Sublimation on Shirts for Beginners: Tips and Tricks

The sublimation process is becoming increasingly well-known and for a good reason. You are at the correct location if you are eager to learn how to perform sublimation and sublimate a garment.

You'll need a sublimation printer, some sublimation paper, and a heat press to be able to create pictures on a garment that are both bright and vivid. It seems straightforward, doesn't it? It is! However, there is additional information that you need to know in order to complete the sublimation garments successfully.

When it comes to producing the ideal sublimated shirt, many essential elements must be precise, including the temperature, the amount of time, the amount of pressure, and the printer settings.

You also need to be aware that you cannot immediately sublimate on a garment that consists of 100% cotton. You will learn all of this information as soon as you finish reading this informative guidance on sublimation printing on clothing.

How to Sublimate A Shirt?

What Is Sublimation?

The printing process known as sublimation includes transferring a design that has been printed using a standard inkjet printer with sublimation ink. Printing the design into a sublimation paper and then heating the fabric or sublimation blank onto which the design has been printed.

During the dye sublimation t-shirt printing process, the ink and the fabric mesh together by heat, resulting in the ink changing into a gas that irreversibly attaches to the fabric or the sublimation blank. In contrast to other printing methods, such as printable HTV or dark transfer paper, in which the paper media itself transfers to the shirt, this technique only transmits the image.

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Sublimation Printer?

For wholesale sublimation shirts different factors are considerable in selecting the sublimation printer. Additionally, get details on reverse tie dye with bleach. Depending on your needs and preferences for an effective result of sublimation following factors are important:

Sizing Preference:

This indicates the greatest size of paper or object the printer can handle. Style With Blank Apparel if you want to print large images or products, like banners, flags, or clothing, you'll need a wide-format printer that can accommodate extra-large wholesale sublimation shirts. However, if you just want to print small items like mugs, or stickers, a standard-sized printer would do just fine.

Considering the print size also affects the price and scalability of the printer, you must evaluate your financial constraints as well as your available space against your preferred output size. Get more details on what is dtf printing. 

 

Compatibility With Ink:

The kind of ink the printer can utilize is indicated by this. Special sublimation ink is needed for sublimation on Raglan Wholesale T Shirts printers because it can transform from a solid to a gas when heated without becoming a liquid.Know details on  how to screen print t shirts at home, besides some printers can use third-party or refillable cartridges, some are strictly compatible with certain brands of cartridges. When selecting a sublimation printer for Sublimation on shirts , consider its performance and longevity as well as the cost and accessibility of the ink refills.

Print Quality: 

This refers to the color accuracy and resolution of the printer. The number of microscopic inks dots the printer can fit onto a square inch of paper or other material is measured in dots per inch (dpi), a solution metric. The greater the dpi, the finer and more realistic the print will be on top 3 gildan shirts. For wholesale sublimation shirts, color accuracy depends on the type and quantity of ink cartridges as well as the printer's software and settings. For Sublimation on shirts you require a printer that can produce vibrant, dependable colors that accurately reflect your original artwork.

Ease Usage: 

Unquestionably, the easier the usage of a printer, the more chances of the larger consumption and usage of that printer for Sublimation on shirts. It is simple to understand that complex machines get low in demand and people usually opt for ease to get their fashion sweatshirts customized. In that case, a user-friendly printer with clear instructions, dependable customer service, and easy-to-use interface is all one need. The additional features might include wireless connectivity, automatic feeding of paper, or built-in software that can result in printing simplification.  Get more details on Design Ideas For Custom T-Shirts for a remarkable identity. 

Compatibility and Connectivity: 

It is indeed an important thing to understand that easy and rapid connections are the initial factors when choosing sublimation printers for cheap wholesale t shirts. A printer that supports the desirable operating system i.e. Windows and Mac with some reliable options for quick connection such as Wi-Fi or USB. On the other hand, T-Shirt Promotion Ideas with the printer works well with designing tools like Photoshop and Illustrator. 

Why Is Sublimation A Better Way To Print Than Other Techniques?

Sublimation printing has many benefits, and even though it differs from other printing methods, like using heat transfer vinyl or screen printing, it has its own advantages.

Also, if you make crafts or plan to open a print shop in the future, the sublimation printing will be an important part of your printing services. Apart from that, sublimation printing is twice better as other printing methods, mainly because:

• Sublimation transfers do not move to clothes or other sublimation projects. Only the ink does.

• The cost of ingredients is less for sublimation paper than for ink.

