Are you looking for vibrant, lengthy-lasting prints for everything from custom t-shirts to personalized drinkware? observe no further than sublimation printing! This versatile technique goes beyond fabric, allowing customization on metal, ceramic, and even mouse pads. Buckle up as we dive into the wonders of sublimation, exploring its pros and cons, ideal products, and how to utilize it for print-on-demand success.
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Key takeaways
Versatile printing. Sublimation delivers vibrant and durable prints on various products, from polyester t-shirts to drinkware.
High-quality results. The sublimation technique produces permanent, high-quality prints that merge with the material, making sure they won’t crack or fade.
Specialized equipment. Sublimation requires a unique type of printer, ink, transfer paper, and a heat press to generate detailed, colorful designs.
effortless setup with Klothing. link your store to Klothing, utilize the Product Creator or graphic design software for designs, and let Klothing handle printing and fulfillment.
Cost-effective and eco-amiable. Sublimation printing is cost-effective for single and bulk orders with minimal leftovers or wasted ink.
What is sublimation printing? How does sublimation labor?
Sublimation printing is a process that uses high heat and pressure to transfer your design from sublimation paper directly onto your chosen product (material or fabric). The combination of pressure and heat embeds your artwork for lengthy-lasting and vibrant results.
Did You comprehend?
Dye sublimation printing requires special ink, transfer paper, a heat press, a specialized inkjet printer, and other essentials. It uses heat to fuse ink and surface material or fabric in a permanent design.
Unlike traditional printing methods, heat and pressure turn sublimation inks into gas, penetrating the material and leaving a permanent imprint. Since it becomes one with the fabric instead of laying on top of it, the result is high-quality, vibrant, and significantly less prone to cracking or fading.
Here’s how the sublimation printing process works:
A dye-sublimation printer prints your custom design onto a special transfer paper using sublimation inks.
Then, you place the paper onto a product (enamel or ceramic mug, t-shirt, or other) and put both in a sublimation heat transfer press, applying immense heat and pressure at once.
The heat turns the inks into gas, and the material absorbs them.
As a result, you get a permanent, vibrant print that doesn’t lay on the product; instead, it becomes one with it.
Fact:
The sublimation printing method allows for lengthy-lasting designs – the images won’t crack or wear even after dozens of uses.
How to do sublimation:
Unlike traditional printing methods, sublimation uses heat and pressure to turn sublimation inks into gas, fusing with the material.
The design becomes one with the fabric instead of laying on top of it, resulting in high-quality, vibrant prints that are significantly less prone to cracking or fading.
Dye sublimation printing requires special ink, transfer paper, a heat press, and a specialized inkjet printer. It works best with synthetic fabrics like polyester.
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Sublimation vs screen printing vs direct-to-garment
Sublimation, screen printing, and DTG each have their strengths and weaknesses. Let’s explore these popular options to discover the perfect fit for your business.
