Sublimation Printing: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners
Full-color shirts, photographic designs infused into fabrics, and vibrant mugs—sublimation is the printing technique behind these eye-catching items.
Initially, sublimation was introduced for textiles in the 1950s, but its versatility has expanded to metals, ceramics, and other materials. Today, sublimation printing is a well-known method for creating personalized, high-quality items.
This article explains sublimation printing, detailing the tools and equipment required to complete the process. It also explores sublimation printing applications and compares the process with other printing methods.
In This Article
- What is Sublimation Printing?
- How Does Sublimation Printing Work?
- What Can You Sublimate On?
- Pros and Cons of Sublimation Printing
- Sublimation Printing vs. Other Printing Methods
- FAQs of Sublimation Printing
- Conclusion
What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation is a digital printing method for adding bright, realistic, full-color images on different substrates, especially synthetic, polyester-based fabrics.
Unlike traditional printmaking techniques (like screen printing) that lay down ink on the surface of a material, sublimation dye becomes a part of the substrate itself. That results in a durable, high-quality print, resistant to cracking or fading over time.
How Does Sublimation Printing Work?
Sublimation printing is derived from the chemical process of “sublimation,” where a substance transitions directly from a solid to a gas phase without passing through the liquid state.
Sublimation inks behave the same way; when heated, they turn into gas and bond with polyester fabrics or polymer-coated surfaces.
Here’s a brief flow of how the sublimation printing process completes:
Designing → Printing on Sublimation Paper → Heat Pressing → Infusing Design
Equipment and Materials Needed
To complete sublimation, you’ll need multiple supplies:
Sublimation Ink
Sublimation ink is a dye-based ink that directly transforms from solid to gas, on heating. This gas penetrates the substrate’s surface and solidifies, embedding the ink into the material.
Dye sublimation ink is available in the same four colors as regular printing inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK). The four colors form the full-spectrum realistic images. You’ll get inks in bottles or cartridges that can be inserted into the printer.
Sublimation Printer
It’s a special type of inkjet printer that can handle sublimation inks. It features a Micro Piezo print head, which can handle the delivery of gaseous dye.
Unlike traditional inkjet or laser printers that simply deposit ink or toner on the surface, sublimation printers use piezoelectric elements to precisely inkjet ink. If you’re looking for a printer, try Epson - it’s a pioneer in this printing technology.
Sublimation Paper
Sublimation or heat transfer paper is a coated paper that holds dye inks temporarily before they are transferred onto the substrate. The coating (mixture of binder and silica) holds the design after the printing and releases it on heat and pressure.
Sublimation transfer paper comes in different types, depending on the color of the fabric:
- Standard Sublimation Paper: It works on both white and light-colored fabrics.
- Specialized Transfer Paper for Dark Fabrics: Since sublimation inks do not include white, this type of paper is designed to work with dark-colored fabric.
Heat Press
A heat press is a machine that applies heat and pressure to transfer the sublimation ink from the paper onto the substrate. It comes in different sizes and configurations. Flatbed heat presses are common for t-shirts and other garments. A mug press is also available for mugs and cylindrical objects.
If you’re searching for a reliable press, the xTool Heat Press might be exactly what you need. Unlike the bulky heat presses commonly available, this compact option is ideal for DIYers and small businesses.
The xTool Heat Press comes in two options: a standard smart press for larger projects and a mini press for smaller items like caps. It’s portable and can be used on its own or with a fixture stand, like regular heat presses. With wireless controls, you can easily set temperatures between 212°F and 400°F and time durations from 1 to 600 seconds.
The xTool Heat Press isn’t limited to sublimation—it works perfectly for all types of heat transfer printing, including HTV, DTF, and screen-printed heat transfers.
Substrate
The substrate is the material onto which you will transfer your design. Substrates must be polyester-based or coated with a polymer to accept sublimation ink. Common substrates include:
- Polyester fabrics (for apparel)
- Polymer-coated ceramics (for mugs and coasters)
- Metal, wood, and glass (coated for sublimation)
Design Software
To create your realistic colored images, you need graphic design software. For textual or logo designs, you can move with Adobe Illustrator. For creating high-quality photos, Photoshop is an excellent option. Beginners can start with online software, Canva.
Step-By-Step Sublimation Printing Process
With tools and materials in hand, here’s a short procedure to carry out sublimation printing:
Step 1: Design the Image
Design is the key to the whole printing journey. If you’re creative and know how to use design tools, we recommend making it yourself. If you’re making it or scanning a photo, make sure it’s above 300 dpi resolution.
Not a designer, don’t worry! There are plenty of sites that offer free and paid designs. Etsy and Design Bundles are top options for sublimation designs.
Step 2: Printing the Design onto the Sublimation Paper
Once the design is ready, insert the paper into the sublimation printer for printing. Make sure to mirror the image in your design software before printing, as the design will be reversed when transferred onto the substrate.
Step 3: Positioning the Design on the Substrate
Position the sublimation paper with the printed design facing the substrate. Use a heat-resistant tape to secure the design, especially if you’re working on substrates where there’s a chance of slippage.
Step 4: The Sublimation Printing Process
Set your heat press to the recommended temperature and time settings for your specific substrate. For polyester fabrics, you can set the temperature between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 205°C) and a pressing time of 25 to 40 seconds.
