Sublimation printing has become one of the most popular printing methods for custom clothing in recent years. This printing technique allows for vibrant and long-lasting designs to be printed on various fabrics, including t-shirts, hoodies, and other types of garments.
In this article, we will discuss what sublimation printing is, how it works, and the benefits of using this printing method for custom clothing.

What Is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a printing process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto a variety of fabrics. Unlike traditional screen printing or heat transfer vinyl, sublimation printing infuses the dye directly into the fabric, resulting in a high-quality, long-lasting print that will not peel, crack, or fade over time.

How Does Sublimation Printing Work?

Sublimation printing works by using a special type of ink that becomes a gas when exposed to heat and pressure. This gas then permeates the fibers of the fabric, bonding with the fabric to create a permanent image. To begin the sublimation printing process, the design is printed onto a special transfer paper using a printer that has been loaded with sublimation ink.

The transfer paper is then placed face-down onto the fabric, and heat and pressure are applied using a heat press or other specialized equipment.
The heat and pressure cause the ink on the transfer paper to turn into a gas, which then bonds with the fibers of the fabric. After the fabric has cooled, the transfer paper is removed, leaving behind a vibrant and long-lasting design.

Advantages Of Sublimation Printing For Shirts

Sublimation printing offers several advantages over other printing techniques, especially for shirts:

Vibrant Colors

Sublimation printing produces vibrant and saturated colors that are impossible to achieve with traditional printing methods. The colors are infused into the fabric rather than sitting on top, resulting in a print that looks and feels like part of the fabric.

Durable And Long-Lasting

Sublimation prints are durable and long-lasting because the ink becomes part of the fabric. They do not crack, peel, or fade, even after multiple washes.

Large Printing Area

Our printing allows for full-color prints that cover the entire shirt, including the sleeves and sides. This makes it an excellent choice for designs that require a large printing area.

Steps For Sublimation Printing On Shirts

The following steps will help you to get started with sublimation printing for shirts:

Step 1: Design The Artwork

Design your artwork using graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Make sure to use high-quality images and graphics, as they will result in a higher-quality print.

Step 2: Print The Design On Sublimation Transfer Paper

Print the design on sublimation transfer paper using a sublimation printer. Make sure to mirror the design before printing, as it will be flipped when transferred onto the fabric.

Step 3: Prepare The Fabric

Prepare the fabric by ironing it to remove any wrinkles or creases. It is vital to use shirts made of polyester or a blend of polyester and cotton, as this ink works best on polyester fabric.

Step 4: Apply Heat And Pressure

Place the shirt with the transfer paper onto the heat press machine and apply heat and pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to use the right temperature, pressure, and time for the best results.

Step 5: Peel The Transfer Paper

Once the heat press is done, remove the shirt from the machine and carefully peel off the transfer paper while it is still hot. Make sure to peel it slowly to avoid any damage to the print.

Step 6: Finish The Shirt

Once the transfer paper is removed, the shirt is ready to wear or sell. You can repeat the process to print on the back or sleeves of the shirt, depending on the design.

Is Sublimation Better Than Screen Printing?

Is sublimation better than screen printing? This is a common question that many people ask when trying to decide which method to use for their custom apparel needs. Both sublimation and screen printing have their advantages and disadvantages, but in this article, we will explore why sublimation may be a better option.

Sublimation is a process that involves printing a design onto special transfer paper using a specialized printer and ink. The transfer paper is then placed onto the fabric and heated to a high temperature, causing the ink to turn into a gas and bond with the fabric fibers.

This process allows the ink to become a part of the fabric, rather than just sitting on top of it like with screen printing. One of the biggest advantages of sublimation is the ability to print full-color designs with intricate details. Unlike screen printing, which uses separate screens for each color in a design, sublimation can print all colors at once.

This means that sublimation can produce a wider range of colors and designs, making it ideal for custom apparel with photographic or highly detailed designs.
Another advantage of sublimation is its durability. Sublimation ink becomes a part of the fabric, making it more resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling than screen printing. This means that sublimated designs will last longer, even after multiple washes.

Choose Us Today For Your Shirt Printing

When it comes to deciding between sublimation and screen printing, it ultimately depends on the specific needs of your project. However, if you are looking for vibrant, detailed designs that will last, our sublimation printing can be the better option for you. Just tell us your requirements and what designs you want to print on your shirts.
We will never disappoint you!