If you are planning to do sublimation printing on T shirts, you may be wondering what the whole process is actually all about. That is why we have prepared a go-to guide to getting the job done right. Ready to get started? Great!
What Is Sublimation?
Firstly, let’s just clarify what we mean by the term sublimation. In a few words, this is the process of using specialized tools to create a design to be used on blank products. A heat press is used for the design transfer.
What Specialized Tools Do I Need To Do Sublimation Printing On T Shirts?
There are a number of pieces of equipment which you are going to need access to if you want to complete the task effectively. These are as follows:
- Sublimation ink
- A sublimation printer
- Blank T shirts
- A Heat press
- Transfer paper
What Is The Process Of Sublimation Printing For T Shirts?
Once you have all of the specialized equipment in place you are ready to get started. Here comes the general process.
Create The Design
Depending on your reason for sublimation printing, you need to come up with a great design. You may be producing T shirts for a set event, as part of a business venture, or just for fun. Whatever the case happens to be, make sure that you come up with a great design. Since you may be printing many T shirts from one and the same design be sure to put the time into getting it just right.
Printing Time
Once you are happy with your creative design, it is time to mirror it and print it onto your sublimation paper.
Add Some Heat
Now that you have your design on the transfer paper you are already half way there. Of course, this process isn’t about having a cool design on a piece of transfer paper, those T shirts are still blank at the moment!
Carefully press the design onto the blank T shirt. Remember, precision is everything at this point. Make sure that you place the design exactly where you want it to appear on the T shirt, the last thing you want to do is have to throw away T shirts that have a design at a dodgy angle!
Once the design is in the correct place it is time to put your heat press to good use. Follow the set guide, which should have been provided with the transfer paper, for the pressure and timing for the heat press. Then, naturally, you need to remove the transfer paper.
Admire Your Creative Handiwork
If you have closely followed all of the above steps you should now be looking at a T shirt that looks really great! Be sure to give yourself a pat on the back and admire your excellent handiwork.
What Are The Advantages Of Sublimation Printing On T Shirts?
Of course, there are a variety of methods for printing a design on a T shirt, why should you consider sublimation printing as a superior method? Using sublimation printing allows the creative design to become part of the actual fabric. That means it moves with the material. When the T shirt is stretched, the design is stretched as well.
What About Overall Sublimation Printing?
In recent times, the overall sublimation look has become very popular. If you are keen to give it a go there is one key factor to keep closely in mind; the design really is everything.
Since the design choice is so important, what type of idea should you go for? Of course, the choice is endless, however, the suggestions below may point you in the right direction.
Powerful Patterns
Patterns are popular! Opting for a pattern which is eye-catching, then making it repetitive can look very impressive.
Lovely Landscapes
Natural landscape is an excellent option if you decide to go down this route. Of course, there are many scenes in nature which we can draw from. Complex galaxies, impressive canyons, tranquil oceans, cloudy skies, it doesn’t need to be a challenge to find things in nature that can give great inspiration for sublimation printing.
Indeed, you may be considering sublimation printing for T shirts for a number of reasons. Perhaps you have seen a great gap in the market for some ultra cool designs and are keen to master the art of sublimation and get making a profit. Then again, you may be interested in the process for a personal pursuit. Before you get started, be sure to fully familiarize yourself with each part of the sublimation process. In addition, be dedicated to coming up with a design that is truly impressive. By following these steps you should be well on your way to having sublimation success!
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