• You can print on clothing, canvas tote bags, sublimation mugs, sublimation ref magnets, and many other sublimation blanks.

• When printing bright, many-colored patterns, the process goes faster and is easy unlike heat transfer vinyl and screen printing, where you have to add colors.

• The picture will not fade or crack over time because the ink absorbs permanently into the material.

• Sublimation printing makes less mess and waste because you only need a few things.

• You can print real shots and expect them to look the same on the shirt as they do on your computer.

But there are some things you can't do when sublimating on clothes. The most important rule is that you can only directly sublimate on a light-colored polyester shirt at least two-thirds polyester. Yes, sublimation used to only work on light-color fabric shirts and clothes.

But thanks to the creativity and skill of many makers, other ways have been found to work if you want to print on dark shirts and 100% cotton clothes. Which is what the next part of this guide will teach you. Now is the time to list what you need to sublimate on clothes.

Quality Printing

Compared to other printing techniques, sublimation printing provides a major quality benefit.

Colors and intricacy can be severely constrained in screen printing. Not to mention printing the pattern in different hues repeatedly.

These restrictions do not apply to sublimation printing. The only restriction, in this case, is the quality of the written design from your computer because sublimation functions by moving the design from the paper to the item. You can immediately copy high-quality, vividly colored pictures and patterns onto the t-shirts, mugs, blankets, and other items of your choice using sublimation printing.

Most printers cannot produce white ink, which is the only minor drawback to sublimation printing. Therefore, sublimating works best on white or light-colored garments.

How to Do Sublimation Shirts?

A poly layer and a sublimation dye work together to make the color last. The heat opens up the pores in the cloth and makes the ink a gas. Once the ink is inside the fabric, it becomes solid. At least, that's what we think! Here, you can learn more about the science of sublimation.

As was said above, sublimation works with polyester, so the best shirts to use for sublimation are 100% polyester or shirts with a high poly/cotton ratio. The more rayon there is, the more vivid and long-lasting the colors will be.

But if you want a worn or old-fashioned look, a smaller poly ratio might be just what you need.

In this guide to sublimation on shirts, we'll show you how it works on a shirt made of 100% cotton and on shirts with different amounts of fabric.

What Do You Need To Sublimate A Shirt?

• Sublimation ready printer

• Heat press machine

• Heat-resistant tape

• Sublimation paper

• Lint roller

• Scissors/cutter

• Teflon sheet or parchment paper

• Best T-shirts For Sublimation

What are Some of the Best Sublimation Printers on the Market?

Avoid Messing Up your T-shirt Quilt as there are some of the best sublimation printers for wholesale sublimation shirts that are currently on the market. It includes different brands with different working criteria for Sublimation on shirts.

1. Epson SureColor F570 Pro

2. Sawgrass SG500

3. HP Stitch S500

Epson SureColor F570 Pro: 

Epson SureColor F570 Pro assists with effective color output of print with a 4.3 touch screen easy to operative display. Undeniably, it is appropriate for color accuracy and precision on wholesale blank t-shirts. Moreover, with 2400 x 1200 dpi, this printer can print up to 24 inches wide resolution. Besides, it has a spacious ink system that allows frequent prints with fewer refills. Know more about 5 Best Shirts For Sublimation. 

 

Sawgrass SG500: 

Without a doubt, the favorite and most liked printer by experts and professionals is Sawgrass SG500 for better printing on men’s athletic wear wholesale. The features it comprises are a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi and can print up to 8.5 x 14 inches. Additionally, to prevent any sort of disturbance or clogging in the printing quality, it has a self-cleaning system. Know more about Athletic fit vs slim fit to express flawless artwork while working out. 

HP Stitch S500: 

It comprises a smart nozzle system for automatic detection and correction of failure or any kind of error during Sublimation on shirts. Furthermore, for accuracy in colors on Custom Golf Polo Shirts, it has a built-in spectrophotometer with printing of 64 inches wide with a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi. Besides, it is suitable and eligible for large-scale printing needs. 

 

How Do I Prevent Cracking and Fading in my Sublimation Prints?

Fading and cracking of short sleeve t-shirts sublimation vary from materials to different techniques that need some considerations before starting Sublimation on shirts process. 

1. Right Material Selection

2. Appropriate Usage of Pressure and Heat

3. Wash with Care 

4. UV Rays Protection

5. Proper Storing 

Right Material Selection:

Performance fabrics and materials with a high polyester content, such as polyester blends, are the greatest candidates for sublimation printing. Custom long sleeve shirts with bright and durable colors are produced as a result of the strong bond that polyester enables between the sublimation ink and the fibers. Know more about Polo-Shirts Online Will Save You Time and Money and avoid using fabrics with low polyester content, such as cotton or silk, since they will not effectively absorb the ink, resulting in the print fading or cracking.

