Full-color shirts, photographic designs infused into fabrics, and vibrant mugs—sublimation is the printing technique behind these eye-catching items.
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Initially, sublimation was introduced for textiles in the s, but its versatility has expanded to metals, ceramics, and other materials. Today, sublimation printing is a well-known method for creating personalized, high-quality items.
This article explains sublimation printing, detailing the tools and equipment required to complete the process. It also explores sublimation printing applications and compares the process with other printing methods.
To complete sublimation, you’ll need multiple supplies:
Sublimation ink is a dye-based ink that directly transforms from solid to gas, on heating. This gas penetrates the substrate’s surface and solidifies, embedding the ink into the material.
Dye sublimation ink is available in the same four colors as regular printing inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK). The four colors form the full-spectrum realistic images. You’ll get inks in bottles or cartridges that can be inserted into the printer.
It’s a special type of inkjet printer that can handle sublimation inks. It features a Micro Piezo print head, which can handle the delivery of gaseous dye.
Unlike traditional inkjet or laser printers that simply deposit ink or toner on the surface, sublimation printers use piezoelectric elements to precisely inkjet ink. If you’re looking for a printer, try Epson - it’s a pioneer in this printing technology.
Sublimation or heat transfer paper is a coated paper that holds dye inks temporarily before they are transferred onto the substrate. The coating (mixture of binder and silica) holds the design after the printing and releases it on heat and pressure.
Sublimation printing can only works on light-colored polyester fabric and polyester-coated materials. To sublimate on dark or cotton fabric, use a base layer of sublimation vinyl together with sublimation paper.
A heat press is a machine that applies heat and pressure to transfer the sublimation ink from the paper onto the substrate. It comes in different sizes and configurations. Flatbed heat presses are common for t-shirts and other garments. A mug press is also available for mugs and cylindrical objects.
If you’re searching for a reliable press, the xTool Heat Press might be exactly what you need. Unlike the bulky heat presses commonly available, this compact option is ideal for DIYers and small businesses.
The xTool Heat Press comes in two options: a standard smart press for larger projects and a mini press for smaller items like caps. It’s portable and can be used on its own or with a fixture stand, like regular heat presses. With wireless controls, you can easily set temperatures between 212°F and 400°F and time durations from 1 to 600 seconds.
The xTool Heat Press isn’t limited to sublimation—it works perfectly for all types of heat transfer printing, including HTV, DTF, and screen-printed heat transfers.
The substrate is the material onto which you will transfer your design. Substrates must be polyester-based or coated with a polymer to accept sublimation ink. Common substrates include:
To create your realistic colored images, you need graphic design software. For textual or logo designs, you can move with Adobe Illustrator. For creating high-quality photos, Photoshop is an excellent option. Beginners can start with online software, Canva.
With tools and materials in hand, here’s a short procedure to carry out sublimation printing:
Design is the key to the whole printing journey. If you’re creative and know how to use design tools, we recommend making it yourself. If you’re making it or scanning a photo, make sure it’s above 300 dpi resolution.
Not a designer, don’t worry! There are plenty of sites that offer free and paid designs. Etsy and Design Bundles are top options for sublimation designs.
Once the design is ready, insert the paper into the sublimation printer for printing. Make sure to mirror the image in your design software before printing, as the design will be reversed when transferred onto the substrate.
Position the sublimation paper with the printed design facing the substrate. Use a heat-resistant tape to secure the design, especially if you’re working on substrates where there’s a chance of slippage.
Set your heat press to the recommended temperature and time settings for your specific substrate. For polyester fabrics, you can set the temperature between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 205°C) and a pressing time of 25 to 40 seconds.
Place the substrate with the taped sublimation paper into the heat press, close the press, and apply the required pressure. Once done, remove the paper to reveal the design.
XTOOL HEAT PRESS
Heat Press for Sublimation, HTV, and DTF Transfers
Flexible heat press modes - portable or hands-free for most transfer needs.
Learn MoreNow that you’ve learned the sublimation craft, here’s how you can try it on different substrates:
The most common application of sublimation printing is apparel, particularly t-shirts. Any realistic photos and all-over patterns can be printed with ease on hoodies, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Remember the method only works well on synthetic/polyester fabrics.
Pillowcases with colorful patterns can be made with sublimation. Similarly, you can use it for custom-designing fleece blankets. The table decorators – coasters – can also be stylized. However, you’ll have to coat them first.
There’s a long list of accessories that are compatible with sublimation printing. Polyester hats, for instance, may be decorated with logos or custom designs. cases can also be customized with colorful images. You can also use it for your tote bags, socks, and keychains.
Among drinkware, you can use sublimation on coated tumblers, mugs and cups. You may add your name, favorite quote, or a colorful pattern that matches your décor and taste.
XTOOL HEAT PRESS
Heat Press for Sublimation, HTV, and DTF Transfers
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Sublimation Paper For T-shirt Printing.
Flexible heat press modes - portable or hands-free for most transfer needs.
Learn MoreSublimation printing is beneficial in many ways but there were a few limitations as well. Here’s an outlook of both:
Detailed Design: One of the best digital methods for realistic designs. You can print detailed designs, containing any blend of colors.
