The sublimation process is becoming increasingly well-known and for a good reason. You are at the correct location if you are eager to learn how to perform sublimation and sublimate a garment.
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You'll need a sublimation printer, some sublimation paper, and a heat press to be able to create pictures on a garment that are both bright and vivid. It seems straightforward, doesn't it? It is! However, there is additional information that you need to know in order to complete the sublimation garments successfully.
When it comes to producing the ideal sublimated shirt, many essential elements must be precise, including the temperature, the amount of time, the amount of pressure, and the printer settings.
You also need to be aware that you cannot immediately sublimate on a garment that consists of 100% cotton. You will learn all of this information as soon as you finish reading this informative guidance on sublimation printing on clothing.
The printing process known as sublimation includes transferring a design that has been printed using a standard inkjet printer with sublimation ink. Printing the design into a sublimation paper and then heating the fabric or sublimation blank onto which the design has been printed.
During the dye sublimation t-shirt printing process, the ink and the fabric mesh together by heat, resulting in the ink changing into a gas that irreversibly attaches to the fabric or the sublimation blank. In contrast to other printing methods, such as printable HTV or dark transfer paper, in which the paper media itself transfers to the shirt, this technique only transmits the image.
For wholesale sublimation shirts different factors are considerable in selecting the sublimation printer. Additionally, get details on reverse tie dye with bleach. Depending on your needs and preferences for an effective result of sublimation following factors are important:
This indicates the greatest size of paper or object the printer can handle. Style With Blank Apparel if you want to print large images or products, like banners, flags, or clothing, you'll need a wide-format printer that can accommodate extra-large wholesale sublimation shirts. However, if you just want to print small items like mugs, or stickers, a standard-sized printer would do just fine.
Considering the print size also affects the price and scalability of the printer, you must evaluate your financial constraints as well as your available space against your preferred output size. Get more details on what is dtf printing.
The kind of ink the printer can utilize is indicated by this. Special sublimation ink is needed for sublimation on Raglan Wholesale T Shirts printers because it can transform from a solid to a gas when heated without becoming a liquid.Know details on how to screen print t shirts at home, besides some printers can use third-party or refillable cartridges, some are strictly compatible with certain brands of cartridges. When selecting a sublimation printer for Sublimation on shirts , consider its performance and longevity as well as the cost and accessibility of the ink refills.
This refers to the color accuracy and resolution of the printer. The number of microscopic inks dots the printer can fit onto a square inch of paper or other material is measured in dots per inch (dpi), a solution metric. The greater the dpi, the finer and more realistic the print will be on top 3 gildan shirts. For wholesale sublimation shirts, color accuracy depends on the type and quantity of ink cartridges as well as the printer's software and settings. For Sublimation on shirts you require a printer that can produce vibrant, dependable colors that accurately reflect your original artwork.
Unquestionably, the easier the usage of a printer, the more chances of the larger consumption and usage of that printer for Sublimation on shirts. It is simple to understand that complex machines get low in demand and people usually opt for ease to get their fashion sweatshirts customized. In that case, a user-friendly printer with clear instructions, dependable customer service, and easy-to-use interface is all one need. The additional features might include wireless connectivity, automatic feeding of paper, or built-in software that can result in printing simplification. Get more details on Design Ideas For Custom T-Shirts for a remarkable identity.
It is indeed an important thing to understand that easy and rapid connections are the initial factors when choosing sublimation printers for cheap wholesale t shirts. A printer that supports the desirable operating system i.e. Windows and Mac with some reliable options for quick connection such as Wi-Fi or USB. On the other hand, T-Shirt Promotion Ideas with the printer works well with designing tools like Photoshop and Illustrator.
Sublimation printing has many benefits, and even though it differs from other printing methods, like using heat transfer vinyl or screen printing, it has its own advantages.
Also, if you make crafts or plan to open a print shop in the future, the sublimation printing will be an important part of your printing services. Apart from that, sublimation printing is twice better as other printing methods, mainly because:
Sublimation transfers do not move to clothes or other sublimation projects. Only the ink does.
The cost of ingredients is less for sublimation paper than for ink.
You can print on clothing, canvas tote bags, sublimation mugs, sublimation ref magnets, and many other sublimation blanks.
When printing bright, many-colored patterns, the process goes faster and is easy unlike heat transfer vinyl and screen printing, where you have to add colors.
The picture will not fade or crack over time because the ink absorbs permanently into the material.
Sublimation printing makes less mess and waste because you only need a few things.
You can print real shots and expect them to look the same on the shirt as they do on your computer.
But there are some things you can't do when sublimating on clothes. The most important rule is that you can only directly sublimate on a light-colored polyester shirt at least two-thirds polyester. Yes, sublimation used to only work on light-color fabric shirts and clothes.
But thanks to the creativity and skill of many makers, other ways have been found to work if you want to print on dark shirts and 100% cotton clothes. Which is what the next part of this guide will teach you. Now is the time to list what you need to sublimate on clothes.
Compared to other printing techniques, sublimation printing provides a major quality benefit.
Colors and intricacy can be severely constrained in screen printing. Not to mention printing the pattern in different hues repeatedly.
These restrictions do not apply to sublimation printing. The only restriction, in this case, is the quality of the written design from your computer because sublimation functions by moving the design from the paper to the item. You can immediately copy high-quality, vividly colored pictures and patterns onto the t-shirts, mugs, blankets, and other items of your choice using sublimation printing.
Most printers cannot produce white ink, which is the only minor drawback to sublimation printing. Therefore, sublimating works best on white or light-colored garments.
A poly layer and a sublimation dye work together to make the color last. The heat opens up the pores in the cloth and makes the ink a gas. Once the ink is inside the fabric, it becomes solid. At least, that's what we think! Here, you can learn more about the science of sublimation.