 

Appropriate Usage of Pressure and Heat:

To transfer the ink from the paper to the substance during sublimation printing, a particular temperature and amount of pressure are needed for cheap wholesale t shirts. A faded or fuzzy print will result from improper ink transfer if the heat or pressure is too low or high, respectively. The ink will transfer too much and cause the print to break or bleed if the heat or pressure is both too high or low. For the best temperature and pressure settings for your sublimation on shirts, refers to the manufacturer's instructions. Further , applying for sublimation gets details about Wholesale T-Shirts for Your Clothing Line. 

Wash with Care:

wholesale sublimation shirts print may fade or crack if improperly cleaned or dried. By washing your prints in cold water with a mild detergent—not bleach or fabric softener—you may prevent this. Additionally, Select The Right Color For Different Places and turn your prints inside out before washing them to avoid abrasion. When drying your custom athletic t-shirts, stay away from direct sunshine and other sources of extreme heat; instead, use a low heat setting or let them air dry. 

 

UV Rays Protection:

Sublimation on plain t-shirt wholesale displays may deteriorate over time if they undergo exposure to UV radiation from the sun or other causes. This is because UV rays have the power to fade the color of sublimation ink and cause it to degrade. To help safeguard your prints from UV radiation, place them in a dark area. Besides know more about How Bella Canvas Elevate Fashion and Transforms trends. 

 

Proper Storing:

If sublimation prints are not stored properly, they risk becoming damaged. Avoid folding or breaking down your custom long-sleeve shirts prints while storing them to avoid this. Keep them flat or wrapped instead. Additionally, keep your prints cool, dry, and humidity- and moisture-free while storing them. Know more details about how to soften a t shirt to prevent print from excessive breaking. 

Step-By-Step Sublimation Shirt Guide

This portion will be broken up into two parts for the step-by-step guidance that we are creating. The first part of this process consists of preparing the concept. The second section consists of in-depth instructions on printing on shirts made of polyester, shirts made of 100% cotton, and dark-colored shirts.

Step #1: Produce the Design in Print

Locating a digital picture of your creation is the first thing you need to do. You can download pictures for free or pay a fee to obtain SVGs, NFTs, or any image you want to print. Always keep in mind the importance of being mindful of copyright laws. Some designs can be downloaded for free, but the license only allows them to be used for personal purposes and not for business.

If you're skilled in graphic design, you can always construct your own design using Adobe Photoshop, even if you don't have those abilities. When it comes to creating the artwork, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to get the best possible result from the sublimation print:

• Ensure that the designs you print have the greatest possible picture resolution.

• Don't neglect to flip the picture horizontally.

• Configure the printer to have the slowest speed possible while maintaining the greatest quality.

• Before you begin printing on the sublimation paper, double-check that the measurements you have are accurate. It is important to remember that the intended print size of the design should not be too small or too large in relation to the clothing.

For Sublimation, is it Possible to Use Any Printer?

Regarding sublimation printing, no, you can't use a standard inkjet printer with ordinary ink. Sublimation printers are incompatible with inkjet printers because their nozzles use thermal printing technology.

To put it another way, HP, Canon, Dell, and Lexmark printers are incompatible with the sublimation printing process. Sawgrass printers and Epson printers with six ink containers are typically considered the most effective sublimation printers.

Step #2: Remove The Edges

After writing on the sublimation paper, you'll need to cut around the image. Some printers skip this step, but it's a good idea and should always be done.

Even though the paper in sublimation paper doesn't move to the clothing, if you don't cut off the extra edges, you'll probably run into two problems.

The first problem is that extra bits of ink are outside the pattern. Second, there were problems with positioning during the printing process.

Obviously, if you print several small patterns on sublimation paper, you have to cut each one out individually. Let's start with the problem of wasted ink.

If you haven't been cleaning and maintaining your sublimation printer lately, waste or stuck inks could appear on the sublimation paper when you print. In some cases, the design works correctly, but there is extra ink outside the design or in the corners of the paper.

If you don't cut these out, the excess ink will also move to the clothing after you press it with heat. Then you'll get a bad print and have to start over.

Problems with balance are the second issue. For example, you have a small image that can be 4x4 inches, made in the middle of an A4 sheet of sublimation paper. You didn't get rid of the extra bits.

