What is sublimation printing? How it compares to other methods

What is sublimation?

Sublimation is a printing process where sublimation ink is transferred onto a substrate (like fabric or a coated material) using heat and pressure. In this process, the ink undergoes a phase transition from a solid form to gas without passing through a liquid state, directly bonding to the material's fibers. This results in highly durable, vibrant, and detailed prints. Sublimation is commonly used for printing on polyester fabrics and various polymer-coated products, making it popular in custom apparel, signage, and promotional items.

How does sublimation printing work?

Sublimation printing uses a three-step printing process. A digital file is created to supply the design to the printer. The sublimation printer prints a reverse mirror of the design onto special transfer paper with a polyester coating. A heat press then presses the paper to the garment, melting the ink so that it diffuses into the fabric as it cools. This process permanently binds the ink with the fabric so that the design remains intact no matter how much the garment is used or washed.

What is an example of sublimation?

A typical sublimation example is a custom-designed polyester t-shirt featuring vibrant, full-color graphics. The design is first printed on sublimation paper using sublimation ink and then transferred onto the t-shirt using a heat press. The heat turns the ink into gas, which then bonds with the polyester fibers, resulting in a sharp, durable image that is part of the fabric itself.

What are dye sublimation printers?

A sublimation printer is a specialized printing device that uses sublimation ink to create images on Sublimation Transfer Paper. These sublimation printers are designed to produce high-quality, detailed graphics that can be transferred onto polyester fabrics and polymer-coated substrates. Unlike regular inkjet printers or laser printers, dye sublimation printers use a process where the ink directly transitions from a solid to a gas under heat, creating vibrant, long-lasting prints.

What is the difference between sublimation and regular printing?

Sublimation printing and regular printing use different methods, machines, and materials. Sublimation uses a unique process requiring a specialized printer to melt sublimation inks onto transfer paper to be applied to polyester-based surfaces. It is used for printing on materials such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, and phone cases rather than paper.

What is sublimation printing vs. Cricut?

Cricut is a digital cutting machine that can be used for various purposes, including sublimation printing. Cricut sells Infusible Ink transfer sheets that can be used for sublimation printing with a Cricut device. However, you can only use Cricut's designs and colors, making Infusible Ink a more limited option than regular sublimation printing.

What is sublimation on a t-shirt?

Sublimation on a t-shirt is a digital printing process where sublimation ink transforms into gas under high heat and pressure, bonding permanently to polyester fabric. This technique results in sharp, vivid, full-color images embedded into the fabric, making them durable and resistant to fading.

Can Cricut do sublimation printing?

Cricut machines, while not designed for sublimation printing themselves, complement the sublimation print process. They are often used for cutting intricate designs from sublimation transfer sheets printed using a dedicated sublimation printer, aiding in creating detailed and customized designs.

Is sublimation good for printing?

Sublimation is an excellent method for printing, particularly favored for its ability to produce vibrant, high-definition, and long-lasting prints. It's especially effective on suitable materials like polyester fabrics and polymer-coated items, offering superior print quality that doesn't crack, peel, or wash away.

What is needed for sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing requires specific equipment and materials: a sublimation printer, special sublimation ink, sublimation transfer paper, a heat press to transfer the ink onto the substrate, and polyester or polymer-coated items to print on. This setup allows for the creation of high-quality, custom-printed sublimation products.

What paper is used for sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing uses specially designed sublimation transfer paper, which is made to hold sublimation ink effectively. This paper releases the ink under heat, facilitating the transfer of the design onto the substrate, ensuring clarity and vibrancy in the final print.

What software is used for sublimation printing?

Graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or CorelDRAW is commonly used for sublimation printing. These programs allow for the creation of detailed, high-quality designs, which can then be printed onto sublimation transfer paper before being transferred onto the final product.

What is the best fabric for sublimation printing?

The ideal fabric for sublimation printing is 100% polyester, as it offers the best vibrancy and durability for the prints. Polyester blends can also be used, but the image may have a more faded, vintage appearance, as the sublimation ink is less effective on non-polyester fibers.