Durable Prints: Sublimation prints are known for their vibrant colors and durability, as the ink becomes part of the substrate. Because the ink is embedded into the material, sublimation prints are resistant to common issues like fading, cracking, and peeling.
Versatile Use Case: The technique can work on different substrates, fabric, wood, metal, glass, etc. Speaking of items, it works on t-shirts, mugs, cases, bags, and more.
Limited to Polyester Materials: Sublimation printing works best on light-colored, polyester-based materials. It doesn’t work well on natural fabrics like cotton.
No White Ink: There’s no white ink, so designs on colored substrates must account for the background color.
Requires Specialized Equipment: You need a dedicated setup just for sublimation. For instance, you need sublimation inks and sublimation printers, which are not useful in other printing processes.
No, sublimation printing requires a specific inkjet printer equipped with piezo inkjet technology to convert the dye into a gaseous form for spraying. Although some regular printers can be converted to sublimation printers, they may no longer be suitable for standard printing tasks afterward.
You can sublimate on polyester and other synthetic fabrics, as well as polymer-coated ceramics, metal, glass, and wood.
Yes, it’s possible to sublimate on dark fabrics, but you'll need to use sublimation paper together with a vinyl base.
You should use special sublimation paper that has a coating to hold the dye sublimation ink. When heated, this paper releases the ink and allows it to diffuse into the fabric.
Both sublimation and screen printing can be expensive for single designs. However, for bulk production, screen printing is a more cost-effective option.
Sublimation paper is a specialized paper designed for printing on shirts, mugs, and other sublimation blanks. Both novice and expert printers favor sublimation printing due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to produce vibrant prints.
You've landed on this page for one reason — you're trying to find out what sublimation paper is. If you're a beginner in the sublimation printing industry, our ultimate guide will help you understand the ins and outs of sublimation paper. We're here to assist you every step of the way as you navigate the world of sublimation printing.
First of all, you need to know what sublimation paper is, and we are here to explain it. Sublimation paper is a type of specialty paper used in the sublimation printing process. It serves as the medium for transferring designs onto various substrates. This process involves printing a design onto the sublimation paper using sublimation ink, and then applying heat and pressure to transfer the design from the paper to the final product, such as shirts, mugs, and other sublimation blanks.
To print on a sublimation printer, you’ll need an inkjet printer that contains dye sublimation ink. Regular printer ink won’t work for sublimation printing. You also can’t print on regular printing paper using dye sublimation ink. In a nutshell, for sublimation printing, you’ll need sublimation paper and an inkjet printer with sublimation ink.
The sublimation process is straightforward. Suppose you have a sublimation paper printed with a design using dye sublimation ink from Joto Imaging Supplies. You’re about to press it onto a polyester t-shirt using a heat press machine. What happens is that the sublimation ink turns into gas. Simultaneously, the fabric of the polyester shirt opens up and absorbs the ink. Once you’re done pressing the shirt and it cools off, the gaseous ink that transferred to the fabric turns solid. This means the ink is permanently printed on the merchandise.
We at Joto Imaging Supplies provide everything you need for successful sublimation printing, ensuring vibrant, long-lasting results. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, we've got you covered with high-quality sublimation ink and paper, along with top-notch heat press machines. Let us help you achieve the best prints for your projects!
You can design customized apparel such as t-shirts and hoodies, perfect for family reunions, company logos, or unique artwork. It’s also ideal for creating personalized sportswear. In home decor, you can print unique designs on pillowcases, cushions, and blankets, adding a personal touch to your living space. For accessories, consider designing tote bags and hats with custom graphics and slogans. Sublimation paper is also great for creating custom drinkware, including mugs, tumblers, and water bottles, which make excellent gifts or promotional items.
Additionally, you can personalize office supplies like mouse pads and notebooks, or create unique and device cases. Seasonal items like Christmas ornaments and Easter decorations, as well as various craft projects, can be brought to life with vibrant, detailed prints.
We can’t sublimate on random merchandise; it must be a ‘sublimation blank’ because it has a special polymer coating wherein the dye sublimation ink will bond. For instance, we can’t expect to sublimate on a regular mug bought at a craft store. It must be a sublimation mug. All of these sublimation blanks come in white colors.
As we mentioned, for sublimation printing, you should have sublimation paper and a sublimation printer with dye sublimation ink. We also suggest investing in a heat press machine, as each type serves a specific purpose.
When deciding between sublimation and heat transfer paper, it's essential to understand the key differences and advantages of each method to determine which is better for your specific needs.
Process: Sublimation involves printing your design onto special sublimation paper using sublimation ink. The printed design is then transferred to a polyester-coated or polyester blend substrate through a heat press.
Advantages:
Limitations:
Process: Heat transfer involves printing your design onto heat transfer paper with regular inkjet or laser printers. The design is then transferred to the substrate using a heat press or an iron.
Advantages:
Limitations:
Yes, you can use a regular inkjet printer for sublimation printing by using sublimation ink. It may not provide the best results, but it is possible to adapt it for sublimation printing.
Make sure to remove the sublimation paper right after pressing, and double-check that the design hasn’t shifted during the process to prevent ghosting.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Large Sublimation Paper. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.