When you're ready to heat press the design into the fabric later, getting the design in the right place can be hard. The print on the shirt will most likely be crooked or out of place.

Do not skip this step if you want to avoid making mistakes in the future. It's better to be safe than to make these mistakes and waste a whole shirt. Many experienced printers will tell you to follow these steps, and if we were you, we'd do the same.

Step #3: Use A Lint Roller On The Piece Of Clothing

The next step is to run your lint brush over the shirt's surface where the picture is. Before sublimating, removing any hair or dust on the clothing is important. Why? There could be two things:

• Little bits of dust will also be forever heat-pressed onto the clothing and will look like light blue streaks of print. From far away, you couldn't see it. But if you look closely, you can make it out.

• If you sublimate over lint (loose strands of the fabric), the sublimation ink will move to the lint, not the garment. So, when you remove the lint, a white line will be left. (an unprinted part). This will be easy to see from a long way away.

Using a lint brush to eliminate lint or dust is always a good idea, just like the last step. Even though some printers can skip this step, you shouldn't!

Step #4: Follow The Instructions For How To Set The Heat Press

At this point, you already have a sublimation picture ready to be heat pressed onto the clothing. Just set it aside and get your heat press ready. When sublimating clothes, using the recommended settings for heat, time, and pressure on your heat press machine is important.

If you don't print as much as the heat press directions say you should, the sublimation print might not be as bright and colorful as it should be. On the other hand, if you press a piece of clothing too much, it will probably burn and get yellow spots.

So, what are the best settings for a heat press for sublimation on shirts? This will depend on the material you use.

Heat press settings differ for shirts made of 100% polyester, cotton-polyester mixes, and 100% cotton and dark-colored clothes. Which, as you read on, you'll learn more about in the next part.

 

Step #5: Press The Shirt First

After getting rid of all the lint and dust, the next step is to get rid of the shirt's wrinkles and moisture. To do this, lightly press the shirt for 5 to 10 seconds before you wash it.

No matter where you store a shirt, especially one made of 100% cotton, the cloth can naturally hold water. So, you must press the sublimated tee shirts first to remove any wetness before sublimating it.

You don't want the wetness to get stuck under the sublimation copy. Or, the transfer picture won't stick well to the fabric, which is even worse. Also, if the shirt wrinkles, the printed picture will become a mess.

Step #6: Heat-Resistant Tape To Hold Down The Sublimation Paper

After making sure the spacing is right, and you're sure where to put the sublimation transfer, the next step is to use heat-resistant tape to hold it in place. Put the heat-resistant tape on all four sides to ensure it doesn't move when heated.

Because yes, the sublimation paper does tend to move around when the heat press machine is closed and opened. How did it turn out?

There could be ghosting around the picture. In a sublimation design, you don't want to see something resembling a shadow of the picture.

In the next part, you'll find detailed instructions on sublimating a t-shirt based on the tee you use. The way the sublimation picture is made will be different, but the way it is printed will be the same. Continue reading to learn more.

Sublimation on Light-Colored 100% Polyester Shirts:

• Heat Press Pressure: Medium Pressure

• Heat Press Time: 45-60 Seconds

• Heat Press Temperature: 385°-400°F

If your sublimation pictures are ready and you've done all the steps above, get your polyester shirt ready. If you directly sublimate a design onto a 100% polyester shirt that is light in color, you only have to heat press the design.

Before you press, don't forget to put a Teflon sheet on top of the sublimation paper.

Just a tip: the more rayon a shirt has, the better the sublimation picture will look. There's no commotion.

Sublimation on Light-Colored 100% Cotton Shirts or Poly-Blend T-Shirts:

• Heat press Pressure: Medium Pressure

• Heat press time: 40-50 seconds

• Heat press temperature: 400°F

Must-Have Supply: Sublimation Coating Spray

People used to think you couldn't print straight on 100% cotton or poly-blend clothes with sublimation. That was a long time before the invention of sublimation covering spray. Polyester glue is sprayed onto cotton fibers in a sublimation coating.

In short, a polyester covering lays on top of the cotton shirt to sublimate directly. A sublimation coating spray can also be used on 100% polyester clothes that are light in color to make a vivid and bright picture.

Here's a step-by-step guide to sublimating on 100% cotton and poly-blend clothes that are light in color:

• Spray the sublimation finishing spray over the print surface after the first pre-press.

• You don't have to spray the whole t-shirt, just the area where the print is.

• Spray the surface of picture two or three times.

