
Sublimation printing is a method of printing that has revolutionised custom apparel, creating long-lasting and vivid designs on products such as t-shirts, socks and hoodies. The process involves turning solid sublimation ink into a gas by applying heat and pressure, allowing the gas to permeate the polyester fibres and creating a molecular bond that results in a high-quality, permanent print. Unlike other printing methods, sublimation ensures that designs become a part of the fabric rather than sitting on its surface, resulting in a smooth, seamless and durable finish.
To use sublimation paper for t-shirt printing, you will need a few key items, including sublimation ink, sublimation paper, a polyester shirt, a heat press machine, a computer, and design software. The process begins with creating or selecting a high-quality image that is then printed onto sublimation paper using a sublimation printer. Once the ink dries, the paper is cut to size and positioned on the shirt, which is placed on the heat press machine. The shirt is then pressed for a specified period, allowing the ink to turn into gas and bond with the fabric fibres. After cooling, the transfer paper is removed, revealing a permanent, vibrant print.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Paper type | Sublimation paper |
Paper brand | A-Sub |
Printer type | Inkjet printer |
Printer brand | Epson, Sawgrass |
Ink type | Sublimation ink |
Ink brand | Sawgrass, Epson, Cosmos Ink, Hiipoo, Delteck |
Transfer paper | Heat-resistant tape |
Transfer paper brand | 3M, Scor-Tape |
Fabric type | Polyester |
Fabric blend | 50%–100% polyester |
Fabric colour | Light |
Protective paper | Butcher paper, parchment paper, Teflon |
Protective paper brand | Siser, Teflon |
Heat press brand | Cricut EasyPress, PowerPress |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right sublimation paper
Sublimation paper is a heat-resistant paper that transfers your design onto a shirt. There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right sublimation paper for your project:
- Printer compatibility: The sublimation paper you choose should be compatible with your printer. Some papers are designed for specific printer models, such as Epson or Ricoh printers.
- Ink type: Consider whether you need paper for gel-based or water-based ink. This will depend on the type of ink and printer you are using.
- Paper size: The paper should be the correct size for your printer and your desired print area on the shirt.
- Budget: Sublimation paper prices can vary, so choose an option that fits within your budget.
- Paper quality: Choose a high-quality sublimation paper to ensure the best results. Look for paper that can produce premium definition, great colour fidelity, and high colour transfer efficiency.
- Fabric type: Sublimation paper is typically used for polyester fabrics or poly-blend shirts. However, some papers may be suitable for other fabric types, such as cotton or hard surfaces with a poly-coating.
Some recommended sublimation paper brands include A-SUB, EDIY, and TexPrint. These papers offer compatibility with different printers and inks, providing a range of options to choose from.
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Using sublimation ink
Sublimation printing is a great way to create custom apparel with a professional finish. The process involves turning solid sublimation ink into a gas by applying heat and pressure, which then permeates the polyester fibres of the fabric. This creates a molecular bond that results in an exceptionally high-quality, permanent print.
Step 1: Prepare the Design
Firstly, you will need to create or download your desired design. Common software for this includes Silhouette Studio, Procreate, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or Canva. Ensure that your design is high-quality (at least 300 DPI) for the best results. Remember to mirror or flip your image, as it will be printed in reverse on the t-shirt.
Step 2: Print the Design
Load your sublimation paper into a sublimation printer with the correct ink tanks. Remember to use sublimation ink, as regular printer ink will not work. Print your design, ensuring it is centred and sized correctly for your t-shirt. Allow the ink to dry completely before proceeding.
Step 3: Prepare the T-Shirt
Preheat your heat press machine to the recommended temperature, typically around 385°F to 400°F. While the machine is warming up, prepare your t-shirt by using a lint roller to remove any debris, lint, or hair that may affect the print quality. Place the t-shirt on the heat press, ensuring it is flat and smooth. You can also pre-press the shirt for a few seconds to remove wrinkles and moisture, ensuring an even print.
Step 4: Transfer the Design
Place your printed design face down on the t-shirt, securing it with heat-resistant tape to prevent it from moving during the transfer process. Cover the design with a piece of protective paper, such as butcher paper or parchment paper, to prevent ink transfer to the heat press.
Step 5: Apply Heat and Pressure
Close the heat press and apply pressure. The specific settings will depend on your heat press and sublimation paper, but generally, a temperature of around 385°F for 45-60 seconds is recommended. Remember that sublimation ink activates at 350°F, so ensure your heat press can reach this temperature.
Step 6: Remove the Paper and Cool
Once the sublimation process is complete, carefully remove the transfer paper. Allow the t-shirt to cool down completely before handling it. The sublimation ink will cool and solidify, creating a permanent print.
Step 7: Care and Washing Instructions
With proper care, your sublimated t-shirt will last a long time. Turn the t-shirt inside out before washing and use cold or warm water with a mild detergent to maintain the vibrancy of the design. Avoid washing white shirts with colourful items to prevent colour bleeding. Air-dry the t-shirt or use a dryer on a low heat setting.
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Preparing your design
Firstly, you need to choose or create your desired image or design. You can take a picture with a digital camera, find images online, or create your own design using software such as Adobe Illustrator or Canva. Keep in mind that the image should be of high quality, with a resolution of at least 300 DPI, to ensure clear and vibrant prints. If you are creating your own design, consider the size and placement of the design on the T-shirt.
Once you have your image ready, you need to prepare it for printing. If your image is not already in a mirror or reverse format, you will need to flip it horizontally. This step is important because the design will be mirrored when transferred onto the T-shirt. Adjust the size of your design according to the size of the T-shirt and the placement you want. Make sure to leave some space around the edges to avoid any crucial parts of the design being cut off.