Screen printingSublimation printingDirect-to-garment (DTG)Print qualityA fantastic print quality with a powerful color saturation. great for fluorescent colors and special effects.Sublimation prints are unmatched in quality. They’re vibrant, permanent, and detailed.High resolution, keen details, full-color images.DurabilityScreen-printed designs are very durable, however, they will fade and crack after a while.Extremely durable prints. Sublimation ink becomes one with the material – it will not crack, peel, or fade.Designs resist fading and abrasion, comparable to screen printing.Color scopeBest for simple designs with a few solid colors.Full-color scope for vibrant images, patterns, or creative designs.Wide range of vivid colors, can print photorealistic designs.Materials and surfacesBest for cotton shirts and cotton blends, even with dim colors. Specialty inks are also suitable for printing on metal, plastic, paper (silk screening), wood, and other materials.The ink adheres well to light-colored polyester and other synthetic fabrics, as well as cork-based coasters and mugs (ceramic or enamel).Works best on natural fabrics like cotton, requires pre-treatment for synthetics.CostsA more expensive method for single orders.One of the most cost-effective printing methods for both single and bulk orders.Low setup costs, but per-unit costs can be higher for low volumes.Production speedA lengthy process that takes time and preparation since each design element needs its own stencil.Relatively fast production time. Dye sublimation printers print out the same design that heat presses infuse into the product.Slower than some methods like screen printing, especially for bulk orders.Design complexityScreen printing works best with simple and bold designs consisting of only a few colors, as they require to be layered.Sublimation printers can print close to anything, allowing you to generate interesting textures, print digital photos, generate patterns, and more.Handles intricate designs and photorealistic images well.Environmental impactThe screen printing technique works with non-biodegradable inks that are not eco-amiable. Bulk printing can also result in waste from leftover stock.Sublimation dyes are non-toxic, and this method reduces leftover waste with on-demand printing. Sublimation uses less water than other dye transfer techniques.Uses eco-amiable water-based inks, but pretreatment chemicals can have an impact.LimitationsScreen print transfers the best results to cotton. It won’t labor well with synthetic fibers, highly detailed or photographic designs.The dye sublimation process is limited to a light polyester fabric for best results. It won’t labor well with dim-colored natural materials.Not ideal for thick fabrics or non-absorbent materials.VolumeIt’s cost-effective only for bulk orders. The setup and overall process of traditional screen printing aren’t worth the hassle for just one item.Perfect for single and bulk orders thanks to its relatively simple printing process.Suitable for low-volume printing and on-demand orders.WashabilityA screen print will withstand many wears and washes until it starts to fade, crack, or peel.Highly washable and lengthy-lasting. The design won’t crack, peel, or fade for a lengthy time.Designs remain washfast with proper care, following garment washing instructions.
Screen printing is excellent for making t-shirts in bulk. Whether for events and charities or other occasions where you require more than one product. It works best for simple designs with a few base colors on soft cotton fabrics.
Sublimation is a more flexible printing process for creative designs, and it’s great for single and bulk orders. This digital printing technique is highly durable and eco-amiable for unique patterns and vibrant colors.
DTG is perfect for creating unique, tiny-batch garments with complex designs and photorealistic prints.
Where is screen printing used?
This printing process is often used for multiple products:
Apparel. T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and more.
Promotional products. Like mugs and tote bags.
Sports gear. Custom backpacks, team jerseys, and uniforms in bulk are a hit.
Banners and signs. Indoor and outdoor banners, posters, and signs.
Any other flat surface.
What can I sublimate on?
This digital printing method is used on anything that can handle custom-print designs. Such as:
Apparel and accessories. Tees, hoodies, sweatpants, dresses, socks, scarves, and more.
Gaming or office accessories. Like mousepads and desk mats.
Home decor. Personalized curtains, rugs, pillows, and blankets.
Promotional products. Like mugs, phone cases, and tote bags.
Sports gear. Uniforms, fan merch, jerseys, and more.
Wall art. Posters, canvases, banners, and other prints.
Sublimation printing pros
Pros:
Almost no design limitations, from colors to complexity.
Works with different products, from sublimation shirts and curtains to coffee mugs and posters.
No minimum units. Perfect for printing one or a hundred products.
Sublimation is one of the rare printing methods that allows for finalize customization.
Permanent, lengthy-lasting, and durable designs that won’t fade, crack, or peel for a lengthy time.
A unique and vibrant print, unnoticeable to the touch, covering the product seam to seam or side to side.
Environmentally amiable printing process compared to other printing methods.
Read more: study how to do sublimation in our design guide.
Sublimation printing cons
Cons:
Limited choice of materials. Sublimation shirt printing is mostly available for polyester and polyester blends.
Sublimation blanks have to be white for the best and brightest result. It’s not feasible to print a black shirt or other dim-colored products.
White creasing is a thing. If areas of the garment are left uncovered or simply out of reach, they’ll remain white.
