In today’s world of custom apparel and merchandise, sublimation printing services are quickly gaining popularity. For customers new to this technique, understanding how sublimation differs from local screen printing or other common methods is key to knowing why it’s an ideal choice for vibrant, long-lasting designs. In this guide from Inkorporate Graphics, we’ll walk you through the basics of sublimation, covering everything from the process itself to the equipment required, and we’ll even provide a few tips for preparing your design.
What is Sublimation and How is it Different?
Sublimation allows for printing detailed and colorful artwork directly onto various items, achieving finer, brighter results than methods like heat transfer or screen printing. Unlike screen printing, which can involve large amounts of ink or vinyl, sublimation relies on a unique dye process. The inks transform into gas and bond directly with typically polyester fabrics or specially coated surfaces, resulting in prints that won’t fade, crack, or peel over time. This makes sublimation perfect for custom performance shirts, custom koozies, and other items that benefit from durability and vivid color.
Best Materials for Sublimation
While sublimation printing works best with polyester materials, many other items are also compatible. Sublimation ink bonds effectively to polyester, so custom t-shirts made of polyester are a great choice. For those interested in exploring options beyond apparel, other items such as koozies, custom keychains, and even certain metals (if coated) can be sublimated. However, 100% cotton isn’t ideal for sublimation, as the inks won’t bond correctly with cotton fibers.
Essential Equipment for Sublimation
To get started with sublimation, specialized equipment is necessary. At Inkorporate Graphics, we use the Epson F570 sublimation printer, high-quality dye sublimation paper, and a Stahl’s Air Fusion Heat Press for optimal results. The printing process also requires precise computer software, such as Epson Edge, to manage the design files and print jobs. Using high-grade equipment ensures that our prints are as detailed and vibrant as possible.
Common Sublimation Applications
Sublimation is ideal for custom t-shirts, embroidered patches, polyester garments, golf towels, and promotional items like koozies. The possibilities are vast, and our team regularly customizes sublimated patches and other specialty items. These are popular for events, promotions, and branded merchandise, providing durable, vivid prints that stand out.
Sublimation Process Step-by-Step
- Artwork Creation and Approval: Either provide us with your artwork in formats like JPEG, PDF, or Photoshop, or share your ideas, and our team will create a digital mock-up for approval.
- Ordering and Preparation: Once approved, we order any necessary items and prepare the files to be compatible with Epson software.
- Printing the Design: Using our Epson sublimation printer, we print the artwork onto dye sublimation paper. The image is then carefully placed on the item or fabric and heat pressed, bonding the ink with the material.
- Completion and Delivery: Our turnaround is typically 7 to 14 business days from the time artwork is approved, allowing time for printing, drying, and quality checks.
Sublimation Trends and Popular Items
Currently, sublimated patches are especially popular, as they offer an affordable alternative to multi-layered embroidered patches. This process allows for intricate designs without added costs, making sublimated patches perfect for everything from team uniforms to branded giveaways and small business promotional items.
Care Tips for Sublimated Products
Sublimated prints are highly durable due to the bonding process that embeds ink within the material. Unlike screen printing, which sits on top of the fabric, sublimated designs become part of the item, maintaining vibrancy even after multiple washes. Proper care involves washing in cold water, avoiding bleach, and air drying whenever possible.
Tips to Avoid Common Issues in Sublimation
- Design Quality: The best sublimation prints come from high-resolution files, but vector formatting is not required, unlike screen printing.
- Trial and Error: Because sublimation is newer, there can be a learning curve with certain surfaces. We encourage customers to consult with us regarding specific materials or items they’re interested in sublimating.
Why Choose Sublimation for Long-Lasting Quality
For long-lasting, quality prints, sublimation companies like Inkorporate Graphics are the go-to choice. This method ensures bright, sharp images that resist fading, with print quality perfect for custom apparel and merchandise. It’s ideal for those seeking a unique and high-quality option that combines affordability with durability, especially in the form of detailed, sublimated patches and custom items. Whether you’re a business looking to order bulk custom t-shirts or an individual interested in creating unique, customized gifts, we’re here to help.
Explore our sublimation printing services and see how easy it can be to bring your designs to life. Contact us today to get started!