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Oct 17, 2024

Review LOKLiK Auto Tumber Heat Press ⋆ Extraordinary Chaos

I have been crafting for most of my life; it’s been a huge part of my work life for eight years. I thought layered cake toppers and sticker-making were my things. It was the perfect way to use my

I have been crafting for most of my life; it’s been a huge part of my work life for eight years. I thought layered cake toppers and sticker-making were my things. It was the perfect way to use my illustrations and see my designs really come to life. That is until this week when I discovered sublimation. And I wouldn’t have bothered trying it if I hadn’t been reviewing the LOKLiK Auto Tumber Heat Press. But wow, this tumbler press has the ability to bring illustrations and ideas to life.

And you don’t have to be a design enthusiast to sublimate, there are so many files available to create almost any project your heart desires.

If you want to see me create my projects, follow me on Tik Tok and Instagram.

The LOKLiK Auto Tumber Heat Press is designed for sublimating onto glass and ceramic tumblers and mugs. Heating to 390°, the tumbler heat press allows sublimation ink to bond with sublimation blanks to create a seamless, permanent result.

The benefit is that rather than using permanent vinyl that can peel off, the sublimation image can be as vibrant and colourful as you wish. The possibilities are endless.

Of course, sublimation isn’t limited to glasses and tumblers; it’s also fantastic on coasters, banners, bags and clothing. The only difference is that you will need an Auto Heat Press to sublimate flat images or a hat press for hats.

No, sublimation is all about print images. It makes it easier if you have a cutting machine; software such as LOKLiK IdeaStudio is an excellent base for designing, uploading, and printing designs. You don’t need to cut the project with your machine. But it’s a great way to send png files to print without a background, rather than paying for programmes like Canva Pro and Photo Shop.

You will need a sublimation printer, sublimation blanks and sublimation paper. I went against advice and bought the basic converted Ink Experts Epson EcoTank 1810. The printer is not recommended for working with my Mac.

However, I also read there are workarounds and figured as I wanted an entry-level machine to start with, I would give it a go. After watching a few videos and a bit of trial and error, I got it set up and working.

You will also need sublimation blanks. I used mugs, frosted glass tumblers, heat gloves and tape; these come with your LOKLiK Auto Tumber Heat Press.

Now, again, I am a messer; I draw my files so the colours are ingrained into my brain. I know exactly how they should look. So I went against ICC sheets, used the MAC colour profile and got the desired colour. If you are new to sublimation, this will all be alien, as it was to me, but go with your gut and don’t be frightened to play and experiment.

There are free printable images in LOKLiK IdeaStudio, plus I have a full selection of themed colour alphabets, letters and numbers for themed projects for gifts and parties.

With your Auto Tumber Heat Press, you have many options for creating your own themed sublimation mugs and glasses.

This is the thing: it’s so easy; start by measuring your mug or glass. This is the size you want your mug wrap to be.

Now, create your design; I wanted to use my new sailing boat alphabet and the elements to make a monogram mug for Kieran, my fellow podcast host at Magically Cruising.

I started with a 10×4-inch template and dragged all my elements into shape. Once I was happy with the shape, I grouped them all together. However, make sure you flip to mirror the image before you print. Now, you can send it to print and cut. Or cut it out with a guillotine.

Its important to secure the design to your mug and glass before putting it into the LOKLiK Auto Tumber Heat Press. For this, you must use heat-resistant tape. Any movement will affect the result and smudge.

Once well taped up, cover in butcher paper and pop into the machine using the heat protective gloves supplied.

It’s easy to set the temperature and time with the easy-to-use controls. When setting the heat, the start button will flash red until it reaches temperature. When it’s ready, it flashes green.

Before using it, I opened a window; sublimation ink has a strong smell. I pressed the mug at 39°f for 420 seconds. When the heat press bleeps to say it’s finished, remove the mug with your heat gloves; it is so hot. Now allow to cool before you remove the tape and show your design.

It’s a great heat press and costs £179.99, which is excellent value. I also like that you can sublimate longer glasses, or two mugs at a time. The press can sublimate tumblers and mugs from 10 to 30oz, with a diameter of 7.5 to 8.5cm(2.95-3.35in). It’s something I will be using a lot in the future; it’s just great to see my designs come to life in such a great way.

Please note this post is a sponsored collaboration, but my thoughts are my own, and I am genuinely obsessed with sublimating my designs.

Sarah Christie is the author of Extraordinary Chaos a family lifestyle and travel blog from a 50+ mum of boys, sharing Cricut Crafts and Free SVG Files, family travels, recipes, reviews and country living. Also the co-editor of Cruising With Kids Family Cruise Blog and Mini Travellers family travel blog.