Introduction
Sublimation printing is a popular method for transferring images, logos, and designs onto fabrics and other surfaces. It involves the use of high temperatures and special inks to create beautiful prints with vivid colors that are resistant to fading over time. This technique is particularly useful for printing on shirts, as it offers several advantages over traditional methods such as screen-printing or embroidery. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sublimation printing on shirts, including the type of fabric best suited for use with this method, necessary heat press equipment, the kind of paper required to get excellent results, and more information about resistance levels when exposed to washing cycles.
Types of Shirts Suitable For Sublimation Printing
When it comes to selecting suitable shirts for sublimation printing, your main focus should be on finding materials made mostly out of polyester fibers. This type of fabric has a molecular structure that bonds easily with dye molecules during the pressing process. As such, they are more likely to produce vibrant colors when exposed to the intense heat used in this technique than natural fibers like cotton, linen or wool which may result in unsatisfactory outcomes. In addition to t-shirts, other items such as mugs, mousepads and flags can also be printed using sublimation techniques.
Heat Press Equipment Needed for Sublimation Printing
To achieve quality results from your chosen design, you’ll need to invest in a reliable and durable heat press machine which can be purchased from any number of stores specializing in commercial equipment for businesses like yours. Heat presses come in a variety of sizes and shapes so make sure you check out all available models before making your decision – some are designed specifically for t-shirts while others may work better with other types of garments such as polo shirts or hoodies etc.
It’s also important to note that many machines come with different settings so make sure you familiarize yourself with the instructions provided by manufacturers before using them – this will ensure that you get optimal temperature levels and pressure settings throughout each cycle thus improving overall print quality without having to worry about any potential damages caused by incorrect settings!
Sublimation Paper Required For Best Results
In addition to investing in a good heat press machine, it’s also essential that you purchase specially formulated sublimation paper which is designed specifically for this purpose. This type of paper allows for better absorption by polyester materials due to its porous nature and plays an important role in achieving excellent results when used alongside compatible inks – always check product recommendations before investing in any supplies! Generally speaking though most brands offer three different weights (lightweight/medium weight/heavyweight) depending on what kind of surface you plan on printing your designs onto so make sure you choose wisely based on your requirements.
Benefits Of Sublimated Designs
One major advantage associated with sublimated designs is their resistance to normal wear & tear over time – unlike traditional screen-printed or embroidered logos which may fade away after multiple washes or exposure to direct sunlight/harsh elements; prints produced via this method remain vibrant even after repeated cleanings due their molecular bonding properties which lock them into place more securely than their counterparts do. Furthermore, they also require less setup time since there’s no need for pre-treatment processes like coating or fixing due to their already embedded bond within the design itself!
Resistance To Washing And Durability Of Sublimated Designs
Although these imprints are resistant they are still not completely immune from degradation so it’s still best practice to follow recommended care instructions provided by manufacturers if you want them to look their best over long periods! That being said however; when washed properly at low temperatures using mild detergents only; these prints should last years without losing their original vibrancy levels despite frequent usage – making them the ideal choice for those who would like to keep their garments looking fresh longer without worrying too much about maintenance costs associated with other types printing technologies readily available market today!
Conclusion
In order to print with sublimation, one must be careful to print on synthetic fabrics or products that have undergone a polymer coating that allows them to absorb the sublimation ink, one must be careful with ink and paper designed for this type of printing and one must observe the instructions for the heat and duration of pressing. Successfully!
