Sublimation printing has opened the door to creating vivid, durable designs on everything from t-shirts to metal signs. If you’re using a Mac and wondering how to get started with sublimation, you’re in the right place. I’m The Printer Guy, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to print on sublimation paper using a Mac, how to get the best possible color transfer, and how to press your design onto a metal sublimation plate using a Cricut EasyPress 3.

Whether you’re just starting out with sublimation or upgrading your workflow, this tutorial will help you avoid common mistakes and make professional-quality prints at home.

What You’ll Need for Sublimation Printing on Metal

Before we dive into settings, here’s a checklist of materials you’ll need. These are all the exact products I used in my demonstration:

• Epson ET-2400 EcoTank Printer – Buy Here
• Sublimation Paper – Shop on Amazon
• Sublimation Ink – View Ink
• Metal Sublimation Plates – Get Them Here
• Cricut EasyPress 3 – Check Price
• Heat-Resistant Gloves – Protect Your Hands

Step 1: Preparing Your Image for Sublimation on a Mac

Once you have your design ready (JPEG or PNG), open it up using Preview or any photo viewer on your Mac.

Then hit Command + P to bring up the print dialog box. This is where your settings become critical.

Key Print Settings to Adjust:

• Printer Selection: Choose your Epson ET-2400 or any sublimation-compatible EcoTank printer.
• Paper Size & Orientation: Select whether you’re printing in portrait or landscape based on the size of your sublimation blank (like a metal plate or t-shirt).
• Scale: Adjust the image scale so that it fits the specific dimensions of your metal plate.
• Layout Tab: Be sure everything aligns correctly—this matters when printing on fixed-size materials.
• Paper Handling: Ensure the printer is pulling from the correct tray with the sublimation paper loaded shiny side up.

Step 2: Flip the Image (Don’t Skip This)

This is the most common mistake beginners make with sublimation printing. You must mirror your image before printing. If you don’t, your design will transfer backward.

Two Easy Ways to Mirror on Mac:

1. Check “Flip Horizontally” in the print settings.
2. Select “Mirror Image” under the Color Matching options.

This step ensures the final result appears correctly once heat pressed onto your blank.

Step 3: Choose the Right Sublimation Paper for Your Media

Not all sublimation paper performs the same on every type of blank.

For metal signs, I initially used a generic paper that gave me subpar results. Once I switched to a higher-quality sublimation paper designed for hard surfaces, the print came out much sharper and transferred beautifully.

I recommend this sublimation paper: Get the Right Paper

This same paper also works well on t-shirts, so it’s a reliable multi-use option.

Step 4: Heat Pressing the Metal Sign Using Cricut EasyPress 3

After printing your mirrored design, it’s time to apply heat.

How I Did It:

• Place the sublimation paper face down on the metal plate.
• Secure it using heat-resistant tape so it doesn’t shift.
• Set your Cricut EasyPress 3 to the appropriate temperature (around 385°F to 400°F) and time (typically 60 seconds for metal).
• Use heat-resistant gloves to safely remove the press and peel off the paper.

Cricut EasyPress 3 – Best Heat Press for Sublimation Beginners
Get Heat-Resistant Gloves for Safe Handling

After lifting the press, let the plate cool slightly, and you’ll see your vibrant design infused into the surface. Clean, professional results with no smudging or fading.

Pro Tips from The Printer Guy

• Always test print on plain paper first to check layout and mirroring.
• Trim excess sublimation paper to avoid unnecessary transfer marks.
• Use a lint roller on your blanks before pressing to avoid specks or dust.
• Only use genuine sublimation ink. Here’s the one I recommend: View Sublimation Ink

Watch the Full Tutorial

Want to see the full sublimation process from Mac to metal sign? Watch the step-by-step video here:
Watch on YouTube

Final Thoughts

Sublimation printing doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right printer settings, the correct sublimation paper, and a reliable heat press, you can achieve professional-quality prints on metal, fabric, and more. Using the Epson EcoTank 2400, Mac OS, and Cricut EasyPress 3, I was able to print and press vibrant designs that hold up over time.

For more printer tutorials, maintenance tips, and product recommendations, subscribe to the YouTube channel and bookmark this blog. I’m The Printer Guy, and I’m here to make your printing experience easier and more successful.

Shop the Exact Tools I Used

• Sublimation Paper: https://amzn.to/3FZx3BX
• Cricut EasyPress 3: https://geni.us/p0H6L2
• Sublimation Ink: https://geni.us/u1tf
• Metal Plates: https://geni.us/kNzlkTu
• Heat-Resistant Gloves: https://geni.us/bxh7dTH
• Epson ET-2400 Printer: https://geni.us/EpsonEt2400BuyHere