What is different about a sublimation printer?
Regular printers print by applying ink on top of the print surface. A sublimation printer uses sublimation ink to permeate the printed surface and material.
Printers suitable for sublimation printing usually work with water-insoluble disperse dyes (i.e. viscous dyes). These are often also called sublimation printers or “subli” printers. Due to the consistency and temperature sensitivity of the ink, special sublimation printers are required. Regular inkjet printers can only be used with special water-based inks.
Changing between normal and special inks is not recommended due to contamination of the print heads and tubes with residues.
Are you a beginner or hobbyist and want something inexpensive to get started with?
Are you considering making money with your hobby and starting a small business?
Do you want to create a career and make more money with large format and professional sublimation printing?
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.
How would you use a sublimation printer?
What type of products would you print?
Look at these sublimation blanks and start picking out how you would form your sublimation printing business.
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