Removing Sublimation Prints From T-Shirts: A Step-By-Step Guide

Sublimation printing is a popular method for printing designs onto T-shirts. However, mistakes can happen, and sometimes you may want to remove the print and salvage the shirt. While it may seem challenging to remove screen prints, it is not impossible. There are several methods you can use, ranging from household items to chemicals, to remove the prints from your T-shirts.

Removing prints with an iron

It is not recommended to use an iron to remove sublimation prints from a T-shirt as it will not get hot enough. However, if you are looking to remove a sublimation print from a T-shirt with an iron, here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

• Put on protective gloves, a mask, and eyewear to ensure your safety.
• Set up your ironing board and plug in your iron.
• Lay out some old newspapers or a plastic sheet to protect your work area.

Step 2: Prepare the T-Shirt

• Check the fabric of your T-shirt. This method is not suitable for delicate fabrics like silk.
• Turn the T-shirt inside out and locate the small tag that holds information about the fabric and care instructions.
• Check if the fabric is colorfast. To do this, dab a small amount of a cleaning solution (e.g. rubbing alcohol or vinegar) on an inside seam. If the colour remains intact, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Attempt Removal with an Iron

• Preheat your iron to the highest temperature setting.
• Place a piece of cardboard inside the T-shirt, behind the area with the sublimation print, to prevent the ink from transferring to the back of the shirt.
• Using a clean, dry cloth, gently blot the affected area to absorb any residual ink.
• Place a sheet of parchment paper or baking paper over the sublimation print.
• Iron over the parchment paper with firm pressure for 2-3 minutes. The heat from the iron should help to activate the ink and transfer it from the fabric to the paper.
• Check the progress regularly to avoid overheating and potentially damaging the fabric.

Step 4: Post-Treatment

• Once you have removed as much ink as possible, unplug the iron and allow it to cool down.
• Wash the T-shirt according to the care instructions.
• If any ink remains, you may need to repeat the process or try a different removal method.

Please note that this method may not completely remove the sublimation print, and there is a risk of damaging the fabric. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Taking off prints with solvents

Sublimation printing is a popular method for printing bright graphics on shirts. However, removing the print can be challenging due to the permanent bond between the ink and the fabric fibres. Here is a detailed guide on using solvents to remove sublimation prints from T-shirts:

Solvents are substances that can dissolve or break down other materials, in this case, the ink in the sublimation print. It's important to note that not all solvents are suitable for all fabrics, and some may cause damage or discolouration. It is always a good idea to test the solvent on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first. Here are some common solvents that can be used to remove sublimation prints:

• Rubbing Alcohol: This is one of the most efficient methods for removing sublimation ink. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) directly to the ink stain using a sponge or cloth. Gently rub or blot the affected area until the ink fades, then rinse and repeat if necessary. Ensure the cloth is damp but not dripping to avoid spreading the ink stain.
• Nail Polish Remover with Acetone: Acetone is a powerful solvent that can be effective in removing sublimation ink. Pour some acetone-based nail polish remover onto a clean cloth and rub it over the sublimated image until the ink disappears. However, be cautious as acetone may damage certain fabrics or cause colour fading.
• Lemon Juice and Vinegar: This method works best on fresh ink stains. Combine equal parts lemon juice and white vinegar, and pour the solution into a spray container. Spray the solution directly onto the stain and let it sit for at least 5 minutes to dissolve the ink. Gently scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush in a circular motion. Rinse the area with water and repeat the process if necessary.
• Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide: This method is safe for delicate fabrics and effective for moderate-intensity stains. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water, and use a clean towel to scrub the ink until it fades. Rinse the fabric with clean water and leave it to dry.
• Bleach (for White Shirts Only): Dilute bleach according to the instructions on the packaging and apply a small amount directly to the stain. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then thoroughly rinse the shirt with cool water. Always test on a small area first as bleach may damage certain fabrics.
• Dye Remover: Use a dye remover solution, such as Rit Color, to fade the sublimation print. Follow the instructions on the packet and wash the clothing after treatment.

When working with any of these solvents, it is important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and to ensure the work area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Additionally, always check the care label on your shirt to understand the fabric type and any specific care instructions.

Wash clothing to remove solvent

To remove sublimation printing from a T-shirt, you must destroy the surface of the fabric. This is because the dye creates a molecular bond with the fabric, and the only way to break this bond is to destroy the fabric itself. Therefore, it is not possible to remove the print without damaging the T-shirt.

However, if you are trying to remove a solvent stain from clothing, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, it is important to act quickly and treat the stain as soon as possible. Start by lifting away any solids from the fabric with the edge of a credit card or a dull knife. Be careful not to rub, as this will push the stain deeper into the fibres. Next, blot away as much liquid as possible from any spills.

When using a solvent to treat the stain, always conduct a patch test first. Choose an inconspicuous area of the fabric, such as along a side seam, and apply a few drops of the liquid solvent or a sprinkle of the powdered solvent. Wait a few minutes to ensure the solvent does not cause any discolouration or damage to the fabric. If the fabric appears unchanged, you can proceed to treat the stain.

