What Is Sublimation Printing? Custom Sublimation Shirt - A Life ...

Sublimation printing has become one of the most popular printing methods for custom clothing in recent years. This printing technique allows for vibrant and long-lasting designs to be printed on various fabrics, including t-shirts, hoodies, and other types of garments.
In this article, we will discuss what sublimation printing is, how it works, and the benefits of using this printing method for custom clothing.

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What Is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a printing process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto a variety of fabrics. Unlike traditional screen printing or heat transfer vinyl, sublimation printing infuses the dye directly into the fabric, resulting in a high-quality, long-lasting print that will not peel, crack, or fade over time.

How Does Sublimation Printing Work?

Sublimation printing works by using a special type of ink that becomes a gas when exposed to heat and pressure. This gas then permeates the fibers of the fabric, bonding with the fabric to create a permanent image. To begin the sublimation printing process, the design is printed onto a special transfer paper using a printer that has been loaded with sublimation ink.

The transfer paper is then placed face-down onto the fabric, and heat and pressure are applied using a heat press or other specialized equipment.
The heat and pressure cause the ink on the transfer paper to turn into a gas, which then bonds with the fibers of the fabric. After the fabric has cooled, the transfer paper is removed, leaving behind a vibrant and long-lasting design.

Advantages Of Sublimation Printing For Shirts

Sublimation printing offers several advantages over other printing techniques, especially for shirts:

Vibrant Colors

Sublimation printing produces vibrant and saturated colors that are impossible to achieve with traditional printing methods. The colors are infused into the fabric rather than sitting on top, resulting in a print that looks and feels like part of the fabric.

Durable And Long-Lasting

Sublimation prints are durable and long-lasting because the ink becomes part of the fabric. They do not crack, peel, or fade, even after multiple washes.

Large Printing Area

Our printing allows for full-color prints that cover the entire shirt, including the sleeves and sides. This makes it an excellent choice for designs that require a large printing area.

Steps For Sublimation Printing On Shirts

The following steps will help you to get started with sublimation printing for shirts:

Step 1: Design The Artwork

Design your artwork using graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Make sure to use high-quality images and graphics, as they will result in a higher-quality print.

Step 2: Print The Design On Sublimation Transfer Paper

Print the design on sublimation transfer paper using a sublimation printer. Make sure to mirror the design before printing, as it will be flipped when transferred onto the fabric.

Step 3: Prepare The Fabric

Prepare the fabric by ironing it to remove any wrinkles or creases. It is vital to use shirts made of polyester or a blend of polyester and cotton, as this ink works best on polyester fabric.

Step 4: Apply Heat And Pressure

Place the shirt with the transfer paper onto the heat press machine and apply heat and pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to use the right temperature, pressure, and time for the best results.

Step 5: Peel The Transfer Paper

Once the heat press is done, remove the shirt from the machine and carefully peel off the transfer paper while it is still hot. Make sure to peel it slowly to avoid any damage to the print.

Step 6: Finish The Shirt

Once the transfer paper is removed, the shirt is ready to wear or sell. You can repeat the process to print on the back or sleeves of the shirt, depending on the design.

Is Sublimation Better Than Screen Printing?

Is sublimation better than screen printing? This is a common question that many people ask when trying to decide which method to use for their custom apparel needs. Both sublimation and screen printing have their advantages and disadvantages, but in this article, we will explore why sublimation may be a better option.

Sublimation is a process that involves printing a design onto special transfer paper using a specialized printer and ink. The transfer paper is then placed onto the fabric and heated to a high temperature, causing the ink to turn into a gas and bond with the fabric fibers.

This process allows the ink to become a part of the fabric, rather than just sitting on top of it like with screen printing. One of the biggest advantages of sublimation is the ability to print full-color designs with intricate details. Unlike screen printing, which uses separate screens for each color in a design, sublimation can print all colors at once.

This means that sublimation can produce a wider range of colors and designs, making it ideal for custom apparel with photographic or highly detailed designs.
Another advantage of sublimation is its durability. Sublimation ink becomes a part of the fabric, making it more resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling than screen printing. This means that sublimated designs will last longer, even after multiple washes.

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Direct-to-garment vs Sublimation? This question might have baffled a lot of POD sellers before. Let’s read and dive into these printing techniques to get yourself the answer.

Besides mastering the art of marketing and design, it is also important for print-on-demand business owners to have some understanding of the printing process to make informed decisions on what products to sell and how to market their products correctly to customers.

Sublimation vs direct-to-garment are two popular printing techniques that are usually applied to make print-on-demand products. If you are still confused about how these printing techniques are different from each other and what are the best options for your print-on-demand providers, the following article will help you understand the pros and cons of each print technique.

Direct-to-garment vs Sublimation printing: The definition

What is Direct-to-garment printing?

Direct-to-garment or DTG printing is a process in which a printer directly applies the ink onto the garment using a specialized inkjet printer. The ink is absorbed by the fibers of the garment, resulting in a high-quality print that looks and feels similar to screen printing.

Direct-to-garment Printing process:

Step 1: Blank products are pre-treated before printing. This step will help the ink to bond better with the fabric.

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Step 2: The blank product is heat pressed in order to dry the fabric and create an even surface for printing.

Step 3: The product is then loaded onto the printing and finally printed.

Step 4: Cure the printed product with a heat press again.

