What Is Sublimation

Sublimation prints are made using sublimation inks. These ink when heated to the correct temperature, transfer the ink to the garment.

- Major differences are:

You can cannot feel the print

The ink in transferred into the fabric instead of on top of the fabric as with other print media.

You can only use sublimation with polyester garments that are 50%-100% polyester. Anything lest may not transfer properly.

You can only use sublimation ink with garments that are light in color, as there is no white ink or backing to sublimation.

Tips for Picture-Perfect Sublimation Prints

Test, Test & Test Some More: We always recommend buying a couple of practice blanks to test techniques and materials before completing a wide-scale printing production.
Avoid Unwanted Ink Transfer: If you plan on printing a run of tees using sublimation printing, meaning a handful of shirts with the same print, be sure to clean your heat press plates before printing another project afterward. Since the ink used is turned to gas through the sublimation process, ink residue can easily transfer to the platens and accidentally ruin your next printing project.
Ensure Your Heat Press is the Correct Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to be sure that the temperature that your heat press is reading is accurate. If the temp isn’t right, your print will not turn out well.
Check Your Pressure: Too much pressure can cause ink blowouts, so be careful not to apply too much pressure. Sublimation requires less pressure than heat transfer vinyl or DTF prints.
Use a Cover Sheet: Use parchment paper, or other non-coated butcher paper, to create a protective barrier between your design and the shirt platen. This will protect your machine and your shirt. Teflon sheets are popular with other printing methods, but create moisture, which you do not want with sublimation printing. Because of this, it’s best to avoid Teflon cover.