The Perfect Press: Sublimation T-Shirt Timing Secrets

Sublimation printing is a process that turns ink into gas under high heat, allowing it to dye fabric fibres. The ink then turns back into a solid, bonding with the fabric. The best results are achieved with white polyester T-shirts, but it is possible to use polyester blends or even pure cotton. The correct temperature and pressing time for a sublimation shirt vary according to the fibre content and materials used. For example, the recommended heat press settings for polyester are 400° F for 35-40 seconds at a medium pressure of 40 psi. However, the temperature and time must be adjusted for other materials, such as ceramic or metal.

Pre-pressing: press for 3-5 seconds to eliminate moisture

Pre-pressing is an important step in the sublimation process to ensure the desired outcome of your design. By applying heat and light-medium pressure for 3-5 seconds before the main press, you can effectively eliminate moisture from the t-shirt. This step is crucial as moisture can act as a barrier between the fabric and the sublimation ink, preventing it from properly penetrating the fibres and potentially resulting in a faded or spotty print.

The pre-press step is especially beneficial for flat items, as moisture can cause warping, affecting the overall quality of the final print. For items that may have warping issues, such as MDF boards, it is recommended to pre-press both sides to ensure even heat distribution.

When pre-pressing, it is important to use high heat and light-medium pressure. This combination effectively removes moisture and flattens the substrate, preparing it for the main sublimation press. The specific temperature and pressure settings may vary depending on the heat press machine being used and the fabric type, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and conduct test prints to determine the optimal settings for your particular setup.

Additionally, using heat-resistant tape during the pre-pressing step can help secure the t-shirt in place and prevent any unwanted movement or shifting, ensuring accurate alignment of your design.

It is worth noting that pre-pressing is just one aspect of the overall sublimation process. The success of your print will also depend on other factors such as the quality of ink and paper used, the pressure applied during the main press, and the type of fabric being printed on. However, by incorporating a pre-pressing step, you can significantly improve the chances of achieving a high-quality, vibrant, and long-lasting print on your t-shirts.

Temperature: 385°F (196°C) to 400°F (204°C)

Sublimation printing is a fun way to create vibrant, long-lasting designs on t-shirts. The process involves using a combination of heat and time to transfer ink onto a surface. When sublimating a t-shirt, the recommended temperature range is between 385°F (196°C) and 400°F (204°C). This temperature range is specifically for polyester fabric, which is the most common substrate for sublimation printing.

To achieve the best results, it is important to not only have the correct temperature but also the right pressure and time settings. For polyester fabric, the recommended time range is between 40 to 75 seconds, with light to medium pressure applied. These settings may vary slightly depending on the specific heat press machine being used and the type of t-shirt being sublimated.

It is also crucial to use high-quality ink and sublimation paper compatible with your printer and substrate. Before starting the sublimation process, ensure that you have properly set up your heat press machine and conducted a test print to fine-tune your settings. Additionally, consider using heat-resistant tape to prevent the substrate from shifting during the transfer and to ensure proper alignment.

By following these instructions and paying attention to the temperature, time, and pressure settings, you can create beautiful and long-lasting sublimation designs on t-shirts.

Time: 40 to 75 seconds

When sublimation printing on a T-shirt, the time and temperature settings will vary depending on the fabric type and colour. For example, the time and temperature settings for a 100% polyester shirt will differ from those of a 50/50 polyester-cotton shirt.

For white 65-100% polyester shirts, the recommended time and temperature settings are 40 to 75 seconds at 385°F (196°C) to 400°F (204°C). An autopress should be set to 400°F (204°C) for 45 seconds with automatic pressure.

The time and temperature settings for colour 65-100% polyester shirts are the same as for white shirts. However, it is important to remember that sublimation ink is transparent, so the base colour of the shirt will impact the final colour of the design.

For shirts that are not 100% polyester, such as the Bella Canvas 50/50 shirts, the time and temperature settings may need to be adjusted to achieve more vivid results. One source recommends a temperature of 390°F and a time of 45-60 seconds with medium pressure. Another source recommends a temperature of 374°F and a time of 60 seconds with medium pressure, using sublimation paper designed for fabric use.

It is important to note that the time and temperature settings may vary depending on the specific heat press machine and the type of ink and paper used. It is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for the specific substrate being used.

Pressure: Light to medium pressure

When sublimating a T-shirt, the pressure setting is typically light to medium (35 to 50 psi). This pressure setting ensures that the heat is distributed evenly across the T-shirt, allowing for a consistent and high-quality transfer.

Applying the correct amount of pressure is crucial to achieving a successful sublimation transfer. Too much pressure can cause the ink to bleed through the fabric, while too little pressure may result in an incomplete or blurry transfer. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the pressure setting based on the specific fabric and the desired outcome.

For 100% polyester T-shirts, a pressure of 35 to 50 psi is generally recommended. However, it is worth noting that the pressure setting may need to be adjusted depending on the specific fabric blend and the complexity of the design. For example, a shirt with a higher polyester content may require slightly higher pressure to ensure a crisp and detailed image.

Additionally, when working with light-coloured shirts or those with complex designs, it is advisable to use a lower pressure setting to avoid any potential discolouration or bleeding. It is always recommended to conduct a test print on a similar fabric before finalising the pressure setting for your project.

By following these guidelines and making any necessary adjustments, you can ensure that your sublimation transfer is of the highest quality, with vibrant and long-lasting colours.

Post-press: don't wash for at least 24 hours

When sublimation printing, it is important to allow the ink to settle and bind with the fabric. This process is what makes the print resistant to wear and tear, ensuring its durability.

For this reason, it is recommended that you do not wash a sublimation t-shirt for at least 24 hours after pressing. This waiting period allows the ink to settle and bind with the fibres of the fabric, ensuring the print does not fade or peel.

Sublimation printing involves heating dye sublimation ink to a gaseous state so that it soaks into the fabric of the shirt and then cools back into a solid state, creating a permanent design. This process requires higher temperatures than a home iron can reach, and the specific settings will depend on the fabric type and colour.

For example, white 65-100% polyester shirts should be pressed at 385-400°F (196-204°C) for 40 to 75 seconds, while coloured polyester shirts require the same temperature and time settings. However, the base colour of the shirt will impact lighter colours and show through white sections.

It is also important to note that sublimation is designed for 100% polyester fabric. While it is possible to sublimate on 50/50 blend shirts, the results will be less vivid, and the design may fade more quickly.

In addition to the type of fabric, the specific heat press machine and ink used can also impact the results. Therefore, it is essential to consult the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for your specific equipment.

Frequently asked questions