← All symptoms
Safety stop: Stop the process if there is smoke, an electrical fault, a strong unfamiliar odor, melting, cracked glass, or evidence that the material is not heat-rated. Follow the equipment and blank manufacturer’s safety instructions.

Describe what you can observe

These answers only reorder checks. They do not create a diagnosis from unsupported inputs.

Did the symptom affect the whole image or only part of it?
Does it repeat in the same location on another blank?

Prioritized checks

Starting order

Confirm or weaken each cause before changing the next variable.

1

Time or temperature exceeds product tolerance

Evidence that supports it

  • Paper browning, odor, shine, shrinkage, or deformation appears.

Evidence against it

  • The defect is a clean untransferred area with no heat damage.

Safe next actions

  1. Stop and confirm the exact product instruction.
  2. Verify platen temperature before another test.

Stop condition: Stop immediately for smoke, melting, or an unfamiliar strong odor; ventilate and follow material safety documentation.

2

High pressure or platen edge is polishing heat-sensitive fabric

Evidence that supports it

  • A shiny rectangle matches the platen or transfer edge.

Evidence against it

  • Discoloration is unrelated to press geometry.

Safe next actions

  1. Use only the pressure the product requires.
  2. Test approved padding or paper-edge strategies on a spare blank.

Evidence

Sources

  1. Sawgrass TechnologiesHow to Troubleshoot Sublimation Color IssuesOfficial source · last checked 2026-08-04
  2. Johnson Plastics PlusSublimation Technology FAQsOfficial source · last checked 2026-08-04