As was said above, sublimation works with polyester, so the best shirts to use for sublimation are 100% polyester or shirts with a high poly/cotton ratio. The more rayon there is, the more vivid and long-lasting the colors will be.
But if you want a worn or old-fashioned look, a smaller poly ratio might be just what you need.
In this guide to sublimation on shirts, we'll show you how it works on a shirt made of 100% cotton and on shirts with different amounts of fabric.
Sublimation ready printer
Heat press machine
Heat-resistant tape
Sublimation paper
Lint roller
Scissors/cutter
Teflon sheet or parchment paper
Best T-shirts For Sublimation
Avoid Messing Up your T-shirt Quilt as there are some of the best sublimation printers for wholesale sublimation shirts that are currently on the market. It includes different brands with different working criteria for Sublimation on shirts.
Epson SureColor F570 Pro
Sawgrass SG500
HP Stitch S500
Epson SureColor F570 Pro assists with effective color output of print with a 4.3 touch screen easy to operative display. Undeniably, it is appropriate for color accuracy and precision on wholesale blank t-shirts. Moreover, with x dpi, this printer can print up to 24 inches wide resolution. Besides, it has a spacious ink system that allows frequent prints with fewer refills. Know more about 5 Best Shirts For Sublimation.
Without a doubt, the favorite and most liked printer by experts and professionals is Sawgrass SG500 for better printing on men’s athletic wear wholesale. The features it comprises are a resolution of x dpi and can print up to 8.5 x 14 inches. Additionally, to prevent any sort of disturbance or clogging in the printing quality, it has a self-cleaning system. Know more about Athletic fit vs slim fit to express flawless artwork while working out.
It comprises a smart nozzle system for automatic detection and correction of failure or any kind of error during Sublimation on shirts. Furthermore, for accuracy in colors on Custom Golf Polo Shirts, it has a built-in spectrophotometer with printing of 64 inches wide with a resolution of x dpi. Besides, it is suitable and eligible for large-scale printing needs.
Fading and cracking of short sleeve t-shirts sublimation vary from materials to different techniques that need some considerations before starting Sublimation on shirts process.
Right Material Selection
Appropriate Usage of Pressure and Heat
Wash with Care
UV Rays Protection
Proper Storing
Performance fabrics and materials with a high polyester content, such as polyester blends, are the greatest candidates for sublimation printing. Custom long sleeve shirts with bright and durable colors are produced as a result of the strong bond that polyester enables between the sublimation ink and the fibers. Know more about Polo-Shirts Online Will Save You Time and Money and avoid using fabrics with low polyester content, such as cotton or silk, since they will not effectively absorb the ink, resulting in the print fading or cracking.
To transfer the ink from the paper to the substance during sublimation printing, a particular temperature and amount of pressure are needed for cheap wholesale t shirts. A faded or fuzzy print will result from improper ink transfer if the heat or pressure is too low or high, respectively. The ink will transfer too much and cause the print to break or bleed if the heat or pressure is both too high or low. For the best temperature and pressure settings for your sublimation on shirts, refers to the manufacturer's instructions. Further , applying for sublimation gets details about Wholesale T-Shirts for Your Clothing Line.
wholesale sublimation shirts print may fade or crack if improperly cleaned or dried. By washing your prints in cold water with a mild detergent—not bleach or fabric softener—you may prevent this. Additionally, Select The Right Color For Different Places and turn your prints inside out before washing them to avoid abrasion. When drying your custom athletic t-shirts, stay away from direct sunshine and other sources of extreme heat; instead, use a low heat setting or let them air dry.
Sublimation on plain t-shirt wholesale displays may deteriorate over time if they undergo exposure to UV radiation from the sun or other causes. This is because UV rays have the power to fade the color of sublimation ink and cause it to degrade. To help safeguard your prints from UV radiation, place them in a dark area. Besides know more about How Bella Canvas Elevate Fashion and Transforms trends.
If sublimation prints are not stored properly, they risk becoming damaged. Avoid folding or breaking down your custom long-sleeve shirts prints while storing them to avoid this. Keep them flat or wrapped instead. Additionally, keep your prints cool, dry, and humidity- and moisture-free while storing them. Know more details about how to soften a t shirt to prevent print from excessive breaking.
This portion will be broken up into two parts for the step-by-step guidance that we are creating. The first part of this process consists of preparing the concept. The second section consists of in-depth instructions on printing on shirts made of polyester, shirts made of 100% cotton, and dark-colored shirts.
Locating a digital picture of your creation is the first thing you need to do. You can download pictures for free or pay a fee to obtain SVGs, NFTs, or any image you want to print. Always keep in mind the importance of being mindful of copyright laws. Some designs can be downloaded for free, but the license only allows them to be used for personal purposes and not for business.
If you're skilled in graphic design, you can always construct your own design using Adobe Photoshop, even if you don't have those abilities. When it comes to creating the artwork, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to get the best possible result from the sublimation print:
Ensure that the designs you print have the greatest possible picture resolution.
Don't neglect to flip the picture horizontally.
Configure the printer to have the slowest speed possible while maintaining the greatest quality.
Before you begin printing on the sublimation paper, double-check that the measurements you have are accurate. It is important to remember that the intended print size of the design should not be too small or too large in relation to the clothing.
Regarding sublimation printing, no, you can't use a standard inkjet printer with ordinary ink. Sublimation printers are incompatible with inkjet printers because their nozzles use thermal printing technology.
To put it another way, HP, Canon, Dell, and Lexmark printers are incompatible with the sublimation printing process. Sawgrass printers and Epson printers with six ink containers are typically considered the most effective sublimation printers.
After writing on the sublimation paper, you'll need to cut around the image. Some printers skip this step, but it's a good idea and should always be done.