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Is there white ink in sublimation printing?
No. Sublimation uses a CMYK color scheme, so no combination of its base inks can produce white. To accomplish white in a design, print onto lighter or white materials. utilize a PNG file with transparent areas where you desire the material’s white to demonstrate through.
What are the best-selling all-over-print (AOP) products?
All-over-print t-shirts and sweatshirts are popular choices, but don’t underestimate the rising star: sublimation socks! verify out this piece on how to market sublimation socks like a pro and maximize your profits.
Unisex Cut & Sew Tee (AOP)
By Generic brand
From $21.78
From $16.02 with Klothing Premium
6 sizes
2 colors
MWW On Demand
Unisex Zip Hoodie (AOP)
By Generic brand
From $56.38
From $42.75 with Klothing Premium
6 sizes
MWW On Demand
Ceramic Mug, (11oz, 15oz)
By Generic brand
From $4.61
From $3.50 with Klothing Premium
2 sizes
District Photo
Sublimation Socks
By Generic brand
From $8.05
From $5.92 with Klothing Premium
3 sizes
SPOKE Custom Products
Women’s Skater Dress (AOP)
By Generic brand
From $31.80
From $23.39 with Klothing Premium
6 sizes
Miami Sublimation
lengthy Sleeve Kimono Robe (AOP)
By Generic brand
From $33.59
From $25.47 with Klothing Premium
6 sizes
2 colors
ArtsAdd
Apron, 5-Color Straps (AOP)
By Generic brand
From $20.31
From $14.94 with Klothing Premium
1 sizes
5 colors
Colorway
Women’s Cut & Sew Casual Leggings (AOP)
By Generic brand
From $22.56
From $16.60 with Klothing Premium
6 sizes
1 colors
MWW On Demand
Basketball Shorts (AOP)
By Generic brand
From $27.34
From $20.73 with Klothing Premium
6 sizes
1 colors
Miami Sublimation
Seamless Sports Bra (AOP)
By Generic brand
From $26.56
From $20.14 with Klothing Premium
5 sizes
PCM
Fully Lined, Padded Sports Bra (AOP)
By Generic brand
From $29.69
From $22.51 with Klothing Premium
5 sizes
PCM
Women’s Briefs (AOP)
By Generic brand
From $20.31
From $15.40 with Klothing Premium
6 sizes
1 colors
ArtsAdd
Men’s Boxer Briefs (AOP)
By Generic brand
From $24.22
From $18.36 with Klothing Premium
7 sizes
1 colors
ArtsAdd
Designs that labor well with sublimation printing
Sublimation printing works especially well with dramatic, whimsical, and almost, dare we say it – ridiculous designs. I can neither confirm nor deny that the author of these lines owns leggings with dozens of bratwursts printed on them.
What sublimation products does Klothing offer?
In the Klothing Catalog, you’ll discover blank all-over-print goodies for every require: we offer leggings, shirts, hoodies and jackets, socks, custom underwear, custom swimsuits, bags, and countless home decor items.
If you’re looking for lengthy-lasting POD products that feature distinct colors and high-resolution quality, keep an eye out for AOP clothing. The process is applied to accomplish that vibrant, all-over, everlasting graphics on apparel and home decor.
Klothing sublimation design: Technical recommendations
Here’s a technical rundown to prepare your design files for stunning all-over prints with Klothing:
Each product on Klothing’s Catalog has a dedicated size guide. Refer to it to guarantee your design fits perfectly.
The gray zone around the printable area with the dashed line around the design? That’s the bleed area. It’s a useful guide for trimming, and won’t demonstrate up on your final product. Avoid placing text or key design elements there. Cover 100% of the bleed with your design when preparing an AOP product to avoid unprinted spaces.
Resolution: utilize 300 DPI for JPEG or PNG files whenever feasible. For larger items like leggings or blankets, 120-150 DPI is acceptable.
