What Is Sublimation Printing

Sublimation is the process of changing physical states from solid to a gas while bypassing the liquid phase. In sublimation printing, the sublimation inks are formulated to vaporize at certain high temperatures. This quick release of the sublimation inks is what allows the transfer of such fine detail and brilliant color.

Sublimation inks are designed to work with certain sublimation printers including the Roland Hi-Fi Express FP-740 and the Roland Hi-Fi Jet Pro II FJ-540. The design to be sublimated will be printed in mirror on special sublimation paper such as Beaver TexPrint XP sublimation paper and Beaver TexPrint Tacky sublimation paper. Once the transfer is printed to the sublimation paper the transfer is placed face down on the item being sublimated. A heat press like the Hotronix Auto Open Clam heat press or Geo Knight Maxi Press will be used to achieve the high temperatures needed as well as even firm pressure which will vaporize the sublimation ink, releasing it from the sublimation paper and dyeing the item. Once transferred and after the item cools it is complete and ready to be used. There is no special drying or coating required.

What items can I decorate using a sublimation printer with sublimation ink and sublimation paper?
There are literally hundreds of different items you can decorate.  One of the main applications is to decorate fabric for apparel and soft signage.  You can also decorate hundreds of polymer coated substrates including mugs, tiles, plaques, coasters, interior signage, etc.  Unisub makes an entire catalog full of sublimation blanks.  The majority of photo gifts you see offered in the market place are made with sublimation.  Click here to see sublimation samples including sublimated apparel, flags and tiles.

Do I need to print the design on sublimation paper?
Sublimation paper is a critical element of creating quality sublimated items.  Sublimation paper, like Beaver TexPrint XP sublimation paper, is coated so it will not absorb the sublimation inks and will release the sublimation inks from the sublimation paper easily with the use of a heat press.  Additionally, tacky sublimation paper such as Beaver TexPrint Tacky sublimation paper is coated with a light tacky coating which keeps the sublimation paper in place during the heat transfer process.

Can I use an iron or do I have to buy a heat press to transfer sublimated prints?
You have to use a decent quality heat press.  An iron can’t reach 400 degrees and it won’t be able to provide even and heavy pressure.  A good heat press for sublimation is the George Knight DK20S heat press. It is a heavy duty heat press for a reasonable price that has the ability to press thicker blanks if you ever want to get into decorating plaques.  Be aware that cheap heat presses from abroad don’t provide even, accurate heat and most are likely to fall apart in the first year of use.

Do I need a bulk sublimation ink system with my sublimation printer?
Bulk sublimation ink systems are designed for individuals who are going to be printing with them at least every day.  If you buy a bulk sublimation ink system and let it sit for weeks without use, you will have technical issues.

Will sublimated apparel or other sublimated items fade in the wash?
No, sublimation on proper substrates is permanent and will not fade.  You can wash a shirt made with sublimation 50 times and it will still have great color.  Sublimation also will not fade on hard polymer coated substrates.  You can put mugs decorated with sublimation in the dishwasher without fear.  The only thing that will make sublimation fade is direct sunlight over extended periods of time. There are some coatings you can apply to sublimation items after they are decorated to extend their UV life, however nothing will make it last forever.

What are the limitations to sublimation printing?