Even though the paper in sublimation paper doesn't move to the clothing, if you don't cut off the extra edges, you'll probably run into two problems.
The first problem is that extra bits of ink are outside the pattern. Second, there were problems with positioning during the printing process.
Obviously, if you print several small patterns on sublimation paper, you have to cut each one out individually. Let's start with the problem of wasted ink.
If you haven't been cleaning and maintaining your sublimation printer lately, waste or stuck inks could appear on the sublimation paper when you print. In some cases, the design works correctly, but there is extra ink outside the design or in the corners of the paper.
If you don't cut these out, the excess ink will also move to the clothing after you press it with heat. Then you'll get a bad print and have to start over.
Problems with balance are the second issue. For example, you have a small image that can be 4x4 inches, made in the middle of an A4 sheet of sublimation paper. You didn't get rid of the extra bits.
When you're ready to heat press the design into the fabric later, getting the design in the right place can be hard. The print on the shirt will most likely be crooked or out of place.
Do not skip this step if you want to avoid making mistakes in the future. It's better to be safe than to make these mistakes and waste a whole shirt. Many experienced printers will tell you to follow these steps, and if we were you, we'd do the same.
The next step is to run your lint brush over the shirt's surface where the picture is. Before sublimating, removing any hair or dust on the clothing is important. Why? There could be two things:
Little bits of dust will also be forever heat-pressed onto the clothing and will look like light blue streaks of print. From far away, you couldn't see it. But if you look closely, you can make it out.
If you sublimate over lint (loose strands of the fabric), the sublimation ink will move to the lint, not the garment. So, when you remove the lint, a white line will be left. (an unprinted part). This will be easy to see from a long way away.
Using a lint brush to eliminate lint or dust is always a good idea, just like the last step. Even though some printers can skip this step, you shouldn't!
At this point, you already have a sublimation picture ready to be heat pressed onto the clothing. Just set it aside and get your heat press ready. When sublimating clothes, using the recommended settings for heat, time, and pressure on your heat press machine is important.
If you don't print as much as the heat press directions say you should, the sublimation print might not be as bright and colorful as it should be. On the other hand, if you press a piece of clothing too much, it will probably burn and get yellow spots.
So, what are the best settings for a heat press for sublimation on shirts? This will depend on the material you use.
Heat press settings differ for shirts made of 100% polyester, cotton-polyester mixes, and 100% cotton and dark-colored clothes. Which, as you read on, you'll learn more about in the next part.
After getting rid of all the lint and dust, the next step is to get rid of the shirt's wrinkles and moisture. To do this, lightly press the shirt for 5 to 10 seconds before you wash it.
No matter where you store a shirt, especially one made of 100% cotton, the cloth can naturally hold water. So, you must press the sublimated tee shirts first to remove any wetness before sublimating it.
You don't want the wetness to get stuck under the sublimation copy. Or, the transfer picture won't stick well to the fabric, which is even worse. Also, if the shirt wrinkles, the printed picture will become a mess.
After making sure the spacing is right, and you're sure where to put the sublimation transfer, the next step is to use heat-resistant tape to hold it in place. Put the heat-resistant tape on all four sides to ensure it doesn't move when heated.
Because yes, the sublimation paper does tend to move around when the heat press machine is closed and opened. How did it turn out?
There could be ghosting around the picture. In a sublimation design, you don't want to see something resembling a shadow of the picture.
In the next part, you'll find detailed instructions on sublimating a t-shirt based on the tee you use. The way the sublimation picture is made will be different, but the way it is printed will be the same. Continue reading to learn more.
Heat Press Pressure: Medium Pressure
Heat Press Time: 45-60 Seconds
Heat Press Temperature: 385°-400°F
If your sublimation pictures are ready and you've done all the steps above, get your polyester shirt ready. If you directly sublimate a design onto a 100% polyester shirt that is light in color, you only have to heat press the design.
Before you press, don't forget to put a Teflon sheet on top of the sublimation paper.
Just a tip: the more rayon a shirt has, the better the sublimation picture will look. There's no commotion.
Heat press Pressure: Medium Pressure
Heat press time: 40-50 seconds
Heat press temperature: 400°F
People used to think you couldn't print straight on 100% cotton or poly-blend clothes with sublimation. That was a long time before the invention of sublimation covering spray. Polyester glue is sprayed onto cotton fibers in a sublimation coating.
In short, a polyester covering lays on top of the cotton shirt to sublimate directly. A sublimation coating spray can also be used on 100% polyester clothes that are light in color to make a vivid and bright picture.
Here's a step-by-step guide to sublimating on 100% cotton and poly-blend clothes that are light in color:
Spray the sublimation finishing spray over the print surface after the first pre-press.
You don't have to spray the whole t-shirt, just the area where the print is.
Spray the surface of picture two or three times.
Press the same button again for 5 to 10 seconds.
Make sure the shirt is dry before pressing the sublimate transfer into it.
Then it's over!
When buying a sublimation finishing spray, look for one that dries quickly, has a high-gloss finish, and is ready to use. It doesn't need to be a mix and match, and it's made to be easy to use.
You must have a cutting machine, PU White heat transfer vinyl, Holographic HTV, or Glitter HTV. So that the sublimation print looks bright and clear, you should only use white or brown heat transfer vinyl.
Heat Press Pressure: Medium pressure
Heat Press Yime: 10-15 seconds
Heat Press Temperature: 260 ? - 315 ?
Or Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendation
Heat Press Pressure: Medium pressure
Heat Press Time: 45-60 seconds
Heat Press Temperature: 385°- 400°F
Now, this process of reduction is a little tricky. You can't directly sublimate on dark clothes, whether they consist of 100% polyester, 100% cotton, or a mix of the two. But this can be an easy fix by first writing on straight heat transfer vinyl and then sublimating over it.