After resizing and mirroring your design, load your sublimation printer with sublimation ink and paper. Remember to use the correct type of ink and paper specifically designed for sublimation printing. Check your printer manual and paper packaging to identify the correct side of the paper for printing. For example, if you are using A-SUB paper, place the paper facedown with the words "A-SUB" visible to print on the bright white side.
Now, you are ready to print your design onto the sublimation paper. Adjust your printer settings according to the type of printer and sublimation paper you are using. Select the appropriate paper type and print quality settings. For example, if you are using an Epson printer, choose "Premium Presentation Paper Matte" as the media type and "High Quality" as the print quality. Don't forget to mirror the image if you haven't done so already.
Once the design is printed, allow the sublimation paper to dry completely before handling it further. This may take a few minutes or longer, depending on your printer and paper. After the ink is dry, use scissors or a cutting machine to trim the paper close to the design to avoid any unwanted lines transferring to your T-shirt. You can also gently tear the edges of the paper to smooth out the transition and prevent any sublimation ink from transferring to the edges.
By following these steps, you will have successfully prepared your design for sublimation printing on a T-shirt. Remember to take your time and refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturers of your printer, ink, and paper for the best results.
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Applying the design to the shirt
Now that you have your shirt, printer, sublimation paper, ink, and heat press selected, it's time to start the process of applying your design to the shirt. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Prepare your shirt and work area:
- Preheat your heat press to the recommended temperature, usually between 385°F and 400°F (196°C to 204°C).
- Place your shirt on the heat press, ensuring it is flat and smooth.
- Use a lint roller to remove any dust, lint, or hair from the shirt, as these can affect the quality of the print.
- Optionally, create a vertical crease on the shirt by folding it in half vertically and pressing it for about 10 seconds. This will help you centre your design.
- Place a piece of white cardstock or butcher paper inside the shirt, under the area where your design will be. This will protect the back of the shirt and the pressing mat from any ink bleed-through.
Prepare your design:
- Print your design on sublimation paper using a sublimation printer with sublimation ink. Ensure you print on the correct side of the paper.
- Trim the sublimation paper close to the design to avoid any unwanted lines transferring to your shirt.
- Gently fold the printed design the same way as the shirt, creasing it at the top and bottom of the paper but avoiding any creases on the printed image.
Position your design:
- Lightly place the design ink-side down on the shirt, lining up the creases.
- Secure the design in place using heat-resistant tape on all four edges. This is an important step to prevent blurry or fuzzy images.
- Place a piece of white uncoated butcher paper on top of the shirt, larger than your heat plate. Do not use parchment paper, wax paper, freezer paper, or Teflon paper, as these can trap moisture and affect the quality of the transfer.
Transfer the design:
- Once your heat press reaches the correct temperature, you're ready to start the transfer process.
- If using a Cricut Autopress, the pressure is automatically set. For other heat presses, use light to medium pressure.
- Press your shirt for 45 to 60 seconds. The specific time and temperature settings may vary depending on the type of shirt and heat press you are using, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
- After pressing, remove the butcher paper but leave the shirt in place to cool down. The sublimation process is still ongoing, so moving the shirt immediately could affect the quality of the image.
- Once the shirt has cooled down, carefully remove the tape and sublimation paper.
Your shirt is now ready to be shown off and enjoyed! Remember to follow the care instructions provided earlier to ensure the longevity of your design.
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Setting the ink
Choose the Right Ink and Paper
Select a reputable brand of sublimation ink, such as Sawgrass, Epson, or Cosmos Ink. Regular printer ink will not work for this process. Along with the ink, you will need to purchase sublimation paper, which is a heat-resistant paper designed specifically for transferring your desired design onto the t-shirt. A-Sub is a well-known brand for sublimation paper.
Prepare Your Design
Create or choose a high-quality image for your t-shirt. The image should have a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure a clear and detailed print. You can use software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to design your image or choose from royalty-free photo websites. Remember to mirror or flip your image before printing, as it will be transferred onto the t-shirt in reverse.
Load Your Printer
Load your sublimation printer with the sublimation ink and paper. Consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you load the ink and paper correctly. The sublimation paper will have a bright white side for printing and a coloured or dull side.
Adjust Printer Settings
Adjust the printer settings according to the type of sublimation paper you are using. You may need to change the paper type, print quality, and other settings. Refer to the printer manual or online resources for specific instructions. Remember to select the \"mirror image\" or \"flip horizontally\" option to ensure the image transfers correctly.
Print Your Design
Print your design, ensuring it is centred and fits within the printable area of the sublimation paper. After printing, allow the ink to dry completely. This may take a few minutes or longer, depending on your printer and paper.
Trim the Paper
Use scissors or a cutting machine to trim the sublimation paper to the desired size and shape for your t-shirt. You can also gently tear the edges to smooth out the transition and prevent any unwanted lines from transferring onto the fabric.
Now that you have completed the steps for setting the ink, you are ready to move on to the next stage of the sublimation printing process, which involves preparing your t-shirt and heat press machine.
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Frequently asked questions
A sublimation paper is a specialty paper used to print on t-shirts, and other materials. It is recommended to use a high-quality sublimation paper with a high transfer rate, fast-drying speed, and ink-saving performance. A popular brand is A-Sub.
You must use a special sublimation ink. Regular ink will not work for this process. Popular brands include Sawgrass, Epson, and Cosmos Ink.
It is recommended to use a white or light-coloured t-shirt made from polyester fabric. The higher the polyester content, the more vibrant the print will be. A minimum of 65% polyester is required for a successful dye transfer.