• Press the same button again for 5 to 10 seconds.

• Make sure the shirt is dry before pressing the sublimate transfer into it.

• Then it's over!

When buying a sublimation finishing spray, look for one that dries quickly, has a high-gloss finish, and is ready to use. It doesn't need to be a mix and match, and it's made to be easy to use.

Sublimation on Dark-Colored Shirts

You must have a cutting machine, PU White heat transfer vinyl, Holographic HTV, or Glitter HTV. So that the sublimation print looks bright and clear, you should only use white or brown heat transfer vinyl.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

• Heat Press Pressure: Medium pressure

• Heat Press Yime: 10-15 seconds

• Heat Press Temperature: 260 ? - 315 ?

• Or Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendation
  
  

Sublimation Paper

• Heat Press Pressure: Medium pressure

• Heat Press Time: 45-60 seconds

• Heat Press Temperature: 385°- 400°F

Now, this process of reduction is a little tricky. You can't directly sublimate on dark clothes, whether they consist of 100% polyester, 100% cotton, or a mix of the two. But this can be an easy fix by first writing on straight heat transfer vinyl and then sublimating over it.

Yes, that can be done, and it has been done before with success. Here's how to do it stepwise:

• Start by cutting the heat transfer vinyl with your cutting machine.

• When you cut the vinyl, it should be the same size as the sublimation image, like a trace or sketch.

• Push down on the heat transfer vinyl.

• Peel off the plastic sheet above the HTV.

• Place the sublimation image on top of the HTV and fix it with heat-resistant tape.

• Press!

• You're done!

As a tip, you can use this method instead of sublimation coating spray to print on shirts that are all one color, especially if you want to print on gray or yellow shirts made of 100% cotton, which are light colors. Or, you could use glitter heat transfer vinyl and then sublimate over it to add a little extra flair.

Alternative Option

You have an alternative if you don't own a cutting machine but still need to print on dark-colored garments. You can use printer heat transfer paper, particularly black transfer paper, instead of heat transfer vinyl and sublimation paper.

Full Sublimation Shirts

• Heat Press Pressure: Medium pressure

• Heat Press Time: 45-60 seconds

• Heat Press Temperature: 385°-400°F
  
  

Must-Have Supplies:

• Large format heat press machine

• Large format sublimation printer

• Sewing machine

Are you still wondering how full sublimation ink shirts are made? This one is hard because this is what is popular as "large format printing." Also, you must be really good at sewing to pull this off. So, you must start from scratch and learn how to sew a T-shirt.

Also, with full sublimation, you can only use textile clothes that are white or very light in color. You can't use cotton or poly-blend shirts when making full sublimation shirts. Most of the time, full sublimation shirts are ideal for sports or the office. To give you an idea, here's what happens when full-sublimation clothes are in the making:

• Cut out the shirt pattern, including the collar, sleeves, and shoulder seams. (front and back)

• Print on large format sublimation paper, usually sold by the yard or roll. You'll also need a large-format sublimation printer.

• Put pressure on the shirt design with the transfer paper. (front and back)

• Sew the back and front together.

This can sound like a simple process, but you need to know how to sew, which you can learn over time. You might be surprised at how successful full sublimation clothes can be. You can make fully printed polo shirts as well as regular shirts.

Another Option For Shirts With Full Sublimation

There is another option if you don't know how to sew or don't have enough money to buy a big format printer. You do this if you have a regular 15x15" heat press machine.

It might not be how things usually occur, but it can work. How it works is as follows:

• Print on a fabric shirt that is easy to find.

• Lay the shirt flat on a cardboard box.

• Print the whole shirt on the transfer paper.

• Put the sublimation paper together like a puzzle by taping the pieces together with tape that can handle the heat.

• Put a piece of tape over the sublimation.

• Press each part at a time.

• Press the back and sleeve ends.

This is not the best way to print with full sublimation, and the shirt can end up with streaky lines. Also, there can be missing spots because the heat press machine is printed on an uneven surface. Even though this other way might work, the traditional way is still the best.

All Done!

Use the best sublimation paper when you want to put on a sublimation shirt. That's the last tip. If you use high-quality paper, the colors will be bright and clear when wearing a shirt or any other sublimation blank.

You can also sublimate on leather tote bags, backpacks, and cotton or polyester shirts. To do this, put a sublimation layer on the fabric shirt. Is it easy? Now that you know all of this, you can make as many sublimation shirts as you want, whether for your own use, as a gift for someone you care about, or as a business idea for the future.

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