A Comprehensive Guide to Sublimation Printing: History, Process, Pros, and Cons

Sublimation Printing is used by many printing companies to print commercially and for individual orders. The printing technique is also known as thermal printing or thermal-transfer-printing. It offers high-quality results at a low cost. This printing technology is used often and we will explain all aspects in this article to make sure you understand it before you start. This guide explains the history of thermal printing, the steps involved in the process and the pros and cons to choosing this method over other methods. We will answer all your questions and concerns to make sure that your order for Sublimation Printing at Peaprint delivers the results you expect.

The History of Sublimation Printing:

Sublimation Printing was invented as soon as polyester was the preferred fabric. It was an effective, quality-oriented method of printing. It was a very complex process that used selective dyes to print patterns on paper. The paper (also known as the stencil) is placed on the fabric, and then the design is transferred.

Sublimation Printing began as a novelty item. The results of the polyester tops and T-shirts were excellent. Today, the practice has evolved and is now one of the most popular printing technologies used by the textile and manufacturing industries.

Sublimation Printing Process:

Sublimation Printing is a great way to get your logos and designs onto apparel in a beautiful manner. It is an excellent process to transfer the print from a paper to fabric and then back to paper. Sublimation Printing can be done in many different ways, including with inkjet transfers and dye sublimation, digital appliques, vinyl transfers, or even using an inkjet printer. Each of the processes involves several steps, and we will go over each of them in this section.

1. Gather all the supplies

For Sublimation Printing to be effective, you will need several items and advanced equipment. The following are some of the core supplies needed during the process:

Computer, Printer, Ink, Sublimation Printing Paper, Cutter, Heat Press, Heat Pads, Heat tape, Heat resistant sheeting,Substrates & more

2.Designing the design

The next step is to design the product. Peaprint offers you the option to select a template or submit your own design, or work with a professional designer.

3.Printing a design

The final design will be printed onto a special heat-transfer paper to continue the process. Inkjet, pigment and sublimation are the three types of ink we use. The selection is based on product and application.

4.Cutting out the design

This step involves cutting the design with a vinyl cutter. This step is used in some processes, but not all.

5.Warming the heat press

The heat press must be warmed up quickly and efficiently. The heat press is opened first and the platen is separated from the pad. Heat platen and heat pad are opened as they warm up. The ideal temperature for Sublimation Printing templates is usually between 350 and 375F.

6.Adjusting pressure

The pressure of the press can be adjusted according to the thickness of fabric. The fabric thickness will determine the pressure needed. Most often, different fabrics are treated with medium or high pressure.

7.Setting the time

The rime can have a significant impact on the type of Sublimation Printing process. The time guide for common applications is:

The timing for Inkjet Transfer Paper is 14-18 second.

The timing for Dye Sublimation Transfer is 25-30 second.

Digital Applique Transfer is usually 20-30 seconds.

Vinyl Transfer requires 45-60 seconds.

8.Setting the substrate in place and transferring

Now the product is placed onto the plate, and the design is placed at the correct location in the pressing area. Vinyl transfer requires that the paper be covered with a thin piece of cloth. This protects the design.

9.Pressing the product

You can now press the design onto the fabric by pulling the handle or pressing the start button.

10.Removing the Film

Wait for the timer to stop before opening the press. Remove the film. Now your transfer paper is hot, and the design should be transferred to the product exactly as you want it.

Sublimation Printing: Advantages and Disadvantages

The printing method is gaining in popularity as more colors are being added to the Sublimation Printing spectrum. Like other printing technologies, this technology has pros and cons that are explained in detail below.

1.Sublimation Printing advantages.

1.1.Saves time, money & effort:

This process is very simple and inexpensive. Manufacturing companies can save time, money, and effort by using Sublimation Printing. It is ideal for small orders.

It is the best printing technique for small orders because it is easy to create the design, print it on paper, and then transfer it onto the fabric.

1.2.On-demand printing:

Printing service providers are able to fulfill their clients' needs and take on-demand orders.

1.3.No color restrictions

Customers can select any color and have the design they desire printed on fabric.

1.4.Diversity:

It is also recommended for printing custom apparel. It also produces excellent results when used on other surfaces such as cups, plates and jigsaws.

1.5.No mess

Sublimation Printing has the advantage of being less messy than other printing methods.

1.6.High-quality results:

Modern machines can print full-color, complex and vivid pictures & designs.

2. The disadvantages of Sublimation Printing

1.1.Large orders are not ideal:

Each time you print clothing, there's a lot to do because the design must be trimmed and the paper removed.

1.2.The print fades away:

Sublimation Printing can cause print fading in some cases.

You can't iron the print:

Even a slight run of the iron over the print will ruin it.

FAQs

Q 1: Which is the best press for heat-printing?

A: You can use an iron to do a DIY Sublimation Printing project. If you plan to do this commercially, then you will need a Sublimation Printing press. The process is efficient and allows for a high-quality and even application. It also ensures the design will not fade after washing.

Q 2: What are the different types of heat-applied transfers?

A: There are many different heat-applied transfer techniques. The selection will vary from company to company. Common options include full-color digital transfers and rhinestones transfers.

Q 3: What is Vinyl Sublimation Printing?

A: Vinyl Sublimation Printing is a technique that uses a vinyl polymer to print designs on fabrics. This printing technique is used to create personalized t-shirts and jerseys as well as promotional items.

Q 4: What is the washing instructions for heat vinyl printing?

A: The garments with Sublimation Printings should not be dry cleaned. The garment should be washed from the inside to protect the print. HTG prints can be safely washed with mild detergent.

Q 5: What is the most common problem with Sublimation Printing?

A: Some common issues include:

The transfer does not stick to the fabric.

After washing, the print becomes wrinkled.

Cracking is a second problem.

Do not iron the print, even accidentally. It will damage it.

Q 6: Does HTP design cracks fast?

A: It is not true that a heat-transfer printing design cracks immediately unless the printing has problems. The quality of a print can be compromised by the use of incorrect heat and temperature. Peaprint pays a great deal of attention to the design and therefore it doesn't crack.

Peaprint is the leading online apparel printing studio. Sublimation Printing is our specialty, but we also offer other techniques like screen printing and direct to garment printing. We have handled Sublimation Printing orders successfully and the result is the quality we deliver.

Place your order now if you're ready to create a custom tee shirt like this using the Sublimation Printing technique.

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