Yes, that can be done, and it has been done before with success. Here's how to do it stepwise:
Start by cutting the heat transfer vinyl with your cutting machine.
When you cut the vinyl, it should be the same size as the sublimation image, like a trace or sketch.
Push down on the heat transfer vinyl.
Peel off the plastic sheet above the HTV.
Place the sublimation image on top of the HTV and fix it with heat-resistant tape.
Press!
You're done!
As a tip, you can use this method instead of sublimation coating spray to print on shirts that are all one color, especially if you want to print on gray or yellow shirts made of 100% cotton, which are light colors. Or, you could use glitter heat transfer vinyl and then sublimate over it to add a little extra flair.
You have an alternative if you don't own a cutting machine but still need to print on dark-colored garments. You can use printer heat transfer paper, particularly black transfer paper, instead of heat transfer vinyl and sublimation paper.
Heat Press Pressure: Medium pressure
Heat Press Time: 45-60 seconds
Heat Press Temperature: 385°-400°F
Large format heat press machine
Large format sublimation printer
Sewing machine
Are you still wondering how full sublimation ink shirts are made? This one is hard because this is what is popular as "large format printing." Also, you must be really good at sewing to pull this off. So, you must start from scratch and learn how to sew a T-shirt.
Also, with full sublimation, you can only use textile clothes that are white or very light in color. You can't use cotton or poly-blend shirts when making full sublimation shirts. Most of the time, full sublimation shirts are ideal for sports or the office. To give you an idea, here's what happens when full-sublimation clothes are in the making:
Cut out the shirt pattern, including the collar, sleeves, and shoulder seams. (front and back)
Print on large format sublimation paper, usually sold by the yard or roll. You'll also need a large-format sublimation printer.
Put pressure on the shirt design with the transfer paper. (front and back)
Sew the back and front together.
This can sound like a simple process, but you need to know how to sew, which you can learn over time. You might be surprised at how successful full sublimation clothes can be. You can make fully printed polo shirts as well as regular shirts.
There is another option if you don't know how to sew or don't have enough money to buy a big format printer. You do this if you have a regular 15x15" heat press machine.
It might not be how things usually occur, but it can work. How it works is as follows:
Print on a fabric shirt that is easy to find.
Lay the shirt flat on a cardboard box.
Print the whole shirt on the transfer paper.
Put the sublimation paper together like a puzzle by taping the pieces together with tape that can handle the heat.
Put a piece of tape over the sublimation.
Press each part at a time.
Press the back and sleeve ends.
This is not the best way to print with full sublimation, and the shirt can end up with streaky lines. Also, there can be missing spots because the heat press machine is printed on an uneven surface. Even though this other way might work, the traditional way is still the best.
Use the best sublimation paper when you want to put on a sublimation shirt. That's the last tip. If you use high-quality paper, the colors will be bright and clear when wearing a shirt or any other sublimation blank.
Ever looked at a plain ol’ mug and thought, “Man, this could really use a cat in a spacesuit!”? Yeah, me too. Welcome to the wild world of sublimation, where your weirdest, wackiest designs can come to life—and turn it into money!
This is my ultimate guide on kickstarting your own sublimation business. Think of this as your one-stop-shop to go from “What the heck is sublimation?” to “Holy cow, I’m actually making money off this!”
What’s in it for you? We’re talking:
So, you ready to jump into how to start a sublimation business?
Let’s do it!
Great question!
You should listen to me because I’ve been in the print game since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. No joke, my mom and I started with DIY crafts, and then she leveled up to custom prints. Naturally, I hopped on that train faster than you can say “sublimation”!
Did I make mistakes when I was learning the game? You betcha, a whole boatload of ’em. But I cracked the code on what works, so you don’t have to trip over the same hurdles.
Fast forward to today, and what started as a hobby is now my bread and butter. Even better? I’ve shifted gears into teaching. I love teaching folks, just like you, how to turn their creative sparks into full-blown fireworks of a business.
Trust me, I’m here to spill all the tea—you’ll know everything you need to dive into this world.
And what about Sublimation? Is it still a good way to go?
Absolutely! The sublimation world is on fire right now. Just look at the trends; custom stuff is the new black.
In fact, the global custom printing market is expected to grow at 10.2% a year. This rapid growth shows the rising demand for personalized and custom-printed products.
And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to make bank while doing something they love?
Sublimation is one of the best types of printing out there and it’s perfect for growing a business. Print-on-demand businesses are making hundreds of thousands of dollars per year with custom products. Why not join them and have fun along the way?
So, if I were you, I’d devour this guide like it’s the last piece of chocolate cake at a party. Seriously, there’s no better time to dive in. Let’s get to work.
Here’s my quick overview of the 5 steps to start a sublimation business. Read this before you go diving into the rest of the article.
Now, let’s jump into my complete beginner’s guide to a sublimation printing business.
This is probably the most important step in starting your printing business.
You must find a sub-niche within your niche to focus on first. If not, you’ll have no chance of competing.
Here is an example of a good niched-down print store.
EmperorApparel is an Etsy shop that sells custom-printed apparel focused on Japanese cars (JDM). This is all they sell. They’re not trying to sell to every car enthusiast. They focus on one very specific area.
So, why are they doing this?
Because you can’t just start making products for everyone. Because no one will notice you.
If you try to sell everything at the start, you’ll be going up against major brands. That’s like starting a small shop right next to Target. Not many people are even going to notice you’re there.
There’s no way you’ll be able to compete with 174,771 results for this one term.
Niching down into a narrower space allows you to create a real brand for your audience and stand out from the clouded market.
You need to find your own little corner and build up some rep there. THEN, expand from there.
Sub-niches are basically the most precise part of a category of products.