Apply a small amount of the solvent to a clean, white cloth and gently blot the stained area, working from the outside edge towards the centre to prevent spreading the stain. As the stain is transferred to the cloth, move to a clean area and continue blotting until no more residue is released. If the fabric requires overall cleaning, work in small sections at a time to avoid creating overwhelming fumes. Once you have finished, blot away any remaining solvent with a dry cloth and then dip another cloth in plain water, wringing it until it is damp but not dripping. Blot the cleaned area to remove any final traces of the solvent, then allow the fabric to air dry.

For washable fabrics, it is recommended to launder the garment as usual after treating with a solvent. Wash it separately from other items and hang it to air dry. To remove any solvent odours, you can try using a product like Lestoil, which is designed to remove oil, tar, and grease stains. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon or two of powder dishwashing soap to your laundry detergent may also help eliminate the smell. For particularly strong odours, you can try adding a small amount of white vinegar to the sink or washing machine during the rinse cycle.

Nail polish remover method

The nail polish remover method is an effective, easy, and quick way to remove screen prints from your fabric without damaging it. Nail polish remover contains acetone (dimethyl ketone), which is a powerful solvent that can effortlessly dissolve any old or cracked ink design. Here is a step-by-step guide to using the nail polish remover method to remove sublimation prints from a T-shirt:

Turn the T-shirt inside out: This is an important step as you will be applying the nail polish remover or acetone directly to the backside of the fabric. By turning the T-shirt inside out, you ensure that the print is exposed and accessible for treatment.

Apply acetone to the printed area: Using a clean cloth, pour or soak the cloth with nail polish remover until it is wet. Ensure that you have enough remover to cover the entire printed area. Gently rub the wet cloth over the sublimation print until the ink disappears. You can also directly pour a small amount of nail polish remover or acetone directly onto the printed area.

Allow the acetone to soak: Give the acetone a few moments to penetrate and dissolve the print. To speed up the process, you can gently stretch the fabric. This helps the acetone work faster and ensures that it reaches all parts of the print.

Peel and scrape off the printing: Once the acetone has done its job, you can start to remove the printing. Flip the T-shirt back to the side with the print and begin peeling and scraping off the dissolved ink. Use a knife or something with a sharp or pointy edge to carefully lift and scrape away the print. If the print is particularly stubborn, you may need to reapply acetone and let it soak for a little longer.

Repeat if necessary: If there is still some print or residue remaining, simply repeat the above steps until it is completely removed. It may take multiple applications to fully remove the sublimation print.

Wash the T-shirt: After removing the print, wash the T-shirt to eliminate any remaining residue from the nail polish remover or acetone. This will also ensure that any leftover ink is washed away. Use detergent powder and dry the T-shirt on a cold temperature setting.

Precautions: During the process, acetone may emit harmful chemicals. Therefore, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. You can also wear a facemask to avoid inhaling the solvent smell. Additionally, always test the nail polish remover or acetone on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it does not damage or discolour the fabric.

Spot removal gun method

The spot removal gun method is an effective way to remove sublimation ink stains from your t-shirt. This method is particularly useful for plastisol inks commonly found on polyester fabrics. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the spot removal gun method:

Firstly, prepare your workspace by ensuring excellent ventilation. This process should be done in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Gather the necessary materials, including filtered water, aluminium foil, distilled water, a denatured alcohol solution, polymer crystals, an iron, a bowl, a bucket, and paper towels.

Now, let's move on to the ink removal process:

• Soak the Stained Area: Dip the stained part of your t-shirt into a bucket filled with denatured alcohol. Ensure that the stained area is fully immersed and let it soak for about 20 minutes. Check if the sublimation ink has started to break up. If the ink persists, leave it to soak for an additional 10 to 20 minutes. Occasionally swirl the garment in the liquid to aid in dissolving the ink.
• Prepare for Washing: Remove the garment from the bucket and use paper towels to absorb any excess liquid. Place the t-shirt in your washing machine and start the wash cycle. Remember to retain the denatured alcohol for later steps.
• Iron the Garment: Once the wash cycle is complete, and the garment is slightly damp, it's time to iron it. Fill the iron's reservoir with filtered water and set the iron to a polyester setting. Carefully iron the t-shirt until it is completely dry.
• Apply Aluminium Foil: Place a piece of aluminium foil over the ink stain on your t-shirt. Apply heat over the foil-covered section for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps to further break down the ink.
• Create a Polymer Solution: In a bowl, pour three tablespoons of polymer crystals and add a cup of denatured alcohol. Allow the crystals to dissolve in the alcohol without stirring. Prepare clean paper towels by wetting them with distilled water, then dip them into the polymer solution.
• Stain Removal: Gently blot the inked area using the dampened paper towel. If needed, use a spoon to apply the polymer mixture directly to the stain. Scrub the sublimation ink gently with the spoon or a sponge. Repeat this process as necessary until the garment is completely stain-free.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove sublimation ink stains from your t-shirt using the spot removal gun method. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and always wear protective gear when handling chemicals.

Frequently asked questions