Sublimation Printing: Benefits, Limitations, and Best Materials
If you’re new to the world of printing, you might be wondering what sublimation is all about. In simple terms, sublimation is the process of transforming a solid into a gas without going through the liquid state. But how does this relate to printing?.Our team of experienced designers is always available to help you create a custom design that meets your specific needs. We can work with any image or idea you have in mind, and we will make sure that your final product is something that you are proud to wear or share with others.
Sublimation shirt printing is a specific process that involves printing onto a special sheet of paper and then transferring that image onto another material, typically made of polyester or a polyester mix. The ink is heated until it disintegrates into the fabric, resulting in a long-lasting print that won’t crack or peel over time. While sublimation printing costs more than other methods, it offers several advantages, including longevity and durability. However, there are a few limitations to keep in mind, such as the materials that can be used for sublimation. It is best suited for polyester materials and other materials with a specialist polymer coating, such as mugs, mouse pads, and coasters.
One of the key differences between sublimation and heat transfer is that with sublimation, only the ink transfers onto the material, whereas with heat transfer, there is usually a transfer layer that will also be transferred to the material. If you’re wondering whether sublimation is better than screen printing, the answer depends on a few factors. For instance, sublimation is more cost-effective for smaller orders, but it’s not the most practical solution for larger orders. With sublimation, you can print all the colors at once, which makes it easier to customize designs. However, screen printing is more versatile in terms of the materials you can print onto, making it a popular choice for many businesses.When using sublimation, it’s worth noting that you get the best results when the fabrics are either white or light-colored. If you want to print onto a black shirt or darker materials, you might be better off using a digital print solution instead. Additionally, sublimation uses MCYK printing, and there is no combination of any base color ink that can produce the color white.