Sublimation T-Shirt Design: A Step-By-Step Guide

Sublimation T-shirts are a fun and easy way to create custom clothing with any design you want. The process involves using special sublimation dyes and papers that are activated by heat, allowing the ink to turn into vapour and dye the T-shirt fibres in just a few seconds. This guide will cover the basics of sublimation T-shirt making, including the equipment and steps needed to create your own designs.

Choosing the right design software

Ease of Use

The software should be user-friendly and provide tutorials or resources to help you improve your skills. There will likely be a learning curve with any design software, but choosing one with a straightforward interface can make it easier to navigate and reduce the time needed to master the program.

Functionality and Compatibility

Ensure that the software can handle the type of artwork you plan to print on your t-shirts, whether it's vector art or raster images. Additionally, check if the software supports customizable ICC color profiles, as this is critical for achieving accurate colors in your prints. The software should also be compatible with your operating system and other tools you use, such as your sublimation printer.

Features

Consider the features offered by the software and how they align with your specific sublimation needs. Look for software that supports layers, includes a wide range of design tools, and offers image editing capabilities. Some programs may also provide templates, stock images, and other resources to streamline the design process.

Cost

Cost is an important consideration when choosing design software. Evaluate your budget and decide between subscription-based models, which may offer more frequent updates and additional features, or flat-price options that may be more cost-effective in the long run.

Popular Options

Some popular design software options for sublimation t-shirt printing include Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, GIMP, and Inkscape. Each software has its own strengths, such as ease of use, advanced features, compatibility with specific file formats, and affordability.

Selecting the correct paper

Types of Sublimation Paper:

• Inkjet Sublimation Paper – This is the most commonly used type, also known as A-Sub, and is compatible with inkjet sublimation printers such as Brother and Epson.
• Quick-Drying Sublimation Paper – Sublimation papers generally dry quickly, but some dry faster than others. A-Sub is known for its quick-drying properties.
• Sublimation Paper by Weight – The weight of sublimation paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm), ranging from 50gsm to 150gsm. Thicker paper, such as 120gsm, is optimal for more vibrant colours as it can hold more ink. However, the weight depends on the fabric or material being printed on; for example, a lower gsm is needed for high-speed industrial printers or printing on hard surfaces like ceramics.

Considerations for Choosing Sublimation Paper:

• Transfer Rate – Aim for a transfer rate of 95% or higher to ensure efficient dye transfer and consistent colours.
• Drying Time – Quick-drying papers are preferable to avoid delays in your project.
• Weight – Heavier paper with a higher gsm will produce bolder, more vibrant colours. For fabric printing, aim for paper between 105-130gsm.
• Coating – Clay-coated paper is more affordable and suitable for hard substrates like ceramics, while resin-coated paper is stickier and better for transferring dyes onto textiles.
• Special Traits – Ensure your sublimation paper can handle extreme heat and release the printed design accurately without bleeding.

Additional Tips:

• Protective Paper – Use blowout paper, butcher paper, or copy paper to protect your design during the sublimation process. Avoid using parchment paper.
• Humidity – Keep humidity in check to prevent image bleeding, uneven transfers, and colour shifting.
• Printer Compatibility – Ensure your printer is compatible with the sublimation paper and uses dye-based or sublimation ink.
• Paper Size – Common paper sizes like letter, legal, and A4 are suitable for T-shirt designs, but for projects like mugs and plates, you may need special-sized papers.
• Ink Type – Water-based inks are best for inkjet printers, while gel-based inks are compatible with sublimation printers.

Preparing the shirt

The first step in preparing your shirt for sublimation is to choose the right material. The best option is to go for 100% polyester, but a polyester blend with at least 60% polyester will also work. Lighter colours are preferable as they allow your design to show up better. If you're using a white shirt, the colours will really pop.

Next, you'll want to preheat your heat press and adjust the pressure and temperature settings according to the shirt you're using. For example, one source recommends a temperature of 385°F for 40 seconds with medium pressure for a 100% polyester shirt. While your heat press is heating up, place your shirt on it and put a sheet of parchment paper or cardstock underneath the layer you're going to print on. This will prevent the design from transferring to the other side of the shirt.

