Sublimation ghosting (blurry shadow image) — how to kill it

That faint double/shadow image on a sublimation print is ghosting, and it's a movement problem: the transfer shifted relative to the substrate at some point during or after pressing. Here's how to stop it.

Why it happens: sublimation ink stays a gas for a moment after you lift the press. If the paper moves against the substrate while that gas is still active — even a tiny slip when you open the press or when the transfer flutters — you get a shadow.

Fixes, in order:

1. Tape it down. Heat-resistant thermal tape on at least two sides so the transfer physically cannot shift. This alone kills most ghosting.
2. Lift clean and fast. Open the press decisively and lift the substrate and paper together without dragging.
3. Watch your time/temp. Over-pressing keeps ink gassing longer and widens the ghost window. Dial to the substrate's real spec.
4. Mind the peel. Peel in one smooth motion; don't let the paper flop back onto the substrate.
5. Blowout / press fans and drafts can flutter a loose transfer — tape solves that too.

Tape + a clean lift solves ghosting the vast majority of the time. If you're still getting it after that, post your time/temp/pressure and a photo — there may be a press or moisture factor worth chasing.