A Step by Step Guide to Sublimation Printing on Products
Rohan Roy
Jul 2, 2024
Print Business
The growing popularity of sublimation crafts grows. However, individuals who are just getting started with sublimation may find it intimidating. This thorough guide to sublimation will teach you everything from choosing the right printer, paper, ink, and materials to producing spectacular finished goods.
Sublimation printing is a printing technology that transfers a design to a sublimation blank, like a shirt, ornamentation, or mugs, and keeps it there permanently. It opens up new options for creating one-of-a-kind goods. To be successful, you must first grasp how it works and what its limitations are.
It has been around for decades, but modern technologies have made it easier and more affordable than ever for anyone to attempt to create unique items. The capacity to design and make one's own unique things has contributed to 3D printing's stratospheric growth in popularity in recent years. This blog is dedicated to teaching you how to apply the printing process for printing sublimation products.
How does sublimation printing work?
Digital printing and web to print through sublimation ink is used to copy images on sublimation transfer paper. This specialized paper with the printed design is subsequently mixed with the other components and heated in a press. The item is then heated to far over 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Both the transfer material and the ink become gaseous at this point. When they attain this stage, they can penetrate deeply into the cloth.
After heating the substrate and transfer paper and allowing the ink to permeate the fibers, the heat will be switched off. When heated, sublimation ink emits a gas that expands the pores of the material that is being transferred.
When the heat and pressure are removed, the ink solidifies and the fabric's pores close, trapping the ink within. In a nutshell, heat is used to fuse the ink onto the fabric. In this blog we will further discuss the sublimation printing process for printing on various products.
How is sublimation different from other printing?
There are numerous methods for transferring a pattern onto different products, including screen printing, transfer vinyl, and direct to garment printing, among others. It is usually used by all the eCommerce store owners to get the best printing outcomes. However, sublimation is unique in that the materials are inexpensive while producing high-quality, brilliantly colored, and permanently transferred images/designs. Consider screen printing as an example. To get started, you will need wide open spaces for the equipment, adequate ventilation, and expensive screens and supplies.
What about direct to garment printing? To begin with direct to garment printing, you will need a large DTG printer, which will cost several thousand dollars at the very least. Maintenance and repairs can be extremely pricey.
And here's where sublimation kicks in! To get started with sublimation, you can purchase all of your materials at a very low cost. You only need a printer, sublimation ink, thermal press, sublimation paper, and designs. If you have those items, you may get started with sublimation immediately.
Process to sublimate on products
Create a Design
Assume you own a thriving eCommerce store. You've considered introducing product customization options to your online business. Sublimation printing produces images that are sharp, clear, and vibrant. However, the print file may not have the same image quality as the original, particularly in terms of color saturation and sharpness. If the image quality of the print file is inadequate, the print will appear fuzzy and lack luster.
Print Designs on a Product
When it comes to sublimation printing, it is critical to select the best product for excellent results. Extensive study and evaluation of different products and providers can help you make an informed decision. Sublimation ink, which contains small dye particles, was developed specifically for this printing technology. To obtain brilliant and long-lasting prints, use high-quality sublimation printing ink that is appropriate for the chosen product. This is where the use of product design software comes into action.
The following are the requirements for sublimation printing:
Sublimation printer - A sublimation printer is the primary requirement for sublimation printing. There are a variety of sublimation printers available. You can select a variation based on your needs and size of manufacturing.
Sublimation Paper - A sublimation printer allows you to generate and transfer any spectrum color onto a substrate. A sublimation printer is required to provide a clean and smooth transfer.
Computer Software - Some sublimation devices have software that allows you to set up the artwork for printing. You can use the wtpbiz software that provides you the best results for all your printing needs.
Heat press- Another useful tool for sublimation printing is a heat press. Sublimation transfers, like printers, come in a variety of sizes, costs, and models to meet your specific demands.
Using the Heat Press for Sublimation Prints
The type of heat press machine is only one part of the heat press/transfer process. Print quality may vary between heat press machines from the same brand. Any substrate that will be printed on must first be carefully cleaned and smoothed to prepare it for sublimation. Before pressing, the design or file must be printed on transfer paper with sublimation ink. After printing the artwork on the transfer paper, it is time to press it along with the substrate.
Here, we have prepared another guide about top sublimation printers that you can read to know more about available equipment.
How to ensure high-quality sublimation prints?
Getting high-quality print files is critical for producing outstanding results with sublimation printing. To accomplish this, product designer software is recommended. This software generates high-resolution print files in a variety of popular image formats, including JPG, PNG, TIF, EPS, and more. PNG files are generated at a resolution of 300 dpi, whilst SVG and PDF files are created as vectors. By utilizing this software, you may be confident that the print files generated will create excellent print quality on the required product.
Whenever it comes to product design, you can use software, such as the advanced product design software we offer. This specialized program enables users to precisely develop and customize designs, guaranteeing that the sublimation process produces attractive, high-quality prints on a wide range of surfaces. The product, when used in conjunction with a sublimation printer and a heat press machine, is an indispensable tool for producing high-quality sublimation prints on mug, t-shirt or any other products.
In addition, you can use product design software instead of more advanced design tools like wtpbiz.
Conclusion
With almost no resolution loss, sublimation printing is a great way to print high-quality graphics on fabric from seam to seam. The finished item doesn't fade, peel, or shatter. Although the color and type of fabric that can be used are limited, the design offers exceptional variety of choice and permanence.
Anything your imagination can conjure up can be created through sublimation. Above all, the most important thing is to practice, experiment, and figure out the precise dwell duration, temperature, and pressure for various sublimation printed goods.
