Do you know How to Sublimation Print? Sublimation printing is a method artists, and crafters use to produce unique items. These items range from small artwork prints on T-shirts to large wall art pieces. They also allow people to customize their t-shirts or sweatshirts with an image that has meaning to them. The process of sublimation involves heating the design until it turns into powder. Once this happens, a particular piece of paper is placed over the top of the invention. When heat is applied, the image returns to life in a way that cannot be duplicated.
The main benefits of sublimation printing include its ability to turn images into a permanent form. This makes it possible for customers to wear these designs daily and not worry about the original being worn out. In addition, the finished product is resistant to water and other chemicals, making it a safe option for kids.
It’s important to know that you need high-quality thermal transfers for sublimation printing. Many people who try this new technology feel confused as it requires some skills and knowledge. The thing is that this technique has become a favorite among fashion lovers due to its low cost and easy availability.
How to Make Your Design using Sublimation?
Here are the steps you need to follow to make your design using sublimation.
Preparations
There are two essential things required before starting the process. One is to choose your desired product, and another is to prepare the material for the sublimation.
It’s necessary to understand that the material’s thickness and the image’s size play a vital role when choosing the material. For example, if you are going to make a t-shirt, then the choice should be between cotton and polyester.
Right Printer
The other requirement is to get the right printer. You can buy a readymade sublimation printer, but it will cost you more. Therefore, I recommend you go for the second option, where you must purchase it separately.
Sublimation printing is quite different from the usual printing methods; therefore, there is no need to worry about extra steps after completing the print. The final result will look just like it was printed on paper.
What makes you choose the right type of printer?
The answer is simple, the ability to deliver the desired results and the price factor. For example, you may know where to buy a new inkjet or laser printer, but you must also consider factors like paper size, resolution, and features.
Now let’s talk about the different types of printers available to find the suitable model for your needs.
What are the Different Types of Printers
Laser Printers
If you are looking for fast and high-quality prints at low prices, then you can go with laser printers. Laser printers use lasers instead of regular toner cartridges. They can produce good color and black and white images at very high speeds.
InkJet Printer
Inkjet printers are the most common type of printing device. They produce crisp images on plain paper without any problems. Their compact designs and cost-effective pricing makes them a great choice.
Thermal Ink Jet Print Head
This print head uses thermal energy to transfer ink from the cartridge onto a piece of paper. Thermal heads are the cheapest option among all the types of printers and are mainly used by small-scale businesses and individuals who require simple printing.
Sublimation Printing Technology
Sublimation printing technology is another popular printing method. This type of print head can print on various materials such as clothing, leather, and vinyl. It is one of the most preferred methods to produce unique products like T-shirts and mugs.
How to Sublimation Print Shirts?
Sublimation printing is a great way to get your custom t-shirts. With this method, you can customize your shirt in minutes. This is a great way to create a unique design for your business or organization.
When you use a sublimation printer, you need to choose a fabric that is suitable for the purpose. For example, if you want your t-shirt to be comfortable, then it’s essential to select a material that is soft and breathable. But, you might want to pick a more durable fabric to make an impression.
The next thing you need to do is decide what design you would like to put on the t-shirt. You could draw something on the front of the shirt, but there are other options too. You could also add some text to the back or the sides. This will give you much freedom when choosing which part of the t-shirt to place the design.
After you have decided on the type of design you’d like, you need to print it onto the garment. The best printers can produce high-quality designs that look amazing. You can even publish multiple colors onto one piece of clothing.
Sublimation printing is one of the best ways to make your clothing stylish. Today, people are becoming fashion conscious and want to buy trendy clothes.
To get perfect results, you must follow specific steps to help you get the desired effect, and this article will tell you about the different types of materials used for sublimation.
The common mistake of beginners is they do not understand the meaning of the term “sublimation.” Instead, they believe it means melting the material to transfer the pattern on the shirt.
But the truth is that transferring the ink through the heat-sensitive medium is called Sublimation Printing.
Types of Material Used for Sublimation Printing
Several kinds of fabrics are available in the market, and you need to find the suitable one for your purpose. Here I am going to discuss some of the most commonly used materials.
Cotton Fabric:
It has been the favorite choice among beginner printers because it can be easily found, affordable, and cheap. But, there is a drawback, the cotton doesn’t have any stretch properties; hence, the designs will remain the same even if someone wears the shirts.
Polyester Fabric:
This is the second most popular material that is widely used for printing. The main advantage of this fabric is that you don’t have to worry about wearing the design when you wash your clothes.
Nylon Fabric:
Like cotton and polyester, nylon is also the best option, but it costs more than the other two materials. Because of its high-cost factor, it should only be used for professional purposes.
Wool Fabrics:
It is considered to be one of the most comfortable options for everyone. Wool will give you a soft feel which is quite relaxing. But this fabric is expensive and hard to find.
Silk:
Silk is the ultimate material that can make anyone look gorgeous. Even though silk is expensive, it gives fantastic results.
How to Sublimation Print on Cotton?
To create a unique piece of clothing, you can use sublimation printing. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your clothes.
Sublimation printing involves using ink with a unique chemical composition. When this ink is applied to the fabric, it changes into a gas. This allows you to make designs or pictures permanently printed onto your garment.
What is Pad Printing?
Pad printing is a simple and easy method for printing on various materials like cotton and polyester. First, you need to prepare a special plate that contains heat-resistant material. Then you need to spread the image over the surface of the plate using an iron. Next, the image will be transferred to the material, and it needs to be washed with water.
What are the benefits of Sublimation printing?
There are many advantages of sublimation prints, such as;
1. High-resolution prints
2. Good quality
3. Eco friendly
4. Low cost
5. No need for any solvent
6. Fast turnaround time
7. Can use different colors
8. It’s possible to print on a variety of surfaces
9. Durable
10. Easy to remove from the garment
11. Colorfast
12. Widely used by designers and brands
Sublimation printing can give your product a unique look and feel. However, if you want a quick and affordable result, go for pad printing.
How to Choose a Sublimation Printer?
Choosing the right sublimation printer depends upon the type of fabric, size, and quantity. Therefore, it would help if you had a wide range of options before buying the sublimation machine to choose the perfect one for your needs.
You can also ask your friends or family members who have already bought the printers to help you choose the best option. Before purchasing the printer, you must check its efficiency, warranty, and other details.
Conclusion
A sublimation printer creates an image on the outside layer of a T-shirt by applying heat and pressure for the ink to “sublimate” onto the surface. A screen printing process uses a mesh-type material pressed against a garment. Then a design is printed in multiple colors using a combination of heat, colorant (dye), and water. The Sublimated t-shirts are very soft, comfortable, and breathable.