This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Any supplies used may be given to me free of charge, however, all projects and opinions are my own.
Making a DIY sublimation flag is a simple project that anyone can handle. You just need a sublimation print with sublimation ink and a polyester flag. After that, it is just a matter of applying heat with a heat press. Let’s take a look at the process of making both a sublimation garden flag as well as a flag that is perfect for parties. Whichever one you make, you are sure to love the results!
Sublimation Flag
Just click play on the video below to see how I sublimation on polyester flags. Then you can use this same technique to make some cute flags for your home or your next event.
Can’t watch the video or miss some of the steps? You can also follow along below.
Supplies Needed
How to Sublimate on a Flag
I’m going to make two different flags – one that’s intended for parties and one that’s intended to be used in a garden. They make tons of different flags for cars, parties, gardens, and more. Pick and choose the flag blank that you would like and follow any directions on the manufacturer’s website. They should all be fairly similar.
Printing Designs
For the small flag, I intentionally used the 8 x 14 sublimation paper so I could fit two flags on one sheet with a bleed around the outside edge. If you’re going to sublimate the entire flag, there may be some differences in the size between your flags. I kept my design away from the side that goes in the flag pole. If you do go all the way to the edge, you will have a line because the back will be white.
For the garden flag, I did a design in Photoshop and then I added some text on the bottom. This will go in the center of my flag because I don’t have a very large heat press. If you have a larger printer and a larger heat press, you can sublimate this entire garden flag with a full bleed design.
Prepping the Sublimation Flags
I preheated my heat press to 400 degrees and set it for 55 seconds. Pre-press each of the flags for 5 to 10 seconds at degrees to remove any moisture. Then lint roll the side where you are adding the sublimation print.
Adding Paper to Sublimation Flag
Locate the design on the flag. For the small flag, I left some bleed around three of the edges as discussed previously. Then, tape the print into place. You will also need to use protective paper on the bottom as well as the top. Remember that the side with the sublimation print will be the top when it is in the heat press.
I did want to note here that the large flag I am using is a single layer of fabric. If you get flags that have a double layer of fabric, you can put a design on both sides, but you will need to put protective paper in between those two layers.
Pressing in a Heat Press
Add to your heat press with the sublimation print on the top. Ensure everything is covered with your protective paper on the top and bottom and press. This requires medium pressure. Once it’s done pressing, lift up the handle, remove it, and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
For the larger flag, I’m going to press the truck portion first with the name portion hanging off the press. Then, I’ll flip it around and press the other side. When it’s been pressed on both sides, we’ll allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Revealing the Design
Remove the top protective paper and peel back the print from the flag. Remove any tape. The smaller flag is for something like a party and you will want to add the pole to the side. This one I made is ready for a football bash.
Remove the top protective paper from the garden flag as well. Then, remove the print with the design. You can see just how gorgeous this flag looks and how great it’s going to look in my garden this spring.
These are permanent as soon as you press them because this is sublimation ink on a sublimation blank. There’s no need to do anything else – this can just go outside.
As you can see, the process is super simple for making a sublimation flag. Grab your sublimation printer, a few sublimation blanks, and you’ll be well on your way to making some cute flags for parties, for your garden, for your car, wherever you would like them.
Want more sublimation craft ideas? Try the links below!
Make your own custom license plates with sublimation in minutes!
Make a cute Halloween shirt that really glows using sublimation and your Cricut machine!
Grab your sublimation ink and put it right on top of flocked heat transfer vinyl!
Use a small oven to add sublimated ink to mugs and tumblers with our technique and tips.
Want to print the instructions for this sublimation flag? Use the card below!
DIY Sublimation Flag
Make a flag for your garden, car, or even just a fun party with a sublimation printer and any design!
Materials
- Party Flags, Garden Flags, or Car Flags
- ASub sublimation paper 8 1/2 x 14 size may be needed
- Sublimation printer
- Sublimation ink
- Heat Press
- Lint Roller
- Heat Resistant Tape
- Artesprix Protective Paper
Instructions
Printing Designs
-
For the small flag, I intentionally used the 8 x 14 sublimation paper so I could fit two flags on one sheet with a bleed around the outside edge. If you’re going to sublimate the entire flag, there may be some differences in the size between your flags. I kept my design away from the side that goes in the flag pole. If you do go all the way to the edge, you will have a line because the back will be white.
-
For the garden flag, I did a design in Photoshop and then I added some text on the bottom. This will go in the center of my flag because I don’t have a very large heat press. If you have a larger printer and a larger heat press, you can sublimate this entire garden flag.
Prepping the Sublimation Flags
Adding Paper to Sublimation Flag
-
Locate the design on the flag. For the small flag, I left some bleed around three of the edges as discussed previously. Then, tape the print into place. You will also need to use protective paper on the bottom as well as the top. Remember that the side with the sublimation print will be the top when it is in the heat press.
-
I did want to note here that the large flag I am using is a single layer of fabric. If you get flags that have a double layer of fabric, you can put a design on both sides, but you will need to put protective paper in between those two layers.
Pressing in a Heat Press
-
Add to your heat press with the sublimation print on the top. Ensure everything is covered with your protective paper on the top and bottom and press. This requires medium pressure. Once it’s done pressing, lift up the handle, remove it, and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
-
For the larger flag, I’m going to press the truck portion first with the name portion hanging off the press. Then, I’ll flip it around and press the other side. When it’s been pressed on both sides, we’ll allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Revealing the Design
-
Remove the top protective paper and peel back the print from the flag. Remove any tape. The smaller flag is for something like a party and you will want to add the pole to the side. This one I made is ready for a football bash.
-
Remove the top protective paper from the garden flag as well. Then, remove the print with the design. You can see just how gorgeous this flag looks and how great it’s going to look in my garden this spring.