A Complete Guide To Know About Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is a widely popular printing method, and it is used around the whole world. This printing technique is best for printing on any fabric and material. The print results are as per expectation, clear, colorful, and durable as well.

The images or texts printed by sublimation printed techniques are durable and do not easily fade away. Moreover, these printing methods of cost-effective and perfect for customized apparel such as custom printed t-shirts or mugs.

Meaning Of Sublimation

The sublimate word is originated from the Latin language, and it means to lift or raise. The sublimation can also be described in technical terms. It is a technique in which the sold matter directly converts into a gaseous form without going into liquid form.

Sublimation Printing

Another name for the sublimation printing technique is dye sublimation printing. In this technique, the heat press is applied across the transfer paper. The special solidified ink is applied to the paper.

When the heat press is applied to this paper, then this solid inks start converting into gaseous form. This produced gas permeates the fabric or any other material. In this way, the required print image is formed over the material.

Different Kind Of Material Printed By Sublimation Process

The sublimation printing process is ideal for plastic substrates such as polyester fabric, household plastic, and rubber as well. Thus, you can easily print your ideas on various kinds of material with the help of the dye-sublimation printing technique.

For instance, a t-shirt, floor mats, mugs, wrist bands, etc. can be printed with the dye sublimation process. But, this printing technique is not perfect for natural textiles like cotton garments.

It is so because the vaporized ink can easily pass the fibers, and the appropriate bond will not form. The sublimation clothing printing technique is widely used to print the sports team uniform or jersey.

Operation Of Sublimation Printing Technique

Do you want to know how the sublimation printing technique works? Are you wondering how your favorite jersey was printed? Want to how your favorite moment can be printed on mugs? If yes, then read the following steps about the sublimation printing technique. The below-listed points will describe the entire sublimation printing process in a few steps:

Step 1: Prepare The Design

If you want to print your fabric, such as jersey for your team, then it is imperative to prepare the design for your jersey. It includes designing each part of the garment where to print the design. The jersey is comprised of various parts, such as front-back, cuffs, and arms.

If you want to print each part of the jersey, then you have to design graphics for each part. To prepare an optimum design for your garments, you should hire the best dye sublimation printing services provider in your area.

Step 2: Print Design On Transfer Paper With Sublimation Inks

The next stage incorporates transferring the design on a special digital printer. You can print your design over the transfer paper with the help of a digital printer.

The inks used to print the design on the transfer paper is in liquid form within the cartilage. But, when it is transferred over the paper, then it immediately moves into solid-state.

Step 3: Transfer Of Ink Over The Fabric

When the design is printed over the transfer paper with the help of sublimation ink, then this paper is aligned with polyester fabric. While aligning the paper with the fabric, you should ensure that the printed side of the transfer paper is facing the fabric. This alignment is passed through the heated roller.

Due to the heat produced by roller, the sublimation process starts inside the roller. Due to pressure and heat applied by the heated roller, the ink on the sublimation paper starts converting into a gaseous form.

The evaporated ink get stick into the fabric and form a pattern over the polyester fabric. The heat produced by the roller not just helps in the sublimation process but also helps in transferring the ink into the polyester fabric.

When the heated roller turned off, then extended pores of fabric come closed and immediately capture the vaporized ink. This vaporized ink immediately move back into the solid-state to form a permanent print over the fabric.

The printed image will be visually appealing and full of different colors. These printed images are durable and do not easily fade away. Therefore, the all-over dye sublimation t-shirt printing technique is widely used for a printing sports uniform.

Step 4: Sew Individual Pieces Of Fabric

Once the different designs for different parts of garments have been printed, then you have to sew all the portions together. Now, you can throw the transfer into the dustbin. When the individual pieces of garments are integrated together, then they will complete the garment.