo®, Brother ScanNCut™, or Cricut Explorer Air™ do the work for you! Create your mirrored text in your design software, then simply pop out the blade and insert the markers (you will need the Silhouette pen adaptor or an after-market attachment for your Cricut cutting machine) - then send your design to your cutter, and the secured markers will outline your text-based design for you! Once it's finished sketching the outline, color in your text, heat press your mirrored design and voila! Your text is readable on your substrate!

How should my Artesprix™ Markers be stored?
While not in use, your markers should lay horizontally. Before use, place markers tip down for approximately 15 minutes (30 minutes for brand new packs). Leaving your markers tip down for an extended period of time could saturate your marker nib, however, leaving markers tip up could cause them to appear dried out.

Trouble Shooting:

My markers appear to be "dried-out." What should I do?

Due to the type of material that is used in these markers the position in which they are stored is important. Your markers could have been stored tip up for an extended period of time causing the dye to accumulate at the bottom of your marker. Simply place your marker tip down for 30+ minutes which will allow the dye to saturate the tip of the marker.

There is a "ghost-image" on my finished creation. What happened?

Your drawing may have "slipped" during the pressing process causing the dye to shift on the substrate. If you are using a craft press or a home iron instead of a heat press, you may want to consider using thermal tape to secure your drawing. Here's a great tip: if you have a mistake on your initial design that you don't want to transfer to the substrate, simply cover it up with thermal tape and it will prevent the transfer of the mistake!

Instructions:

Tools You will need:

Artesprix™ Markers
Your chosen substrate/blank
Plain copy paper or thin silicone sheets
Heat source: Dry iron, Cricut EasyPress™, or professional heat press

Using the Artesprix™ sublimation markers, draw your artwork on plain copy paper. Don't worry if the color look dull, it will come to life when the heat is applied! Note: When drawing your image on the copy paper, protect your drawing surfaces from potential marker ink bleed by placing additional sheet(s) of paper underneath the original.
Set your heating element to the highest setting. Allow time for temperature to rise.
1. Cricut EasyPress™: use highest setting
2. Professional Heat Press: Temperatures will vary, see specific substrate instructions for reference
3. Iron: Linen with NO steam (Dry iron preferred)
Place your substrate (the side you wish to sublimate should be face up) onto a piece of protective copy paper or a thin silicone sheet. This will protect your transfer surface from dye migration during the heat process.
Place your drawing face down onto the top of your substrate (thermal tape will help secure your design in place).
Add another protective sheet of copy paper or thin silicone sheet over the top of your substrate. This will protect your heating element from dye migration.
When your heating element is at the desired temperature apply heat as follows
1. Cricut EasyPress™: See specific substrate instructions for reference
2. Professional Heat Press: See specific substrate instructions for reference
3. Iron: Hold stationary while pressing firmly for S minutes
After pressing, allow the item to cool before handling.
Gently remove the protect paper from the item to reveal your unique vivid design

Please visit Artesprix.com for instructional videos.