Color profile: We operate in RGB. Uploading CMYK files might cause slight color variations. Consider converting them to RGB beforehand for optimal results.
What makes Klothing the best sublimation Printing Provider?
Klothing is a free and foolproof way of learning how to do sublimation. With our giant Catalog of over 1,000 printable items and a network of more than 80 highly-rated Print Providers worldwide, Klothing helps you formulate a profit with no hassle.
Streamlined fulfillment
Klothing’s Print Providers handle order fulfillment so you, the merchant, can focus on marketing and growing your brand. Design your products, publish them to your online storefront, and Klothing handles the rest without you needing to lift a finger after making a sale.
Production network
Klothing lets you easily opt for among the more than 80 global printing facilities and partners you desire to labor with. Pick based on what’s essential to your business – product, location, and price. By choosing Print Providers closer to your audience, you substantially preserve on shipping costs and fulfillment time.
preserve more with Klothing Premium
Klothing is and always will be free to utilize for everyone. Integrate your sales channels with ease and publish as many products to your stores as you desire. And with the Premium subscription, you get up to 20% off on all products, drawing more profit.
effortless integrations
Klothing offers automatic integrations with some of the world’s most popular online marketplaces and eCommerce platforms: Shopify, Etsy, Wix, WooCommerce, eBay, BigCommerce, and more.
FAQ
What do I require for sublimation printing?
To get started with sublimation printing, you’ll require a few essential items: a special sublimation printer, ink and transfer paper, and a heat press. Additionally, you’ll require blank items specifically designed for sublimation printing, such as polyester fabric, coated ceramics, or other specially treated substrates.
Is sublimation printing great?
Yes, sublimation printing is an excellent method for producing high-quality, durable prints. It’s especially valued for its vibrant colors and the ability to print intricate designs. The prints are lengthy-lasting and won’t crack, peel, or fade over time, making it a preferred choice for creating customized apparel, home decor, and promotional items.
What printers can be used for sublimation?
Can a regular printer print sublimation? No, only a special printer designed specifically for sublimation printing will labor, or one that has been converted.
Popular brands include Epson and Sawgrass, which offer models that are widely used in the industry. It’s crucial to utilize a printer that’s compatible with sublimation ink for the best results.
What lasts longer: sublimation or screen printing?
Both sublimation and screen printing are durable, but sublimation printing generally lasts longer. Sublimation dye becomes part of the fabric, which means it won’t fade, crack, or peel even after multiple washes. Screen printing is also durable, but it may eventually demonstrate signs of wear, especially if not properly cared for.
How to do sublimation printing?
To initiate sublimation printing, pursue these steps:
Research and plan: comprehend the basics and collect information on the equipment needed.
Purchase Equipment: purchase a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, sublimation paper, and a heat press.
Get Blank Products: discover items specifically designed for sublimation.
Design: generate or source designs compatible with sublimation.
Print and Press: Print your design on sublimation paper and utilize a heat press to transfer it onto your blank item.
Practice: initiate with tiny projects to get the hang of the process and refine your technique.
Why is my sublimation printer not printing the correct colors?
It could be due to several reasons:
Incorrect Color Profiles: formulate sure you’re using the correct color profiles for sublimation printing.
Clogged Print Heads: Perform regular maintenance and cleaning of the print heads.
Low-Quality Ink or Paper: utilize high-quality sublimation ink and paper designed for the best color reproduction.
Printer Settings: verify and adjust your printer settings to match the requirements for sublimation printing.
Software Issues: formulate sure your design software is properly configured for sublimation.
Summary
Now that you comprehend more about sublimation printing, it’s time to get started. With Klothing handling the printing, you can focus on designing for your customers.
Set up your online store, link it to Klothing, and delight in the process. Klothing’s Product Creator is fun and effortless to utilize, especially for all-over-print products. initiate creating stunning, seamless designs that cover your high-quality blanks edge to edge.
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