The Perfect Sublimation T-Shirt: Pressing Time And Techniques

Sublimation is a popular method of printing designs onto various substrates. The process involves printing images on a sublimation printer using sublimation ink and then transferring them onto materials with high heat. The correct sublimation heat press settings vary depending on the substrate and the heat press being used.

For 100% polyester shirts, the recommended heat press settings are a temperature of 375°F to 400°F, a time of 40 to 75 seconds, and light to medium pressure (35 to 50 psi). It's important to note that the settings may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the specific heat press machine being used.

Before pressing, it's crucial to pre-press the shirt to smooth out any wrinkles and eliminate moisture. Additionally, using a pressing pillow or a protective sheet inside the shirt can help minimise press marks and prevent ink spillage.

After reaching the desired temperature, place the sublimation paper facing down on the shirt and cover it with a sheet of parchment paper. Secure the transfer with a fabric-safe adhesive spray or heat tape to ensure it stays in place during the pressing process. Once the pressing is complete, carefully remove the parchment paper, allow the transfer to cool for a few moments, and then peel it off the garment.

The best temperature and time settings for a vibrant sublimation print

Sublimation printing is a fun and effective way to create vibrant, long-lasting designs on a variety of materials. However, achieving the best results requires the right combination of temperature, time, and pressure settings.

The correct settings will depend on the substrate (the material or surface being printed on) and the heat press machine being used. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving vibrant sublimation prints:

Temperature and Time Settings:

• Polyester fabric, the most common substrate for sublimation printing, typically requires a temperature of 375°F to 400°F and a press time of 40 to 75 seconds with light to medium pressure (35 to 50 psi).
• For 100% polyester garments, a temperature range of 385°F to 400°F and a press time of 45 to 60 seconds at medium pressure is recommended.
• If using cotton shirts, lower temperatures (around 385°F to 400°F) and special layers or coatings are suggested to avoid scorching the fabric.
• Pre-press your substrate for 5 to 10 seconds before the actual printing process to eliminate any moisture and smooth out wrinkles.
• When pressing, use a heat-resistant tape or adhesive spray to secure your transfer and prevent shifting.
• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific temperature and time settings, as they may vary depending on the substrate and heat press machine.

Tips for Vibrant Prints:

• Use high-quality ink and sublimation paper that are compatible with your printer and substrate. This ensures vibrant and long-lasting prints.
• Consider the material type and fiber content. Synthetic materials with a high polyester content work best for sublimation printing. Natural fibers like cotton may require pre-treatment sprays or coatings.
• Experiment with different settings and conduct test prints to find the optimal temperature, time, and pressure combination for your specific substrate and heat press machine.
• Use the right amount of pressure to avoid pressing the design too hard or too lightly into the substrate, which can result in distortion or incomplete transfers.
• Keep your heat press machine clean and dry before use to avoid unwanted transfers or marks on the substrate.

How to prepare your t-shirt for the heat press

Preparing your t-shirt for the heat press is a crucial step in the sublimation process. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your t-shirt is ready for the heat press:

Choose the Right T-Shirt Fabric:

Start by selecting a suitable fabric for your project. Cotton or polyester fabrics are ideal for heat pressing. Avoid thin, waterproof, or sweat-wicking fabrics as they may not produce optimal results.

Wash and Dry Your T-Shirt:

It is recommended to pre-wash your t-shirt before heat pressing. This helps remove any moisture or chemicals that may interfere with the heat transfer process. Make sure the t-shirt is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Select Your Design:

Choose a design that works well with the colour of your t-shirt. If you're using a light-coloured or white t-shirt, almost any design will work. However, if you're using a darker-coloured shirt, ensure your design is off-white or slightly tinted to avoid printing issues.

Prepare Your Heat Press Machine:

Set up your heat press machine by plugging it in and turning it on. Adjust the temperature, pressure, and timer according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your heat press and the transfer paper or vinyl you are using. The temperature for sublimation is typically around 385°-400°F, with a pressure of medium to firm, and a duration of 45-60 seconds.

Place Your T-Shirt on the Heat Press:

Lay your t-shirt flat on the lower platen of the heat press, ensuring it is as smooth as possible with no wrinkles. If there are any obstructions like zippers or buttons, move them away from the printing area or use a firm pad to raise the printing area slightly.

Pre-Press Your T-Shirt:

Close the heat press for a few seconds (around 3-5 seconds) to remove any remaining moisture and wrinkles from the t-shirt. This step helps ensure a better application of the transfer and improves the durability of the print.

Now that your t-shirt is prepared, you can proceed to the next steps of positioning your transfer and initiating the heat press process as instructed in your heat press manual.

How to press the sublimation transfer onto the t-shirt

To press the sublimation transfer onto a t-shirt, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the design

Use image editing software to prepare your design. You can also use Google Docs, which is free to use. In Google Chrome, go to Google Docs, click on "Blank" to open a new document, and select "Page Setup" from the File menu. Change your margins to 0 and set your Paper Size to match your sublimation paper size. Click "Insert" and then "Image" to upload your design. Resize the design to fit your shirt, and reposition it by selecting "Wrap text" from the menu that appears when you hover your cursor at the bottom of the image. Name your design by clicking on "Untitled" in the top left field.

