The Ultimate Guide To Making T-Shirts With Sublimation

how to make t shirt with sublimation

Sublimation is a printing method that has gained popularity for its ability to create vivid, long-lasting designs on various products, including t-shirts. The process involves turning solid sublimation ink into a gas by applying heat and pressure, allowing the gas to permeate the polyester fibres and form a molecular bond. This results in a high-quality, permanent print with colours that resist fading over time.

To make a sublimation t-shirt, you will need a few essential items, such as sublimation ink, sublimation paper, a polyester shirt, a heat press, and a computer. The process begins by creating or downloading a design, which is then printed onto sublimation paper using a sublimation printer. The shirt is placed on a heat press, and the printed design is applied to the shirt using heat and pressure. After cooling, the transfer paper is carefully removed, leaving a vibrant and detailed design on the shirt.

Characteristics Values
Process Sublimation is the process of transferring a certain type of dye (sublimation dye) to a transfer paper. Then that is transferred to a compatible material using heat so the sublimation ink actually infuses on sublimates into the material and they become one.
Dye Sublimation dyes are turned into gas by applying heat and pressure. This gas permeates the polyester fibres, creating a molecular bond that produces an exceptionally high-quality, permanent print with colours that resist fading over time.
Printer Sublimation printers include Epson EcoTank and Sawgrass Virtuoso.
Paper Sublimation paper is a heat-resistant paper that transfers the design onto the shirt. A-Sub is considered the best brand of sublimation paper.
Protective Paper Protective paper is used to protect the heat press from any ink transfer during the printing process. Brands like Siser and Teflon offer great protective sheets.
Tape Heat-resistant tape secures the design in place during the sublimation process. 3M and Scor-Tape are common choices.
Shirt The higher the polyester content, the more vibrant the final print will be. Lightweight polyester is best as sublimation isn't suitable for natural fibres like silk or cotton. Sublimation works best with a pure polyester shirt or polyester blends containing at least 80% polyester.
Computer A computer is necessary to design sublimation prints and send them to the printer. Most sublimation printers come with software to design prints, but other design software can also be used.
Heat Press A heat press is used to transfer designs from the sublimation paper onto the shirt. Cricut EasyPress and PowerPress are popular brands.
Lint Roller A lint roller is used to remove any debris from the shirt before printing.
Scissors/Cutting Machine Scissors or a cutting machine are needed to cut sublimation paper to the correct size for printing. Cricut and Silhouette offer cutting machines, but standard scissors will suffice.

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Choosing the right t-shirt material

When it comes to choosing the right t-shirt material for sublimation, the most important factor is the type of fabric and its polyester content. The best results are achieved with 100% polyester shirts, but polyester blends containing at least 60%-65% polyester can also be used. The higher the polyester content, the more vibrant and permanent the colours will be. Lower polyester ratios can be used if you prefer a distressed or vintage look.

Light-coloured shirts, preferably white, are ideal because they allow your design to show up better and make the colours pop. Darker colours may require specialised sublimation transfer papers to ensure the design stands out.

When selecting a t-shirt, it is important to consider not only the colour but also the fabric's ability to withstand the heat of the sublimation process. Additionally, some fabrics are more suitable for displaying intricate designs. Natural fibres like silk or cotton are not suitable for sublimation due to their absorbent nature and inability to create permanent prints.

Some recommended options for 100% polyester shirts include the Cricut Sublimation Crew Neck and V-Neck, and the Hanes Cool Dri range for both men and women. These shirts provide a good balance between comfort and the ability to produce vibrant sublimation results.

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Preparing your sublimation design

The first step in the sublimation process is to prepare your design. You can create your own design using software such as Adobe Illustrator or Canva. Or, you can choose an existing image. It is important to ensure that your image is high-quality, with a resolution of at least 300 DPI. This will ensure a clear and vibrant final print.

If you are using an existing image, you can find thousands of royalty-free photos and illustrations on services like Pexels and Unsplash. You can also purchase designs from websites like Etsy, Creative Fabrica, and Design Bundles.

Once you have your design, you need to print it onto transfer paper using a sublimation printer. Load your printer with sublimation ink and paper, following the manufacturer's instructions. Adjust the printer settings as needed for sublimation printing, and print your design, ensuring it is centred and fits the size of the transfer paper.

Remember to mirror your image before printing, as the design will be flipped when transferred onto the shirt. Allow the transfer paper to dry completely before handling.

Finally, use scissors or a cutting machine to trim the transfer paper to the desired size and shape for your shirt. Now you are ready to move on to the next step of the sublimation process!

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Using the correct ink and paper

Sublimation printing is a process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto fabric. The ink turns into a gas and bonds with the fabric fibres, creating a permanent, vibrant print. This process requires the use of special ink and paper.