Now it's time to remove any dust, pet hair or fibres from the shirt with a lint roller. This step is important because any particles that get caught under the image will cause tiny blank or dull spots since the dye will fuse to them instead of the shirt.

Once your heat press is at the right temperature, press the shirt for a few seconds to make it perfectly flat and preheat the fabric. Unfold the shirt and lay it face up on the pressing area.

Now you're ready to place your design on the shirt. First, fold the shirt and the printed design in half vertically and crease at the top and bottom. This will help you find the middle point and ensure your design is centred. Gently unfold the shirt and design, and place the design ink-side down on the pre-heated shirt, lining up the creases. Use heat-resistant tape to secure the design on all four edges. This will prevent it from moving and causing ghosting or fuzzy images.

Finally, place a piece of white uncoated butcher paper on top of the shirt, making sure it's larger than your heat plate. Don't use parchment paper, wax paper, freezer paper or Teflon paper as these can trap moisture and produce fuzzy transfers. Coloured butcher papers should also be avoided as the dye may transfer to your shirt.

Using the heat press

Prepare the Heat Press:

• Set the desired temperature and time according to the type of substrate and sublimation paper you're using. For polyester t-shirts, a temperature range of 375°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C) and a duration of 45 to 60 seconds is recommended.
• Ensure your heat press machine has reached the set temperature before proceeding.

Prepare the T-Shirt:

• Place the t-shirt on the lower platen of the heat press, ensuring it is flat and smooth.
• Use a lint roller to remove any lint, hair, or debris from the t-shirt. This step is crucial, as even small particles can affect the quality of the print.
• Pre-press the t-shirt for a few seconds to smooth out any wrinkles and eliminate moisture. This step ensures an even ink absorption during the sublimation process.

Sublimation Process:

• Position your printed sublimation design face down on the t-shirt, ensuring it is centred and aligned correctly.
• Secure the design in place using heat-resistant tape on all four edges. This step is crucial to prevent the design from moving and causing ghosting or blurry images.
• Place a piece of protective paper, such as butcher paper or parchment paper, on top of the design. This will protect your heat press from any ink transfer and prevent ink from sticking to the heat press surface.
• Close the heat press and apply medium pressure. The specific pressure settings may vary depending on the type of heat press and sublimation paper used.
• Start the pressing process. The recommended settings are around 385°F for 45–60 seconds, but adjust according to the manufacturer's instructions for optimal results.

After Pressing:

• Once the pressing is complete, carefully open the heat press and remove the protective paper.
• Allow the sublimation transfer to cool down for a few moments before peeling off the transfer paper.
• Enjoy your vibrant and permanent sublimation print!

Aftercare instructions

Sublimation T-shirts are a great way to get permanent, vibrant, and detailed designs on your clothing. Here are some aftercare instructions to keep your shirts looking their best:

Washing Instructions:

• Turn your shirts inside out before washing to prevent the front of the shirt from rubbing against other items in the machine.
• Wash in cold or warm water using a mild detergent to preserve the vibrancy of the design.
• Wash with similar colours, especially when washing white shirts with other items that may bleed excess dye.
• Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners as these can damage the colours and integrity of the design.
• Machine wash on a gentle cycle with similar colours and tumble dry on low heat or air dry. Alternatively, you can air-dry your shirts on a hanger or drying rack.
• Do not dry clean your sublimation shirts.
• Avoid washing your sublimation shirts too frequently as this will cause the print to fade over time.

Storage Instructions:

• Store your sublimation shirts in a cool, dry place to prevent warping or fading of the colours.
• Avoid storing your shirts in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures as this can also cause fading and discolouration.
• Avoid folding your shirts as this can cause creases in the fabric that are difficult to remove. Instead, hang them on hangers or roll them up carefully and place them in a container.
• If you plan on storing your shirts for an extended period, consider using an airtight plastic bag or container to protect them from dust and moisture.

Other Care Tips:

• Avoid placing your sublimation shirts on abrasive surfaces that could scratch or damage the prints.
• Handle your shirts with care and avoid excessive rubbing or scraping that could damage the print surface.
• If using an iron, place a thin cloth between the iron and the print, and only iron on a low-heat setting.
• Avoid exposing your shirts to high heat, as this can cause the ink to sublimate out.

Frequently asked questions