Today we will be discussing a popular printing method known as Sublimation or Dye-Sublimation Printing and reviewing some of the benefits and limitations. Let’s get started.
Sublimation printing is also known as “dye sublimation printing.” Sublimation printing is a chemical process where a solid turns into a gas without going through a liquid stage.
This process involves using a digital printer to produce images on sublimation transfer paper with sublimation ink. The sublimation paper is then placed into a heat press with the material and exposed to high temperatures of about 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, the ink and transfer material turns from a solid into a gas and then permeates to the material’s fibers, permanently locking it into place.
Below are a few benefits of using dye-sublimation printing:
Lightweight Solution
The process of sublimation ensures that prints are never heavy or thick as the material is unaltered by the process, unlike screen printing which may require multiply layers of ink.
Better Durability
With a sublimated print, There will be no cracking or peeling of your design. It is meant to last as long as the material itself.
Easier Set Up For Small Orders
Unlike screen printing, there is no need for separate screens or films, which can save a great deal of setup. This makes it easier to accommodate or reprint smaller orders and can prove less expensive overall than screen printing.
Below are a few limitations when it comes to utilizing sublimation printing:
White/ Light Fabrics Only
Sublimated colors will blend with the color on which they are printed.
Polyester Fabrics Only
You heard that right; this process only works on polyester. You may listen to polyester and think of the heavy, scratchy apparel of the ’70s, but the polyester fabric of today are much better than their disco counterpart.
Dye-Sublimation is a fantastic printing process that produces eye-catching color and detail. As experts in printing on fabric and many other substrates, we know the ins and outs. Contact Super Color Digital for your next visual project and experience the difference.