The ideal custom product sub-niche lies at the intersection of you and the market.
Long story short, you want something that:
Once you find your sub-niche at the center of all that, you can explore the market this way…
Write down 5 shirt ideas in that space, and take a look at the market. Let’s see how you can do that now.
It’s best to do some research on your niche just to make sure it’s not overly competitive.
If your sub-niche is full of giant brands, it’s going to be a hard fight.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website 24 Inch Heat Sublimation Paper.
Remember, depending on if you’re on a marketplace or have your own site the competition is different. Either way, your goal is to get your products as high up in the rankings as possible.
Take your topics and plug them into the search bar (marketplace or Google) and see what pops up.
Let’s stick with the car example:
Again, this is the same search I showed earlier. I searched “Car Shirt” and there are 174,771 products!
You’d be competing against all of those results. All those other shops.
Now let’s take a look at JDM cars
Now if we take a look at narrowing it down to “JDM car shirt” things get better.
All I did was narrow my search down to a more specific type of car. Now the search results are only bringing in 5,510 results.
I know that’s still a lot of competition, but it’s so much better than the more broad term.
Let’s take a look even deeper into this topic. This is likely the lowest you need to go to see if there is space for you.
Not too bad. while there are still 1,141 results, which is a lot more digestible.
This is however where your own experience comes in. I can’t tell you how many results are too many. You’ll need to use your judgment to determine if the market is at capacity or if there is room for you.
In general, stick to niches where you see mostly other small print shops. Avoid huge businesses as they tend to flood entire markets.
Let me give you a real-life example from my own playbook. I decided to focus on “JDM cars” within the broader “Car Community” niche. Why? Because I’m a sucker for cars, especially JDM, and I noticed there was a gap in the market for high-quality prints related to JDM.
I did exactly what I explained above. Even with similar searches.
I don’t remember the exact numbers but I know for sure they were lower than they are now. Don’t let that discourage you though. While there might be higher competition, most of it is really poor quality.
Most of the competition was small shops like mine, with a few big names sprinkled in. But here’s the kicker: their designs were, let’s just say, less than inspiring. I knew I could do better.
I decided to offer not just shirts but a whole range of automotive-themed stuff, from key tags to stickers (man do we love our stickers) with iconic or funny statements.
So there you have it, a step-by-step breakdown of how I found and validated my own sub-niche. It’s not rocket science, but it does take some digging and a bit of gut instinct. Your turn now, go find that goldmine of a sub-niche!
The number of topics is practically endless:
Most of these niches are pretty straightforward: Some kind of passion, made into a design and put on some kind of apparel or product.
And remember, these are just broad topics, you need to find the smaller categories within these and find your spot.
Now that you’ve got your business idea in mind, we can move on to what you’ll actually need. And unfortunately, this sublimation equipment is gonna hurt your wallet a little.
I’ll be giving you a rundown of what each tool does, what to look for when buying one, and my personal top picks. And yes, the sublimation variant of all these things is actually needed(with an exception I’ll get into).
All of the tools I am recommending I either use regularly or have used in the past.
Yep, who knew you’d need a printer to start a printing business?
Well, technically you don’t. It’s less traditional but you can actually buy sublimation transfers on sites like Heat Transfer Source. And while it is an option I don’t suggest it. Making your own is much better for originality and cost.
Anyway, back to the printers.
I know I said I’d tell you what they do. Besides the obvious that sublimation printers print. More specifically they use sublimation ink and an inkjet system to print onto sublimation paper. I know, a mouthful of sublimation.
A good printer will cost you but as far as good specs to look for it really depends on where you are in the business and how serious you are. Plus, if you’re printing larger items you’ll need to buy a large format printer.
So, what are my favorite sublimation printers? I’ll break them down into 3 categories:
Standard format printers are for you if you’re printing on pretty much anything besides big shirts (over XL) or doormats. They print in the same size as a standard printer, 8.5 x 11.
My personal favorite in this category is the Epson SureColor F170. This printer comes in under $500 and ticks all the boxes. I think it’s great for anyone just starting out as it’s super simple to use and doesn’t break the bank.
If you aren’t a fan of the Epson, I recommend checking out the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG-500.
Now, if you’re gonna print some big stuff this is for you. These printers get huge, and so do the prices.
So unless you have the budget or absolutely need one of these large format printers I don’t suggest buying one in the beginning.
But, if you do, my favorites are:
The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG is my personal favorite for large format. It’ll print up to 11 x 17, which is more than enough for most people. Coming in at around $ isn’t bad either.
My second is the Epson SureColor F570 is the large print king. It has a 24-inch wide print and just about every feature that exists. So what’s the downside? Well, it’ll cost you around $!
Alternatively, if you’re trying to keep costs low and still need a large format printer you can go with the Epson EcoTank ET-. Printing up to 13 x 19 it’ll satisfy your large printing needs at just $700 (such a steal). The only downside is that it’s not originally for sublimation so you’ll need to convert it (more on that next).
Now this is probably where most of you skipped to. I probably would’ve too.
To get a truly budget sublimation printer you’ll need to convert a regular inkjet printer. The cheapest Epson EcoTank printer to convert is the Epson EcoTank ET-. Coming in around $200 this thing is a steal. Plus, the print quality is shockingly good for the price.
To convert it you’ll just buy one new (yes it has to be new) and add in sublimation ink instead of regular ink. It is important to note that converting a standard printer to sublimation will void any warranty and you’ll lose access to customer support.
If I were starting a new sublimation printing business I’d definitely go with the Epson SureColor F170. I use one of these all the time and I can say it’s a dream, especially for that price.
It’s easy to use, you can use a wide variety of ink, and on top of that it prints so frickin’ fast!
More stuff to buy? What!? Don’t worry the worst is behind us.