Place the substrate with the taped sublimation paper into the heat press, close the press, and apply the required pressure. Once done, remove the paper to reveal the design.
XTOOL HEAT PRESS
Heat Press for Sublimation, HTV, and DTF Transfers
Flexible heat press modes - portable or hands-free for most transfer needs.
Learn MoreWhat Can You Sublimate On?
Now that you’ve learned the sublimation craft, here’s how you can try it on different substrates:
Apparel
The most common application of sublimation printing is apparel, particularly t-shirts. Any realistic photos and all-over patterns can be printed with ease on hoodies, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Remember the method only works well on synthetic/polyester fabrics.
Home Décor
Pillowcases with colorful patterns can be made with sublimation. Similarly, you can use it for custom-designing fleece blankets. The table decorators – coasters – can also be stylized. However, you’ll have to coat them first.
Accessories
There’s a long list of accessories that are compatible with sublimation printing. Polyester hats, for instance, may be decorated with logos or custom designs. Phone cases can also be customized with colorful images. You can also use it for your tote bags, socks, and keychains.
Drinkware
Among drinkware, you can use sublimation on coated tumblers, mugs and cups. You may add your name, favorite quote, or a colorful pattern that matches your décor and taste.
XTOOL HEAT PRESS
Heat Press for Sublimation, HTV, and DTF Transfers
Flexible heat press modes - portable or hands-free for most transfer needs.
Learn MorePros and Cons of Sublimation Printing
Sublimation printing is beneficial in many ways but there were a few limitations as well. Here’s an outlook of both:
Pros
Detailed Design: One of the best digital methods for realistic designs. You can print detailed designs, containing any blend of colors.
Durable Prints: Sublimation prints are known for their vibrant colors and durability, as the ink becomes part of the substrate. Because the ink is embedded into the material, sublimation prints are resistant to common issues like fading, cracking, and peeling.
Versatile Use Case: The technique can work on different substrates, fabric, wood, metal, glass, etc. Speaking of items, it works on t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, bags, and more.
Cons
Limited to Polyester Materials: Sublimation printing works best on light-colored, polyester-based materials. It doesn’t work well on natural fabrics like cotton.
No White Ink: There’s no white ink, so designs on colored substrates must account for the background color.
Requires Specialized Equipment: You need a dedicated setup just for sublimation. For instance, you need sublimation inks and sublimation printers, which are not useful in other printing processes.
Sublimation Printing vs. Other Printing Methods
Similar to sublimation printing, screen printing, DTF, and HTV are popular printing methods. However, each one differs from sublimation printing in various aspects.
Sublimation Printing vs DTF Printing
In DTF, the design is printed on a transfer film, then powdered with adhesive and heat-pressed. It may seem similar to the sublimation process, but in DTF printing, the film only transfers the design to the top of the substrate rather than embedding it in the fabric.
Unlike sublimation, DTF printing is not limited to a single material – it works well on cotton, silk, polyester, and its blends.
There’s no white ink in sublimation, so it usually works best on light-colored fabrics. Whereas, DTF uses white ink as part of the process, allowing for bright, opaque prints on dark or colored fabrics.
Sublimation Printing vs Screen Printing
Screen printing is a traditional method that involves printing through a design stencil. Ink is spread and pushed over the stencil onto the substrate where it forms the design as a separate layer.
Screen printing is ideal for textured and vibrant designs constrained in an area. Whereas, sublimation is for realistic photos that feel like part of the fabric – any seam-to-seam prints can be made with ease.
In screen printing, every color requires a separate stencil, so design is often limited to a few colors. In contrast, there’s no such restriction in sublimation.
Sublimation works only on synthetic and polyester fabrics whereas screen printing works on all types of fabrics. You may read our blog, Sublimation vs Screen Printing, for a more detailed view.
Sublimation vs HTV
HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) involves cutting and heat pressing vinyl onto the fabric. It creates a raised design that can be felt. In comparison, the sublimation prints are infused within the fabric.
HTV prints can crack over time whereas dye sublimation being part of the fabric faces no such issue. Unlike sublimation which just works on polyesters, HTV adheres well to cotton and polyester blends.
FAQs of Sublimation Printing
Can you use a regular printer for sublimation printing?
No, sublimation printing requires a specific inkjet printer equipped with piezo inkjet technology to convert the dye into a gaseous form for spraying. Although some regular printers can be converted to sublimation printers, they may no longer be suitable for standard printing tasks afterward.
What materials can you sublimate on?
You can sublimate on polyester and other synthetic fabrics, as well as polymer-coated ceramics, metal, glass, and wood.
Is it possible to sublimate on dark fabrics?
Yes, it’s possible to sublimate on dark fabrics, but you'll need specific sublimation paper.
Which transfer paper to use for sublimation?
You should use special sublimation paper that has a coating to hold the dye sublimation ink. When heated, this paper releases the ink and allows it to diffuse into the fabric.
Is sublimation cheaper than screen printing?
Both sublimation and screen printing can be expensive for single designs. However, for bulk production, screen printing is a more cost-effective option.
Conclusion
Among other printing techniques, choose sublimation for lightweight synthetics—when you need edge-to-edge designs that seamlessly fill the material.
With everything unveiled, it’s time to gather your accessories and start creating!
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