So, how does the process look?
Here’s a straightforward rundown:
- Design: Begin by selecting an image and transferring it onto specialized sublimation paper using sublimation ink. This ink transitions directly from a solid to a gas when heated, bypassing the liquid phase.
- Heat Application: Place the transfer paper on your item, like a shirt or a mug. We then heat it up to between 375°F and 400°F. The heat converts the ink into a gas, which then begins to bond with the material..
- Integrating with the Material: When the gas cools down, it solidifies and embeds into the item’s fibers or coating. This results in a vibrant, durable print that is firmly attached to the item and resistant to cracking, peeling, or fading.
Review Gooten’s custom product selections to understand how sublimation printing can elevate your product assortment.
Upsides and Downsides of Sublimation Printing
Sublimation printing has its perks and drawbacks. Here’s the lowdown:
Upsides:
- Bright Colors: This technique makes your designs look more vibrant and eye-catching.
- Long-Lasting Prints: The ink adheres directly to the material, making your prints strong and resistant to cracking or fading.
- Versatility: Whether it’s clothes, mugs, or home decor, sublimation printing works on different items. For ideas, check out Gooten’s collections.
Downsides:
- Limitations: This technique is most effective on polyester and specially coated surfaces. It’s less suitable for natural fabrics like cotton or for dark-colored items.
- Cost: Initiating sublimation printing can be pricey, however it pays off for larger orders.
- Colors: Inability to print white under limitations, resulting in challenges when wanting to print on darks.
What Can You Sublimate On?
Not sure which products to choose for sublimation printing? Here are some ideas:
Apparel:
Accessories:
Mugs:
Home Decor:
Sublimation Compared to Other Printing Techniques
Sublimation or Screen Printing?
Sublimation or DTG Printing?
Design File Prep
FAQs
- Sublimation printing is a process in which ink changes into a gas and integrates with the material, creating bright and durable prints.
- A sublimation printer is intended for producing high-resolution, full-color images on polyester fabrics and specially treated surface
Sublimation prints on shirts are highly durable, lasting as long as the shirt itself without fading or peeling.
Sublimation printing works best on white or light-colored items. Dark colors can affect the vibrancy of the print.
Sublimation embeds ink into the fabric, offering greater durability and more vibrant colors, whereas screen printing applies ink on the surface, which may crack over time.
Use sublimation paper specifically designed to handle the special ink and heat transfer process. sublimation paper is specially designed to not absorb the ink to allow it to transfer to the item easier.