So, what’s so special about sublimation ink? It’s a special type of ink that changes to gas when heated allowing it to transfer to your sublimation blank. And again, it is not the same as inkjet ink. Always double-check that you have sublimation before you add it to your printer.
When buying sublimation inks this is what I suggest looking for:
For the Epson printers, they’ll likely come with their own branded ink. However, you might want to switch to a better ink in the future. Unfortunately, the Sawgrass printers the aftermarket ink is very limited.
I’m a big fan of the Hiipoo Ink because it dries super quickly and never leaves any smudges. Coming in at $25 for 4 bottles or $40 for a 6-bottle set it’s a steal for anyone who wants a good all-round ink. This is my personal go-to because I hate waiting for my shirts to dry.
Another great pick is the Printers Jack Ink. This ink is great for super vibrant affordable ink. Coming in at under $40 for a set of 6 you’re getting some bang for your buck.
Note that it’s important to check printer and heat press compatibility before you go buying new ink. There are quite a lot of limitations with different brands.
Alright, let’s talk heat, baby! No, not the Miami basketball team, but the thing that’s gonna make your designs pop.
These will be what heats your sublimation ink into gas and makes it go into the material of the blank. It’s literally as close to magic as you can get in this process and it’s pretty cool when you see it the first time.
You want something that’ll give you the same results every time, without making you pull your hair out.
First up, for the starting out, I like the Cricut EasyPress. This bad boy is as user-friendly as it gets. Priced around $200, it’s a solid investment for beginners. Plus, it comes in a few sizes, with the largest being 10×12 inches.
Now, if you’re planning to make mugs and tumblers you’ll need something a little different. They both have their own type of press and can add to your costs a lot.
So, if you’re dead set on selling mugs and tumblers when starting out I suggest using a convection oven. It’s like a Swiss Army knife of heat sources for non-flat objects. I will say it’s a little harder to use because you’ll need to wrap the cup in something to hold the print to the blank.
Personally, I’ve been using the Heat Press Nation Swing Away Heat Press recently. When you’ve done as many prints as I have you’ll grow fond of not having to stick your hand under a hot plate.
This is what you’ll be putting your designs on. Your t-shirts, mugs, or even wacky stuff like doormats.
I don’t think I need to explain what these are but I can tell you what makes good blank products.
Unfortunately, you can’t just slap a design on anything and call it a day. You need something with a poly-coating or enough polyester in it (70-100% for best results). So that Random Walmart mug or cheap 100% cotton tee? Not gonna cut it. Use the wrong stuff, and you’ll get a design that’s either faded or just straight-up MIA.
Next up, sublimation paper. You might think paper’s just paper, but oh boy, you’d be wrong. This paper is what allows the special inks to transfer onto your blanks.
Now, if you’re wondering what paper I’m using on a regular, it’s A-SUB Sublimation Paper all the way. Why? First off, they’ve got a killer range. Sizes start from 4×9.5 inches at $9 for 100 sheets, going up to 13×19 inches for $43 for 110 sheets. So whether you’re printing small mugs or XXXL tees, they’ve got you covered (for a great price too).
But size isn’t everything, folks. This paper works with almost every printer out there, and let me tell you, the colors are off-the-charts vibrant. In my opinion, it’s the only paper you’ll ever need.
Heads up: Always make sure your paper is compatible with your printer and heat source. A-SUB is super versatile, but it’s always good to double-check.
Now, I know there are a lot of numbers being thrown around and it can be confusing. I’ll make it really simple. For the best results, go with 125g. This is what I use for all my projects as it always brings the highest quality prints and works great on every substrate.
Now, onto the fun part, design software. And no you don’t have to be an expert to make your own designs.
So what’s my go-to? Canva ALL DAY!
Canva might not be the most advanced design software out there but it does a great job at what we need. Plus the lack of advanced features makes it so easy to use. And on top of all that, it’s Free. They also have a very affordable premium which adds a ton of useful features (like a CMYK converter).
I use Canva so much daily between making print designs and the blog it’s not even funny anymore.
Alternatively, if you’re a design wizard (which I’m not) you can go with something like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. Photoshop will be a bit costly but you can definitely make some sick stuff.
I also love to implement AI into the designing process now. It can help you create base designs to start with. A tool like Midjourney does a great job at this.
How on earth is there still more stuff to get? Don’t worry, this is the last section for the tools I swear.
So, the unsung heroes of the sublimation world—the random stuff you didn’t know you needed, but totally do.
This is my basic lineup for everyone getting started. I’ll include 2 setups: The budget (minimum recommended to start) and The Pro (Basically my current setup).
This brings the total cost for my budget setup to $514. For the price, I think you’re getting into a really good business with some great tools. This is subject to change at the company’s discretion.
This brings the total cost for my pro setup to $1,013. The price will go up to $2,013 if you decide to start out with a wide-format printer. These prices are really high but you will be getting some of the best equipment to start.
My Two Cents on My Setup
Look, my Epson SureColor F170 is my right-hand man. It’s never let me down, and I’ve put it through the wringer. Using the Hiipoo ink with it is just a cherry on top for performance.
I would really like to upgrade to Epson’s wide format but it just costs too much. Currently rocking with the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG and it is definitely nothing to slouch on for $ less.
My Heat Press
My HeatPressNation Swing Away is a workhorse. I’ve had zero issues with it, and it’s made my life so much easier (so many fewer burns). I have a few presses and while it’s my favorite, it definitely takes up a lot of space for the plate size.
Paper & Design Tools
A-SUB paper is my go-to for everything. I’ve tried others, but nothing compares in quality and value.
And Canva Pro plus Midjourney AI? They make me feel like some crazy pro designer who went to school. I really enjoy messing with them outside of just the print designs as well
Phew, no more painful numbers! Now on to the fun stuff: Making your products.