Sublimation Ink

The ink must be sublimation ink, which is designed to turn into a gas when heated. This gas then bonds with the fabric fibres, creating a permanent print. Regular ink will not work for this process. Some popular brands of sublimation ink include Sawgrass, Epson, Cosmos Ink, and Wokok.

Sublimation Paper

Sublimation paper is a heat-resistant paper that transfers the design onto the fabric. It has a special coating that allows the sublimation process to work. Regular printer paper will not withstand the heat required for ink transfer. A-Sub is considered the best brand of sublimation paper.

When choosing your ink and paper, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for loading the ink and paper correctly, as well as for heat press settings and adjustments. Using the correct ink and paper is critical to achieving a successful sublimation transfer.

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Applying the design with a heat press

Step 1: Prepare the Heat Press and T-shirt

Firstly, preheat your heat press according to the manufacturer's instructions and the type of sublimation transfer paper you are using. The recommended temperature range is typically around 385 °F for 45–60 seconds. While the heat press is heating up, place your T-shirt on the lower platen of the heat press, ensuring it is positioned smoothly and flatly. If you are using a lint roller, now is the time to remove any lint, debris, or hair from the T-shirt. This step is crucial, as any foreign particles can affect the quality of the final print.

Step 2: Position the Design

Once the T-shirt is prepared, it's time to place your printed design onto it. Ensure the printed design is facing down, with the ink or dye side in direct contact with the T-shirt fabric. Secure the design in place using heat-resistant tape on all four edges. This step is essential to prevent the design from moving during the heat transfer process, which can cause ghosting or fuzzy images.

Step 3: Cover the Design

Place a piece of protective paper, such as butcher paper or Teflon sheet, over the design. This step is crucial to protect your heat press from any potential ink transfer. It also helps to ensure that the ink adheres evenly to the T-shirt fabric.

Step 4: Apply Heat and Pressure

Now, it's time to apply heat and pressure. Close the heat press and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended heat and pressure settings. The heat press should be applied directly over the protective paper and design, ensuring not to move the paper during this process. The heat and pressure will activate the sublimation ink, turning it into a gas that permeates the polyester fibres of the T-shirt.

Step 5: Cool and Remove Transfer Paper

After the specified time, carefully open the heat press and remove the protective paper and sublimation transfer paper. Allow the T-shirt to cool completely before handling it further. The cooling process is essential, as it allows the ink to return to a solid state, permanently bonding with the fabric fibres.

Step 6: Admire Your Work!

Once the T-shirt has cooled, you can carefully remove the transfer paper and admire your handiwork! The design should now be permanently transferred to the T-shirt, resulting in a vibrant and detailed print that will not crack, peel, or fade over time.

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Caring for your sublimation t-shirt

Sublimation t-shirts are a fun and creative way to express yourself and your interests. The process of creating these shirts is fascinating, and the results can be stunning. But how do you care for your sublimation t-shirt to ensure it lasts for a long time? Here are some detailed instructions to help you keep your shirt looking its best:

Washing Instructions:

  • Turn your sublimation t-shirts inside out before washing to prevent the front of the shirt from rubbing against other items in the washing machine.
  • 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 colourful items, especially new ones that may bleed excess dye.
  • Remove your sublimated shirts from the wash as soon as the cycle is complete. Don't leave them crumpled and wet in the machine.
  • Air-dry your shirts on a hanger or use a dryer set to air dry or low heat. Avoid exposing them to extremely high heat as it may affect the ink.

Other Care Tips:

  • Always lint roll your shirt before sublimation to remove any dust or hair that could affect the transfer.
  • Pre-washing your shirt before sublimation is optional. If you're making the shirt for yourself or a family member, you may want to pre-wash it. If it's a gift or for sale, you can skip this step.
  • When pressing your design, use protective paper, such as white cardstock or uncoated butcher paper, to avoid unwanted ink transfer.
  • Avoid using parchment paper, wax paper, freezer paper, or Teflon paper during the pressing process, as these can trap moisture and affect the quality of the transfer.
  • Ensure your work area is well-ventilated when using sublimation, as the process produces fumes.

By following these care instructions, you can help ensure that your sublimation t-shirt maintains its vibrant design and remains in good condition for a long time. Enjoy your unique and personalised shirt!

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Frequently asked questions

You should use special sublimation paper for the best and most vibrant results. Some popular brands include A-Sub and Hiipoo.

You must use special sublimation ink. Some popular brands include Sawgrass, Epson, and Cosmos Ink.

You should use a 100% polyester shirt for the most vibrant and permanent results. However, you can also use a polyester blend with at least 60% polyester.

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  • Byeon
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