What is sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing is a process in which heat and pressure are used to transfer a design onto a garment. The design is first printed onto a transfer paper using sublimation ink. Then, the transfer paper is placed onto the garment, and heat and pressure are applied, causing the ink to turn into a gas and bond with the fibers of the garment. The result is a vibrant and durable print that won’t crack, peel, or fade over time.

Sublimation Printing process:

Step 1: Your design is printed onto the sublimation transfer paper.

Step 2: Press the transfer paper onto the fabric with high heat and pressure to transfer the design onto the fabric surface.

What are the differences between sublimation and DTG printing?

Durability:

Once you understand the process and how each printing method works, you will see why they are different and how. Here are some main differences between sublimation and DTG printing:

For sublimation printing, the ink bonds with the material, making it impossible for the print to crack or peel off.

On the other hand, DTG prints are not as wear-resistant as sublimation. The print sits on the material surface and after a long time in use, it might come off.

From this perspective, sublimation wins without a doubt.

Print Quality and Design Flexibility

DTG excels at intricate, full-color designs, making it perfect for custom portraits, fan art, or detailed illustrations. It handles small text and fine lines well, which is crucial for niche markets like personalized gifts. Sublimation’s all-over print (AOP) capability, however, allows for creative, seamless designs that cover the entire garment, ideal for standout products like all-over printed hoodies or leggings. Be mindful that sublimation may blur fine details, so avoid it for designs with tiny text.

Printing area:

Here is another distinctive difference between sublimation and DTG printing. Sublimation printing allows you to print designs over the entire fabric – that’s why sublimation printing is usually equivalent to all-over printing.

DTG, in the meanwhiles, is not ideal for all-over printing. Most DTG printers have limited print area, typically around 16”x20”. So to print a complete piece of clothing with DTG, you must print multiple times on different pieces of fabric. It can result in misalignments and inconsistencies in the design, which can be particularly noticeable with detailed or intricate designs.

Sublimation is best for all-over print designs.

Material:

The use of materials also differs between sublimation and DTG. Sublimation is only applicable for a few material options, mostly synthetic fabrics like polyester, spandex, or nylon but natural fibers.

DTG printing, on the other hand, is compatible with cotton materials. Cotton or natural fabrics are known as the best material for comfort. If you choose sublimation over DTG, you will have to make certain compromises between durability and comfort.

Product options:

Sublimation has more printing options than DTG. Due to the fact that sublimation can be printed onto the entire fabric, it is possible to create whatever products you want. For example, you can fulfill products like Hawaiian shirts, Polo shirts, bomber jackets, shoes, etc. For DTG, a lot of time, you have to rely on the available blank products, which limits the level of customization and product options for your business.

There are a plenty of highly potential and profitable sublmation products that you can try with your print on demand business. 

Cost Considerations:

The high initial cost of DTG printers (around $15,000) can be daunting, but the long-term savings on ink and supplies make it worthwhile for scaling businesses. Sublimation setups, starting at $2,500, are more accessible for new sellers or those with limited budgets, but the ongoing cost of specialized inks and paper can add up, especially for high-volume production. Consider your business stage: sublimation for startups, DTG for established sellers aiming for efficiency.

Production Efficiency and Scalability:

DTG’s flexibility for on-demand printing is a game-changer for custom orders, like personalized t-shirts for events or small batches for niche markets. There’s no minimum order quantity, which aligns with POD’s core model. Sublimation, while less flexible for one-offs due to alignment needs, is faster for larger batches, making it ideal for seasonal products like holiday apparel or bulk orders for retailers. Balance your production needs with customer demand patterns.

Environmental Impact:

DTG’s water-based inks are generally seen as more eco-friendly, aligning with customer sustainability trends. However, the energy consumption for printers and heat presses is a factor. Sublimation’s process, using solid inks that turn into gas, can be less wasteful, but the environmental footprint of polyester fabrics (often petroleum-based) is a concern. If sustainability is a brand priority, DTG might edge out, but consider the whole product lifecycle.

Market Trends and Customer Preferences:

DTG appeals to customers who value comfort and detail, like art enthusiasts or those buying casual wear. It’s popular for niche markets like custom fan art or personal photography. Sublimation, with its durability and AOP capability, is trending in activewear, fashion-forward items, and novelty products, catering to athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or trendsetters. Watch platform trends: Etsy favors DTG for unique, detailed items, while Amazon sees growth in sublimated sportswear.

Direct-to-garment vs Sublimation printing: Pros and Cons

To choose the right printing technique for your products, you must understand the pros and cons of each printing process.

Sublimation pros and cons

Sublimation is becoming more and more popular in the print-on-demand market due to its versatile applications and the endless possibilities that it brings.

For more information, please visit Custom Sublimated Polo Shirts.

Pros

• Vibrant Colors: Sublimation printing produces high-quality prints with vibrant colors and intricate details. The process allows for full-color designs and gradients, making it ideal for printing photos or complex designs.
• Versatility: Sublimation printing can be done on a variety of products, including apparel, mugs, and cases.
• As for apparel products, printing can be used on a variety of materials, including polyester, spandex, and other synthetic fabrics, making it ideal for printing designs onto performance wear.
• Durability: Sublimation prints are more durable than other printing methods, such as screen printing or DTG printing. The ink becomes a part of the garment rather than sitting on top of it, resulting in a longer-lasting design.
• No minimum order quantity: Sublimation printing allows for single-item orders, making it an excellent option for POD businesses.

Cons