Sublimation Prints Ready to Press | Ultimate Guide

Sublimation is done with the special type of ink used in the printing of designs and pressed into the substrate coated with the special coating and material made of 100% polyester. If the press machine does not let the imprint the design on the 100% polyester, the design will come with a dull look and disappear after each wash. 

So sublimation ink is the best one to use for the ready to press use and stick to the polyester fiber that is the reason for washing out after each wash and for the less vibrant image.

DFT Process

DFT is the process in the sublimation in which patterns and designs are printed on the film directly. The pattern can be applied to the material or substrate in almost every way. The good thing is the designs are transferable on any color item. In contrast to sublimation, the process can also print white, as the process is simple. For the application of designs, you have to press the pattern at 302 degrees for 5 seconds for the cotton fabric, and for polyester, it should take 266 degrees for 8 seconds at a high temperature.

Moreover, set the things to be printed aside and let them cool; when it becomes cool, peel off the film and repress it with the Teflon sheet for 8 seconds. Now you can see the shirt’s texture and when you want to wash them, let them be inside out and dry them out at a low temperature.

Custom Transfers

You can also opt for the custom transfer you need, but the pattern must be printed ready, and a png with translucent background is essential. The sublimation transfers normally need a time of 1 business day. Sometimes it can be transferred and shipped on the same day, depending on the order when it is placed. 

Create Vibrant Colors

The sublimation prints and transfers are a good way to create vibrant and shiny colors on light-colored garments, thus offering highly detailed shading and gradients as multiple colors are applied in a single layer. The lightweight garment is crucial for sports performance applications so that sublimation transfers can add a bit of weight to the garments and other items. As the sublimation transfers and prints directly on the garment, the garment’s texture does not alter. This means that the sublimation transfers and prints come with the softest hand with the heat transfer. 

Sublimation prints are compatible

Many additional products and items are compatible with sublimation transfers like coaters, mousepads, socks, towels, T-Shirts, and headbands. As long as they are coated with polyester and work with the sublimation transfers, they are economical, thus giving you full color with full color of digital transfers that is 30% less than express prints.

Tips for the sublimation prints ready to press

  • Put the sublimation prints on the lighter colors, like the 100% white polyester fabrics will offer you vibrant and vivid colors
  • The sublimation prints do not come with white inks, so the patterns will appear in lighter colors like light grey, tan, and pastels
  • Do not apply for the sublimation transfers on dark and black colors 
  • Use the 50 % polyester shirts for the vintage colored looks
  • All sublimation processes come in different ways, so use the best settings for the heat press
  • Use the additional items and fabrics for the process of sublimation practice 
  • The transfer in the sublimation process is ghosting, and you can get the shadow for your transfer patterns due to heat transfer while heating
  •  Use the heat tape to press and lessen the vacuum, then peel off in a slow and even motion when your transfer is hot. 
  • Check your transfer before doing heat press and if you notice the additional ink spots on the edges, cut them off when it transfers during the heat transfer.
  • When you press up and heat the press line around your patterns, rub them out with the clean pieces of white paper along the lines when it is hot 
  • Light the pressure and try the process again

Frequently Asked Questions

The preprinted sublimation sheets are used in tandem with a cutting machine. You should cut the pattern from the printed sheet and apply it the same way as an ordinary sub-transfer. They can be used in white poly garments and coated garments. The alternative process for sublimation transfers is screen printing and HTV transfers.

As a general rule, the prints should dry for at least 15 minutes for A 3 prints and 30 minutes for A 2 prints. 

You have to set the heat press machine to 400 degrees for 45 to 60 seconds. Then place the sheets of white paper or parchment paper inside the fabric to prevent the bleed through. Place the transfer to face it down and use heat tape if required, and cover it with the Teflon sheet. Press it down and remove the transfer instantly.

Yes, the heat press is used for sublimation transfers as it is a great way to decorate polyester garments with the help of a heat press machine. These transfers use special types of inks which change them from a solid to a gas when it gets heat pressed.

Conclusion

The sublimation prints come with various benefits as these advantages are apparent in many ways. So by following the tips and tricks, you can easily use the heat press to produce the patterns and designs with vibrant colors that will not add weight to the garment and maintains flexible and soft properties. 

Therefore, the sublimation patterns and transfers can offer more possibilities to your business to fulfill the requirements of your clients and can give items and garments that they want to purchase.

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