Understanding Sublimation Printing
By: Jennifer Posted on: Dec 9, 2022If you are in the t-shirt customization industry, you’ve probably come across the term sublimation printing. As digital apparel printing methods are getting popular, sublimation printing is regarded to be one of the most promising decoration techniques. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about this method.
What is Sublimation Printing and How Does it Work?
Sublimation printing, as the name indicates, works on the principle of sublimation - where solid dye is directly changed into gas, skipping the intermediate liquid state. This is accomplished by heating the ink at high temperatures. Temperature is critical to this process. It opens up the fabric fibers and activates the sublimation ink.
The first step of the process is to digitally print the design onto a transfer paper using special sublimation ink. When this paper is placed on the substrate fabric and heat-pressed, the dye gets sublimated and bonds to the fabric.
How is Sublimation Printing from Heat Transfer
Both these methods might sound similar because they involve heat pressing a printed design onto the apparel. However, the outputs of both printing techniques are quite different.
In heat transfer, the image only becomes a layer on top of the fabric, whereas, in sublimation printing, the ink becomes a part of the fabric. Besides, Sublimation printing is more durable than heat transfer.
What Fabrics Are Best For Sublimation?
The best fabric suitable for dye-sublimation is 100% polyester. Polyester fibers absorb 100% of the ink being transferred during the sublimation process resulting in a long-lasting print.
That said, polyester blends are also great for sublimation printing. As a rule of thumb - the more polyester content in the fabric, the better your sublimation print. However, make sure that the blend has at least 65% polyester in it. Anything with less than 65% polyester content has the risk of getting faded out after multiple washes.
100% polyester is the most suitable fabric for sublimation printing. If you are using blends, choose shirts with at least 65% polyester content.
Sublimation isn’t suitable for fabrics like silk or cotton. Although it would be possible to do sublimation print on cotton shirts, natural fibers won’t permanently bond with the dyes in the sublimation. Besides as cotton fibers are much more absorbent, the outcome will not be as impressive.
Fabrics such as Nylon and silk, - being not heat resistant - come with the risk of getting scorched during the process.
Do not sublimate nylon or silk content fabric as they have low heat sensitivity.
Pros of Sublimation Printing
Durability
As the ink bonds with the fabric, sublimation prints do not crack, peel, or fade. The design will look as good as new even after multiple washes and will last for years.
No minimums required
The sublimation printing technique does have set-up costs and allows you to make small quantities of items cost-effectively
Seam-to-seam printing
Sublimation printing can work for even the most intricate shapes, allowing you to print the entire fabric of a garment. For this reason, the technique is sometimes called All-Over printing.
Softer hand
Unlike other methods like screen printing and DTG, the ink does not sit on top of the apparel but rather bonds into the fabric. This results in a much softer hand.
Cons of Sublimation Printing
Limited fabric choice
Sublimation prints are best suited for garments made from 100% polyester or at least with a high amount of polyester in them. The technique also has limitations with heat-sensitive fabrics like silk.
Not suitable for dark fabrics
The fabric used for sublimation must be white or light-colored. Furthermore, there is no white ink for sublimation.
Slow process
Compared to decoration techniques like screen printing, sublimation printers are relatively slow.
Best blank apparel for sublimation
In reality, a piece of apparel might not be sublimation-friendly just because it is made from 100% polyester. Your best bet is to use products that have been tried and tested. Here are some of the best shirts that are good for sublimation print.
Jerzees 21M
If your customer needs a poly shirt with superb breathability and a soft hand, Jerzees 21M is a reliable choice. This 100% polyester t-shirt provides comfort & style and is ideal for sublimation printing. You can also find the shirt in long-sleeve variations as Jerzees 21ML
Gildan Adult Performance T-Shirt G420
Many apparel printers say this performance shirt from Gildan has a soft feel that is similar to cotton. Made from 100% polyester jersey knit fabric, this moisture-wicking tee features anti-odor properties and is ideal for team jerseys and more.
Team 365 Men's Zone Performance Muscle T-Shirt TT11M
Made from 100% polyester interlock fabric, this Team 365 t-shirt has a sporty team fit that will elevate your looks. This sleeveless shirt also comes with cationic dyes to ensure superior brightness and excellent color fastness.
UltraClub Piqué Polo 8210
With all the style of a classic polo, this short sleeve shirt with moisture-wicking & UV protection keeps you comfortable and ready for anything your day can throw at you.
Team 365 Performance Hoodie TT41
This Team 365 hoodie is made for comfort and style. It has a soft feel throughout and can wick moisture away from your body. Made with cationic dyes for superior brightness and excellent colorfastness this polyester hoodie is a great choice for your sublimation projects.
Explore more sublimation-friendly styles from our blank apparel collection!