I’ll be giving you a rundown on how to do each step of creating your products. Don’t worry, it’s not that hard.
To start the production process, you’ll be creating your designs. I’m going to show you how I do it with the use of AI (Midjourney) and Canva.
I’ll try to keep it short but we’ll see how that goes. To help with this, I won’t show you how to set them up. Just actually using them.
If you love your niche this shouldn’t be a problem. I can’t take you through the process but I recommend just jotting down some ideas and trying them out.
I also recommend checking the market to make sure you aren’t making the same design others have.
Now if you don’t know the niche that well or can’t think of anything I recommend using AI. Tools like ChatGPT are great for this.
Here’s how I use it when I can’t think of anything:
As you can see I took a niche (gym cats) and asked ChatGPT to create ideas for it.
Now, not all of these will be home runs. However, they are a great starting point for creative ideas.
Now, let’s take those design ideas and turn them into actual designs.
I’ve been using tools like Midjourney to help create starting points for my print products. I personally really like to use them in combo with ChatGPT to help make the prompts.
Here’s how I use these AI tools to create my designs.
I told ChatGPT to create a Prompt for the AI art generator. I just tell it what I am doing and what I’d like the design to be. It will make it more details and even add some additional details.
A little tip I can give is to tell it to make it like a sticker. This will make it easier to remove the background.
After plugging the prompt it gave me into Midjourney it gave me these:
From here, choose the one you like and make the background transparent.
To do that you can use Canva’s premium tool: the background remover. Alternatively, you can remove it using a free tool like Gimp (although it’s more complex)
Next, you’ll add that file to Canva, add the text you like (if you want text), and download it with a transparent background.
Here is my completed design following these exact steps (minus the transparent background) as I was writing them:
Alright, you’ve got your killer design and you’re itching to hit that “Print” button. But hold up, cowboy! There are a few things you gotta check before starting the sublimation printing process to make sure your masterpiece comes out looking like a Picasso and not a hot mess.
First, double-check your printer. If you hit “Print” and hear crickets, make sure you’ve picked the right printer and that it’s actually on and connected. Trust me, it happens to the best of us.
Now, let’s talk about mirroring. If your design has words or needs to be in a specific direction, you’ll want to flip it. Why? Because when you press it, it’ll flip back and look just right.
You can set this up in your software or printer settings but don’t do both. I recommend saving this to your printer profile so you can’t forget.
Pro Tip: Run a test print on your regular printer using just black ink and plain paper. You’ll catch any mistakes, like forgetting to mirror the image, and get a sense of the sizing. Do this for your first few projects and you’ll save yourself time, ink, and a headache or two.
Alright, you’ve printed your design and now it’s showtime! Pressing can feel like the final boss level in a video game, but don’t sweat it. I’ve got some tips to make sure you nail it every time.
First off, know your substrate. Whether you’re pressing on a tee, a mug, or some other cool thing, each one’s got its own set of rules.
Here is a chart for the general temps and times for each substrate:
Ceramic Mugs 150-210 seconds 350-400°F 40 psi (medium) Time varies with press. Cool down mugs in warm water or a cooling plate after removing the transfer paper.
Stainless Steel Tumblers 60-90 seconds 365°F 40 psi (medium) Time varies. For full wraps, press, rotate 180 degrees, and press again.
Polyester Fabric 35-45 seconds 400-410°F 40 psi (medium) Pre-press for 3-5 sec to remove moisture. Use tack spray and blow-out sheet to avoid ghosting.
Now that you’ve got some designs and products made it’s time to show them off. I’ll be taking you through every step of making a product listing that sells.
The way you choose to tackle your product images will vary so I’ll take you through the two main strategies.
This is my preference to this day. Why? It’s fast, easy, and you don’t need to be a Photoshop wizard to make it work. There are a ton of online tools out there that can help you whip up some slick mockups. I’m talking sites like Placeit, Mockup World, and even good ol’ Canva.
Canva Love: Just as simple as using their designer, you just choose a template and drag your design onto it. Plus, you can add text, filters, or whatever else to make it uniquely yours.
Here is a mockup I made in Canva in about 2 seconds:
Why Mockups Rock:
Now, if you’re feeling all Hollywood, you can go for an actual photoshoot. This gives you total control over the vibe and look of your images. But heads up, it can get pricey and time-consuming. You’ll need a good camera, lighting, and maybe even models.
I recommend only doing this to update an already well-selling product.
Quick Tips:
Alright, you’ve got killer product images, but now you need the words to match. I’m talking about titles and descriptions that make people think, “I need this in my life, like, yesterday.”
The title is your first impression, so make it count. You want something that grabs attention but also tells people exactly what they’re looking at.
How to Craft ‘Em:
This is where you get to really sell it. Paint a picture of how awesome life will be with this product.
How to Write ‘Em:
AI to the Rescue: If you’re stuck or short on time, AI tools can be a lifesaver. I’ve used AI to help brainstorm titles and even flesh out descriptions. Just feed it some basic info, and it’ll spit out some pretty decent options to get you started. It’s like having a mini copywriter in your pocket.
As you can see the AI isn’t perfect or complete. But it’s a great place to start at and way better than nothing.
Alright, you’ve got your killer products, eye-popping images, and snappy titles. Now what? Time to shove ’em in front of people’s faces—in a good way, of course.
Let’s dive into my favorite (and most successful) ways of getting your products the attention they deserve.
I was once a skeptic, but a $50 Facebook ad campaign turned me into a believer. The traffic was insane, and my sales went through the roof.
Your Facebook Action Plan:
Don’t sleep on Instagram, Twitter, or even Pinterest ads. I’ve dabbled in these platforms and seen some solid ROI. Instagram, especially, is a visual goldmine for showcasing my products.