Step 2: Print the design

Before printing, make sure your paper is loaded correctly. Check your printer manual and paper packaging to identify the right side to print on and how to load it. If you’re using A-SUB paper in an Eco Tank, place the paper facedown with the words “A-SUB” visible so that the design will print on the bright white side of the sublimation paper. The printing settings and steps depend on the type of printer you're using. While printer settings vary, the main things to watch for are paper type and print quality.

Step 3: Prepare your shirt and heat press

Set your heat press to a temperature between 385°F and 400°F (196°C to 204°C). Do not use a household iron, as it will not get hot enough. Since sublimation produces fumes, open your windows and turn on a fan to craft safely. Lint roll the shirt to remove any dust or hair, which can cause strange dots and marks to sublimate onto the surface. Pre-heat your shirt to remove moisture and ensure a good transfer. Fold your shirt in half vertically and press it for 10 seconds along the crease. When you open it up, you'll have a center line to help you center the design. Unfold your shirt and lay it face up on the pressing area. Slide a piece of white cardstock inside the shirt under where your design will be to protect the back layer of your shirt and the pressing mat from any sublimation ink that may bleed through.

Step 4: Place the design on the shirt

Gently fold your printed design the same way as the shirt, and crease it at the top and bottom of the paper, being careful not to fold through any of the printed image. Lightly place the design ink-side down on the pre-heated shirt, lining up the creases. Secure the design with heat-resistant tape on all four edges to keep it in place and prevent ghosting or fuzzy images.

Step 5: Press the design

Place a piece of white uncoated butcher paper larger than your heat plate on top of the t-shirt. Do not use parchment paper, wax paper, freezer paper, or Teflon paper as these can trap moisture and produce fuzzy transfers. When your heat source reaches the right temperature, you’re ready to press! The best temperature, times, and pressure vary depending on your equipment. For 100% polyester garments, this is usually around 385°-400°F and 45-60 seconds at medium pressure. If you’re using the Cricut Autopress, the pressure is set automatically. If you’re using an EasyPress, you want light pressure, so press lightly with one hand. If you’re using a traditional heat press, you want light to medium pressure, about 40 PSI. Press your shirt for 45 to 60 seconds.

Step 6: Remove the paper and allow to cool

When pressing is complete, carefully remove the butcher paper so as not to shift the transfer. Allow the transfer to cool for a few moments, then peel the transfer off your garment. Step back and admire your gorgeous, full-color sublimated t-shirt!

The best way to remove the transfer from the t-shirt

The best way to remove the transfer from a T-shirt is to use a heat press. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Set your heat press to the desired temperature and time. For sublimation transfers on 100% polyester T-shirts, the recommended temperature is between 375°F to 400°F (or 385°F-400°F according to some sources), and the time is between 40 to 75 seconds (or 45 to 60 seconds according to some sources).
• Pre-press your T-shirt to smooth out any wrinkles and remove moisture. This can be done by placing a Pressing Pillow inside the garment or using an iron.
• Place the sublimation transfer paper, ink-side down, on the desired location of the T-shirt. Make sure the image is mirrored beforehand.
• Cover the transfer paper with a sheet of parchment paper or uncoated butcher paper. Do not use wax paper, freezer paper, or Teflon paper as they can affect the transfer process.
• Apply light to medium pressure (35 to 50 psi) for the specified time. If using a Cricut Autopress, the pressure is automatically set.
• Once the pressing is complete, carefully remove the parchment paper without shifting the transfer.
• Allow the transfer to cool for a few moments before peeling it off the garment.

It is important to note that sublimation transfers are permanent and designed to last. However, with enough time and effort, it may be possible to remove the transfer by reapplying heat and peeling it off. This method may not always be successful and could damage the T-shirt, so it is not recommended.

How to care for your sublimation t-shirt after printing

So, you've just heat-pressed your new sublimation t-shirt, and it's looking good. But how do you care for it to ensure that it stays that way? Here are some tips to help you keep your shirt looking its best:

• Turn your shirts inside out before washing. This will prevent the front of the shirt from rubbing against other items in the machine and becoming damaged or faded.
• Use cold or warm water and a mild detergent to preserve the vibrancy of the design.
• If you're using white shirts, avoid washing them with lots of other colours, especially new items that may bleed excess dye.
• Take your sublimated shirts out of the wash as soon as they're done. Leaving them crumpled and wet may cause damage to the design.
• Air-dry your shirts on a hanger or in a dryer set to air dry or low heat. Avoid exposing your shirt to super high heat again, as the ink might sublimate out.
• Store your sublimation shirts in a cool, dry place, such as a closet or drawer. Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, as this can cause fading and discolouration.
• Avoid folding your shirt when storing it, as this can cause creases in the fabric that are hard to remove. Instead, try hanging the shirt on a hanger or rolling it up carefully and placing it in a container.
• If you plan on storing your shirt for an extended period, consider putting it into an airtight plastic bag or container to protect it from dust and moisture.

By following these simple care instructions, your sublimation t-shirts will last a long time and continue to look great!

Frequently asked questions