Welcome to the first of, what I hope, is a long series of learning along with me!  After reading and stalking anything and everyone with a sublimation setup, I’ve decided to dive into the printing process in my own studio space.  Each time I share what I’ve made using dye sub processes, I get asked about what sublimation is, how it works, and what you need to do it yourself.  So here I am!

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I’d like to preface this by saying that I’m learning along with you!  Everything I talk about on here is practically being discovered in real time, the same as you.  I don’t claim to be an expert.  I’m simply a person full of curiosity and excitement about a new medium for making!  Let’s learn together, shall we?

WHAT IS DYE SUBLIMATION PRINTING?

I’m so glad you asked!  Because it’s all about science!

The word “sublimate” is defined as “the passing directly from the solid to the vapor state”.  So what does that mean in terms of what we are doing?

Dye sublimation printing is a digital printing technology, that allows you to print full color artwork on polyester (and polyester-coated!) substrates.  It’s taking a printed design (the solid) and by applying even heat and pressure, it turns to a gas (through an endothermic reaction) and never hits the liquid phase.  There’s no ink needing to dry during the transfer process, it’s all an infusion on the molecular level.

Basically magic.  Except it’s science!

The version of sublimation printing we are going to be discussing is focused on the process of using sublimation dyes that are printed directly to a transfer sheet, and then heat pressed to the substrate.  The ink is deposited on some high-release speciality papers and the chemical process happens while your heat press does all the work for you.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HTV + DYE SUB?

Heat Transfer Vinyl (or HTV), is incredibly popular in the crafting and creative world.  Most likely you, or a friend of yours, has a Cricut or Silhouette die-cutting machine and has had some version of experience with HTV.  The vinyl is a polyurethane material that allows any apparel decorator to create a design, cut and weed it out, and heat apply it onto a garment.

With HTV you are printing “on” the fabric.  You can feel the design if you run your hand over it.  Over time, the design can crack or peel due to wear and tear.  But for most purposes, it is AWESOME and absolutely worth having in your creative arsenal.  Plus it will bond to cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends and various other fabric types that can handle the heat application process.  It comes in many colors, sometimes even patterns and specialty prints, and you can use it on dark and light colors — even layer the prints for multi-colors on a single design!

Dye Sublimation is a chemical reaction, as explained already.  There’s no printing “on” the fabric.  You’re bonding “to” the fabric.  You can stretch it as much as you’d like, you can wash it a million times, and your design will remain the same as the day you first applied it.  You are limited to lighter colored fabrics, so your design will be able to show.  And the fabric type is stricter as well: polyester, polyester, polyester.

Each printing type has it’s own strengths and weaknesses.  It just depends on what you’re looking to do!

WHAT CAN I DYE SUBLIMATE PRINT ON?

SO. MANY. THINGS!  But…within a certain range of substrate.

Also.  I keep using the word “substrate”.  Let’s quickly define that.  In chemistry, a substrate is typically the chemical species being observed in a chemical reaction, which reacts with a reagent to generate a product.  Whew.  Lots of big words.  In dye sublimation, the substrate is polyester.  Polyester is the “species”, the special sub ink is the “reagent” and the product is your beautiful make.

Polyester is a man-made, synthetic resin.  It comes in so many forms…but the most thought of version is fabric.  Thanks to the 1970’s polyester suits trend, polyester fabrics don’t always have the greatest reputation.  But as of late, polyester is making a comeback in the form of DBP…or Double Brushed Poly.

DBP is everywhere in the sewing world lately!  It sublimates beautifully, and I’ve made a few totally awesome (honking my own horn here) clothing items already using it.  It’s not the only fabric out there that can handle the dye sub process, but it’s the easiest to get your hands on and so far has given me some of the best results.

 

I’ve also had incredible luck with a woven fabric that I’ve been dye subbing my little heart out for some fun items.  Mostly masks (thank you 2020), however I see it as a gateway to so much more creative making!

 

What about non-fabric items?  Oh gosh!  There are endless amounts of sublimation blanks, that you can find all over the place.

Here are a few types of blanks you can find: Boards, Business Cards, Drinkware, Clocks, Coasters, ID Tags, iPad / iPhone Cases, Jewelry, Keychains, Can Coolers, License Plates, Magnets, Mouse Pads, Mugs, Name Badges, Ornaments, Pet Tags, Photo Frames, Plaques, Puzzles, Tiles……and then some!

I’m less experienced in the sub blanks than I am with fabric so far.  But like I said, I’m ready to explore along with you!  I’ve already had incredible success with these keychains!  I honestly was blown away with the vibrant colors.  And am ready to take on as many items as you’re ready to take on with me.

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?

It might feel like a big list, but I promise we will break it down even further in the coming weeks.

