What does “sublimation printing” mean?
Making prints with sublimation First, I’ll talk about the sublimation process. Then I’ll talk about the idea of sublimation printing. Sublimation is the scientific term for the process by which a solid changes into a gas without changing into a liquid. In this state, the physical state is the only thing that changes. In the meantime, the chemical makeup stays the same.
So, when we talk about sublimation printing, we’re talking about the same sublimation process, which is the transfer of ink onto fabric. Heat and ink are being used to transfer the design. But you won’t understand the opposite process, which we talked about before. So deposition or “de-sublimation” is the opposite of sublimation.
In this case, the change from gas to solid happens without going through the liquid state. For example, when you frost something, the air freezes right away without going through the liquid phase.
Is sublimation the same as heat transfer?
We can say that both transfer ink to the fabric in a similar way, but the difference is that when a heat press transfer is used, the design makes a layer on the fabric, while when sublimation printing is used, the design becomes part of the fabric.
The following things are needed for sublimation printing:
The process of sublimation is expensive, and so is the equipment used for it. But if you want good content, you should make a good investment in this situation.
Sublimation Paper:
You can also use other transfer papers, but sublimation paper is made to work with the right pressure and temperature, so you have to buy it if you want high-quality work that doesn’t change.
Computer or laptop and RIP software:
If you bought a sublimation printer, it must have sublimation printing software. But you can also buy the software for your other PCs.
Cutting Machine:
It’s necessary to cut the transfer paper exactly like the design.
Heat Press:
In sublimation printing, the heat press is used to move the design from the sublimation or transfer paper to the material. By doing this, the design on the material won’t come off or fade.
The next question that comes to mind after the above discussion is how to do the sublimation printing. Here are some steps that will help you understand how sublimation printing works.
- First, choose your design and print it with a sublimation printer on the special transfer paper. Choose the material that you want the design to go on. To keep in mind that the background has a big effect on sublimation printing, it is important to choose the right background.
- Put the transfer paper exactly where you want the design to be printed. At this step, keep in mind that the ink is still solid.
- Put a heat press on the transfer paper with the design on it. Pressure, temperature, and time are the main things that affect the prints, and the scales for each material and print are always different.
- When you use a heat press, the heat and pressure turn the ink into gas and mix it with the fabric. So, the design is printed on the fabric so that it stays there.
For a better print on materials like plastics, PVC, or mugs, you need to follow a few simple steps.
Sublimation printing is needed and has benefits:
Sublimation printing is best if you want creative, one-of-a-kind prints quickly. Sublimation printing is always the best choice for printing that is easy, quick, has the right colours, and can be used creatively. Perfect for hoodies, T-shirts, and socks, so polyester stuff is best.
It might be more expensive than other ways to print, but the results are always great. It makes a picture that is clear and bright, and it stays on the material even after years of use. You can’t peel it off or make it fade.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Sublimation:
Sublimation printing isn’t good for all kinds of fabrics, especially ones made of pure cotton, silk, or other materials. People use screen printing or heat presses instead because they are cheaper. Sublimation is usually done on white materials, so if the design doesn’t reach that part of the material, it will stay white.
Conclusion:
Everything has its pros and cons, and sublimation printing is no different. It is the safest way to print something that won’t fade or go out of style. Depending on what you choose, the prints on the materials can be clear and bright.
