What is sublimation printing?
Sublimation printing uses a specific type of printer and ink to create products we use everyday. Sublimation printing is a popular and high quality method of printing.
The method is a process of designing, printing, and transferring a design from sublimation paper onto a piece of fabric or material.
The transfer is done by using pressure and heat (between 350 – 400 degrees).
The sublimation ink, unlike regular ink and toner, when heated changes. The change is from solid particles of the ink into a gaseous state and permeates fabric. The sublimation ink, then becomes part of the fabric making the design seamless to touch and resilient to fading from washing.
Sublimation printing is an easy and cost-effective way to create custom and personalized products for business promotion, consumer products, and household items.
Sublimation printing – the process
Let’s take a closer look at sublimation printing and the process.
First, you can choose a design or create a custom design for yourself or customer. You’ll need to know where to look for design inspiration or have the software to create the designs from scratch. After you have chosen your design, you will use a sublimation printer to print it out onto the special sublimation paper. The design is then transferred into the fabric, by either using a heat press or (if you are doing it at home without a heat press) by applying pressure and putting it into the oven.
The ink is embedded into the fabric and therefore will remain vibrant longer. Other printing methods wear off and fade easily. The heat in the press or the oven opens the fabric fibers and the pressure presses the gaseous sublimation ink into the fabric. When everything cools down, the ink turns back into a solid form and becomes part of the fabric. The press can then be released and the paper gently taken off of the shirt or mug (or whatever object that you have used).
You may be wondering, “How does the sublimation ink permeate mugs?”. Ceramics may seems solid, yet they are porous and can have ink embedded in them. Although, a sublimation coating would help this process.
A simple process once mastered, can be inexpensive and be recreated at home with the help of a compact sublimation printer and a heat press. This would be a good way to start your small business. If you’ve ever wanted to create designs that stand out from the crowd and make money, this is an efficient and creative way.
Photoshop and Canva is a pretty good combination.
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