Your Social Media Action Plan:
Google Ads are a different beast. They’re more expensive but can also bring in a more diverse audience. I’ve used them for specific campaigns, and while they didn’t bring the instant gratification that Facebook ads did, they paid off in the long run.
Your Google Ads Action Plan:
Here’s the deal: It’s tougher now than when I started. Ads cost more, and the competition is fierce. But the flip side? The tools have gotten way better. You can target your audience with laser precision and get insights that were unimaginable a few years ago.
Bonus Tip: A/B test absolutely everything. You might think something is working when it’s not. So test it.
Social media is where your brand gets to be the life of the party. It’s not just about selling; it’s about building a tribe. A passionate one.
I once posted a time-lapse video of a custom mug being made. It didn’t even go viral but it got traction. Not only did it lead to an increase in followers, but a consistent increase in sales thereafter.
Building a social media is about growing a following for your brand that loves it.
You don’t have to go crazy with it. Start slow, build your routine, and be transparent. If your audience loves your brand, they’ll buy more and do some marketing for you.
SEO is your marathon to “free” and consistent traffic to your products. There are two types of SEO: Google SEO and Marketplace SEO.
You guessed it, Google SEO is all about making Google trust you and optimizing your site to do so. This is perfect for running your own websites.
Alternatively, if you plan to be running your shop on a marketplace you won’t need to worry about Google as much. Your goal here is to research the individual marketplace to get your products at the top of their results.
I honestly skipped out on Google SEO in the beginning. Now that I’m blogging I see the true power of it. I mean it’s traffic that you work for not pay for. Plus, it’s not like random people are seeing your stuff, these people search for your products so they want them.
So, SEO isn’t just a one-trick pony. It’s got multiple layers, and mastering them can seriously pay off. Whether it’s Google or Etsy, the right keywords can make you the star of the show.
There’s a buffet of other marketing avenues, from marketing to influencer collabs. I personally really love collabs. I mean you get to meet with influencers in your niche. You can make some good friends and amazing partnerships.
Before you dive headfirst into this sublimation biz, let’s pump the brakes for a sec. There are a couple of things that didn’t fit into the main guide but are super important.
First, don’t underestimate customer service. I once had a customer who wasn’t happy with their custom mug. I replaced it, no questions asked, and now they’re a repeat customer.
Second, keep an eye on your inventory. There’s nothing worse than getting a rush of orders and realizing you’re out of paper or ink. Trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s a logistical nightmare.
So, after you get everything going where do you go next? First off, consider diversifying your product range. It’s the easiest way to reach new audiences and a great way to expand the business.
Second, think about scaling. I started off with just a normal heat press, but as orders piled up, I invested in a convection oven and it was a game-changer.
Lastly, never stop learning. The sublimation world is always evolving, and you’ve got to keep up. Nothing stays the same for long and you need to be ahead of the game.
Bonus tip: Monitor absolutely everything. It helps so much to know where your money is going and coming from. If you’re spending money on ad campaigns and they aren’t working you need to know.
Well, we’ve covered a lot of ground and I want you to see what this can be. I’m going to show you a very successful business and one that’s a little smaller, but still wildly successful.
I like to look at other shops like this for motivation that I’m doing the right thing. And both of these use the exact tips I shared in this guide.
INKMYPLATE is all about custom decorative license plates. They are a great example of how niching can work so well. On top of that they have a star seller rating. That means they are on top of their customer service and it shows.
I found these guys in a few different searches while I was doing example research. And guess what, they show up at the top of the results in so many searches. Plus, these aren’t all organic rankings, they are running successful ad campaigns all over Etsy.
This is a great example of how you can still be successful without being a basic t-shirt printing business.
The IKONICK name is more than a print shop, they are a real brand now. This is a perfect example of the empire you can build with a print business. Their main focus is canvas prints and they’ve expanded into apparel.
They take ahold of the ikonick stuff. They like the pop culture sports stuff.
And don’t think they got here doing nothing. Here is everything they are doing right:
This is a great resource to see just how important it is to stay niched down. They are generating crazy numbers and they are still barely even tapping out of the sports canvas prints area.
So you’re vibing with the whole sublimation thing, but maybe you’re wondering what else is out there. Let’s explore some alternatives and see how they stack up against sublimation.
Screen printing is like the granddaddy of custom printing. It’s been around forever and is great for bulk orders.
How It Compares to Sublimation: Screen printing is less versatile when it comes to full-color and complex designs and they don’t tend to last as long. However, it’s killer for large orders of simpler designs.
Pros:
Cons:
DTG is the new kid on the block. It prints directly onto the fabric and is awesome for intricate designs.
How It Compares to Sublimation: DTG is excellent for high-detail prints but falls short in color vibrancy and startup costs compared to sublimation.
Pros:
Cons:
Print-on-demand is the lazy river of custom printing. You design, they print and ship. Easy peasy.
How It Compares to Sublimation: Print-on-demand takes the hassle out of production but gives you less control over the printing process and quality. It’s also a lot cheaper to expand to new products or offer a wide range of print products.
Pros:
Cons:
Read more about starting a print-on-demand business here.
You’re now locked and loaded with everything you need to kick off a profitable dye sublimation printing business. The only thing left? Rolling up those sleeves and diving in.
Don’t let this guide be another tab you leave open on your browser, only to forget about. Take action. Start small if you have to. Buy that heat press, create that Etsy account, and run that first ad. Every empire starts with a single step, and your sublimation empire is no different. So, what’s your first move?
Here’s your action plan:
Remember, the best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is now. So go ahead, take that leap, and make your sublimation dreams a reality.
Are you interested in learning more about 44 Inch Heat Sublimation Paper? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!