Looking for a unique sublimation blank that’s perfect for summer markets, beach trips, festivals, and outdoor events? Foldable fans (also known as flying disc fans or foldable frisbee fans) are a fun and practical project that customers love.
For this project, I used my “Throwin’ Shade & Frisbees” capybara sublimation design, but you can use any high-quality sublimation PNG that fits the printable area.
Here’s exactly how I sublimated mine.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Foldable sublimation fan/frisbee blank
- Sublimation printer
- Sublimation paper
- Heat press
- Heat-resistant tape (optional)
- Protective butcher paper
- Lint roller
- Heat-resistant gloves
My Heat Press Settings
For my foldable fan, I used:
- Temperature: 180°C (356°F)
- Time: 60 seconds
- Pressure: Medium
Tip: Always check the recommendations from your blank supplier, as different manufacturers may have slightly different settings.
Step 1: Print Your Design
Print your design using sublimation ink and mirror the image before printing.
I chose a bright tropical design with bold colors since these really pop on white polyester fabric.
Step 2: Prepare the Fan
Before pressing, use a lint roller to remove any dust, lint, or loose fibers from the fabric surface.
Even tiny pieces of lint can leave unwanted blue specks after pressing.
Step 3: Position the Design
Place your printed sublimation transfer face down onto the printable side of the fan.
Make sure the artwork is centered and positioned exactly where you want it.
If needed, secure it with heat-resistant tape to prevent shifting during pressing.
Step 4: Press the Fan
Place butcher paper underneath and on top of the project to protect your heat press.
Press using:
- 180°C
- 60 seconds
- Medium pressure
Try not to move the transfer when removing it after pressing to avoid ghosting.
Step 5: Reveal Your Finished Design
Once the timer finishes, carefully remove the paper while it’s still warm.
The colors should appear vibrant and permanently infused into the fabric—not sitting on top like vinyl or transfer paper.
After cooling, simply fold the fan back into its pouch, and it’s ready to use or sell.
Why I Love Sublimating Foldable Fans
Foldable fans are one of those products that customers don’t always think about until they see them.
They’re perfect for:
- Summer festivals
- Beach vacations
- Sporting events
- Outdoor concerts
- Theme parks
- Camping trips
- Family reunions
- Party favors
- Small business markets
- Vacation gifts
Because they fold into a compact pouch, they’re easy to carry in a purse, backpack, or beach bag.
Design Tips
Designs with:
- Bright colors
- Tropical themes
- Funny summer sayings
- Beach animals
- Vacation graphics
- Bold typography
all work especially well on foldable fans because they’re highly visible when opened.
Final Thoughts
This project was quick, easy, and a lot of fun to make. Using 180°C for 60 seconds produced a vibrant, permanent sublimation print on my foldable fan, making it a great addition to my summer product lineup.
If you’re looking for something different from the usual mugs and T-shirts, foldable sublimation fans are definitely worth trying. They’re practical, eye-catching, and make fantastic gifts or market items for the warmer months.
Happy crafting! 🌴☀️