What is Sublimation Printing?

Making sublimated prints Before I get into the details of sublimation printing, let me first explain what it is. Sublimation is the process of transforming any substance from a solid state to a gas state. It does not involve converting it into a liquid. This state is the only one that can change in terms of its physical properties. Nevertheless, the chemical composition is constant.

Sublimation printing is the process of transferring ink onto fabric. Heat and ink are used to transfer embroidery design. However, you may be confused about the reverse process we discussed earlier. Deposition, or de-sublimation, is the opposite process to sublimation.

This term refers to the transition from gas to solid, without it ever becoming liquid. Frosting is an example of this. Air freezes directly without passing through the liquid phase.

Is Sublimation and Heat Transfer the Same Thing?

Both can be said to be similar in how ink is transferred onto the fabric. However, the difference is that while a heat press transfers machine embroidery designs, it creates a layer on fabric. Sublimation printing transfers the design onto the fabric and makes it part of the fabric.

Materials required for sublimation printing:

Sublimation is expensive. The equipment is also costly. However, sublimation is a costly process that requires high quality content. It is worth the investment.

Sublimation paper:

While you can use other types of transfer paper, sublimation papers are designed to adjust temperature and pressure. If you want high quality work that doesn’t change, then you should buy it.

Computer/ Laptop and RIP Software

Sublimation printing software must be included in any sublimation printer you’ve purchased. You can also purchase the software for your random computer.

Cutting Device

You must cut the transfer paper exactly as the design.

Heat Press

Heat press in sublimation printing serves the purpose of transferring the design from transfer paper/sublimation to the material. This will ensure that the design is not easily removed or faded.

After the above discussion, the next question is how to do sublimation printing. These are the steps that will explain how sublimation printing works.

• First, choose your design and then print it on special transfer paper using a sublimation printer. Choose the material to which the design will be transferred. It is important to choose the right background for sublimation printing.
• Place the transfer paper exactly where you intend to print the design. Keep in mind that ink remains in its solid-state during this step.
• Heat press the transfer paper design. The printing process is affected by temperature, pressure, and time. These factors are always different for different materials.
• Heat-press makes inks gas by applying heat to it. They react to heat and pressure to combine with fabric. The design is then permanently printed onto the fabric.

For a higher quality print in plastics, PVC or mugs, you should follow very few instructions.

Benefits and Needs of Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is the best option for unique and creative prints that are quick to produce. Sublimation printing is a great option for quick, creative, and properly colored printing. It is ideal for hoodies and socks.

Although it is more expensive than other printing methods, the results are amazing. It produces a bright and clear image of the material that stays on the material for many years. It can’t be removed or faded.

Why not Sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing does not work for all fabrics. This is especially true if the fabric contains 100 percent silk, cotton, or other pure materials. A second reason is the high cost of sublimation printing. Many people prefer heat press or screen printing. Sublimation is commonly printed on white materials. If the design doesn’t reach the material in any way, it will still be white.

Computer/ Laptop And RIP Software:

If you have bought a sublimation printer, then it must include sublimation printing software. But you can purchase the software on your random PCs too.

Need/Benefits Of Sublimation Printing:

If you want full creative and unique prints with a fast process, sublimation printing would be best. For simple, proper colored, quick and creative printing, sublimation printing is always recommended. Ideal for hoodies, t-shirts, and socks, hence gives its best to polyester stuff.

It might be more costly than other printing techniques, but the results it gives are always amazing. It generates a clear and bright picture of the material, which stays on the material even after several years of use. It cannot be peeled nor faded.

Conclusion:

Every thing has its advantages, and sublimation printing is no exception. It is durable and will not go out of style. You can get vibrant and clear prints depending on what you choose.