PRT-1011
Sublimation Print
Sublimation printing uses heat to turn solid dye into a gas that bonds into polyester fibres, giving vivid, full-colour prints that become part of the fabric. Variations print both faces of a fabric for reversible pieces, or use a pre-treatment to reach a similar effect on cotton.
VISUAL EFFECTS
Full-colour, permanently dyed-in print
HAND-FEEL
None, absorbed into the fibre
BENEFITS
The dye is embedded within the fibre, so the print resists fading and washing and leaves the fabric soft. Full-colour images with fine detail can cover the whole surface.
LIMITATIONS
Sublimation works on polyester-based fabric. On cotton it needs a pre-treatment and gives weaker colour permanence. Colours are most vivid on light grounds and lose strength on darker fabrics.
PROCESS
[01] Colour Calibration
Calibrate the monitor and the sublimation printer for consistent, accurate colour.
[02] Transfer Printing
Print the design onto sublimation transfer paper with sublimation inks.
[03] Fabric Preparation
Prepare the polyester fabric so it is clean, free of contaminants and sized for the design.
[04] Heat Press Transfer
Set the heat press temperature and pressure for the fabric and paper, place the transfer on the fabric and press.
[05] Cooling & Finishing
Let the fabric cool to set the inks, then trim or sew as needed.
TO CONSIDER
Substrate Selection
Choose high-quality polyester for the best results. The fabric must be compatible with the sublimation process.
Colour Correction
Correct the colours of the digital design, allowing for the colour variation that can occur during sublimation.
Heat Press Maintenance
Maintain and calibrate the heat press regularly to keep temperature and pressure consistent and accurate.