• PRINTER (Converted to Sublimation Ink + Printing)
• SUBLIMATION PAPER
• SUBLIMATION INK
• HEAT RESISTANT TAPE
• HEAT PRESS / IRON
• DESIGN SOFTWARE

Please follow me at Wild + Wanderful Blog on Facebook / Wild + Wanderful Blog Facebook Group / Wild + Wanderful on Instagram so you know when the newest posts come out.  They’ll all make their way to my new resource page on the blog: Sublimation.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Eastsign sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Additional resources:
VFD Compressor actually save money?
High Speed No Burr-Free CNC Pipe Straightening and ...
What is Gold Plating? The 12 Key Things to Know

Until then, here is a quick look at my current setup.

Epson Ecotank ET-2720 | A-Sub Sublimation Paper – 8.5 x 14 | 15×15 Clamshell Heat Press | Printers Jack Sublimation Ink

Using Dye Sublimation Printing to Create Beautiful Products

Have you ever wondered how some regularly used products have appealing prints that never seem to fade away? It is not some magical secret, but a very interesting and effective technique that plays a role here. That technique is called Dye Sublimation Printing.

 

What is Dye Sublimation Printing?

The principle of dye sublimation transfer refers to the fact that when the heat sublimation ink is heated to a specific temperature, the dye will sublimate from a solid state to a gaseous state, and when the temperature drops, the dye will return to a solid state, and then the dye can penetrate into the surface of the transferred fabric to achieve the transfer effect.

The technique is so effective that the colors or prints do not fade away or crack after multiple times of washing. The finish is smooth and soft as the print gets embedded into the fabric.

Moreover, dye sublimation printing allows for more creative, intricate, and unique designs.

What is the Process?

• Choosing the right fabric: 

  For dye sublimation fabric printing it is essential to use the fabric with more than 70% polyester fiber, or polyester fiber + spandex and laminated composite material substrate can also be used, and white fabric is better.

• Choosing the right ink: 

  Disperse dye inks are the best choice for dye sublimation printing as they are long-lasting and waterproof. These inks change their form from solid to gaseous at high temperatures, which is important in binding the ink to fabrics.

• Choosing the inkjet printer: 

  Specialized inkjet printers are easily available in the market for dye sublimation printing. These utilize the dispersed dye to print on the transfer paper.

• Printing process: 

  For printing, the pattern to be printed is first created as a graphic. Then, it is printed through an inkjet printer on a large transfer paper using sublimation ink. The ink is in a liquid state in the cartridge but converts to a solid form once printed. The printed side of the paper is placed on the fabric. Heat is applied to the paper using a flatbed heat press or a heating roller. When a temperature of 350-420 Fahrenheit is maintained for 30-40 seconds, the ink vaporizes, and the pores of the fabric open. The ink binds to the fabric pores. As soon as the heat is removed the pores close, and the ink solidifies. Essentially, the ink thoroughly infuses with the fabric, making the print long-lasting.

What are the applications of Sublimation Printing?

• Home Decor: 

  Home decor products like cushion covers, pillows, upholstery, bedsheets, and tapestries are common targets.

• Lifestyle sporting goods: 

  Silk scarves, T-shirts, scarves, and head scarves are often printed using the printing technique. Sportswear such as sweatshirts, swimwear, sports towels, etc. is also ideal for dye sublimation printing.

• Masks: 

  Fabric masks, non-woven masks, one-piece masks, and other protective masks.

• Other items: 

  Some applications of fabric printing also include fabric-printed banners, various flags, string flags, hand flags, election vests, and other marketing equipment.

Advantage Disadvantages High air permeability, good color fastness, and high color saturation. Not applicable to cotton fabric, not transferable on dark fabric

Dye-sublimation printing of fabrics used to be an expensive technique due to the multi-step process and the equipment involved. With technological advancements, simpler and more cost-effective equipment has made the process pocket friendly.

What is the difference between traditional screen printing and dye sublimation printing?

Traditional Screen Printing: After the printer confirms the file, the file will be divided into colors and screened according to CMYK, this step is called "color separation".

Dye sublimation printing: This is the general output center of the printing machine, this printing method does not need to go through the plate production, only the design layout file output data is printed out, and most of them are used for small, fast, and diverse printing.

Comparison of differences:

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Dye Sublimation Consumables.

  Traditional Screen Printing Digital Sublimation Printing Manpower 2-3 persons are needed for complicated work process Only one operator is required to operate the computer equipment Time Washing and drying plates after printing are time-consuming Can be operated at any time without any time limit Land occupation Because of the lengthy process of the machine, a larger space is needed Only need to set up the equipment factory and design and operation office Cost Need to open plates for printing, if a small amount, it will increase the printing cost per unit Can be customized according to different needs, at a relatively lower cost than screen printing