Mastering Sublimation Printing: Tips for Newcomers

Sublimation Basics: Know Your Fabrics and Colors

Sublimation printing offers a unique way to transfer designs onto fabrics. But before diving into it, understanding the nuances of fabrics and colors is crucial. Notably:

• Dark Colors: Sublimation inks are transparent, meaning the ink needs to be darker than the fabric to show up. For instance, using black ink on a red shirt is effective, while lighter shades like creme may not produce desired results.
• Polyester Blends: Sublimation works exclusively on polyester. Thus, when dealing with blends, only the polyester component will retain the ink. A shirt with a 50/50 polyester-cotton blend will likely fade by 50%. For optimal results, many professionals recommend a minimum of 65/35 polyester-cotton blends.

Addressing the White Polyester Predicament

White polyester is often hailed as the prime canvas for sublimation. This could be challenging if one's customers prefer colored or dark fabrics. However, there's a solution. Heathered shirts, particularly the Gildan 64000 variety, come with a heathering effect from clear polyester fibers, making up 65% of the fabric. Since it's transparent polyester, these shirts are suitable for dye sublimation.

Remember, non-heathered versions of certain shirts might be 100% cotton, making them unsuitable for sublimation. Additionally, dyed poly garments, especially in dark shades, can't be sublimated unless you're opting for a deeper shade.

Crafty Solutions for Dark Garments

For those keen on using dark fabrics, a bit of creativity is in order. Techniques include:

• Bleaching: By bleaching out the dye from the cotton sections of dark poly blend heathers, one can create an area for sublimation. Note that not all colors bleach uniformly, so experimenting might be necessary.
• Water-Based Discharge Ink: Instead of bleaching, one could use this ink to print on dark fabrics, creating an area ready for sublimation.

Considering Alternate Solutions

While owning a sublimation printer, like the Sawgrass, is useful, some find it demanding in terms of maintenance. An alternative is employing a service bureau for sublimation tasks. Often, the quality is commendable, and the overall costs might end up being more budget-friendly.

Engage and Learn More

To ensure success in sublimation printing:

• Leverage platforms like YouTube, especially tutorials such as "How to sublimate a shirt".
• Join forums or communities related to sublimation for hands-on advice and troubleshooting.
• Remember, knowledge sharing and continuous learning are pivotal. Engage, ask, and explore.

Stay Updated

For a deeper dive into technology and more insights, follow our YouTube Channel. For those in Greensboro, North Carolina, consider dropping by locally for interactive sessions. And always keep an eye on our Tech blog for the latest updates. Happy sublimating!