At Neil & David, we understand the importance of achieving vibrant, high-quality designs for your custom apparel. To help you perfect your sublimation printing process, we’ve compiled essential tips and tricks that will help optimize your results. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your technique, these guidelines will ensure you get the best outcome for your custom t-shirts.
What is Dye-Sublimation?
Dye-sublimation is a unique printing technique that allows vibrant, full-color designs to be infused directly into polyester fabrics. During sublimation, the dye changes from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid state, bonding only with the polyester fibers for a durable, vibrant print. For the brightest colors, we recommend using 100% polyester fabric, which is ideal for sublimation. For a more vintage feel, a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton also works well.
Sublimation Printing with Neil & David Blank T-Shirts
At Neil & David, we offer premium-quality blank adult t-shirts specifically designed for sublimation printing. Our tees are made from 100% polyester, ensuring your designs come out bright, crisp, and long-lasting. Follow these steps to achieve the best results when printing on our apparel:
Step-by-Step Guide to Sublimation Printing
1. Create Your Design: Use graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to create your design. Ensure it’s properly formatted for sublimation printing.
2. Mirror Your Design: Before printing, remember to mirror your design so that it transfers correctly onto the fabric.
3. Prepare Your Materials: Clean your garment and sublimation paper of any lint or dust. A lint roller is helpful to ensure a smooth, clean surface for printing.
4. Heat Press Setup: Preheat your heat press to 350°F. Place a piece of butcher paper between the fabric layers to prevent ink transfer to the back of the garment. If necessary, press for a few seconds to eliminate any wrinkles or moisture.
5. Press Your Design: Align your sublimation paper on the garment, then press it with medium pressure at 385°F for 35 seconds. Make sure to test your press settings before starting large-scale production to ensure optimal results.
6. Remove the Paper: After pressing, carefully open the heat press and remove the butcher paper. Peel off the sublimation paper from your garment to reveal the finished design.
Important Tips for Successful Sublimation
- Protective Paper: Always use butcher paper, not parchment or Teflon sheets, as it prevents moisture buildup and avoids unwanted ink transfer to other garments.
- Heat Press Calibration: Heat presses vary, so it’s crucial to test your settings on a small scale before moving to larger batches.
Common Sublimation Issues & How to Fix Them
- Blue Thread or Lint Marks: This is a common problem when lint gets transferred onto the fabric during the sublimation process. Be sure to clean both your garment and the sublimation paper before pressing. Lint rollers and shaking out garments vigorously will help eliminate this issue.
- Brown Marks: These marks typically occur from excessive heat or too short of a curing time. Be sure to follow recommended temperature and time guidelines for your heat press.
- Flat Collars: If the collar of your garment is flattened, it may be due to too much pressure. Avoid pressing the collar to maintain its shape.
Final Tips for Successful Sublimation:
- Always ensure your garments and sublimation papers are free from lint or residues before pressing.
- Clean your heat press platens regularly to prevent any residue buildup.
- Use block or brown paper to protect your fabric during the pressing process.
- Make sure your heat press is correctly calibrated for the best results.
At Neil & David, we’re here to provide you with high-quality apparel that delivers vibrant, lasting prints. Follow these tips for flawless sublimation printing and create designs that truly stand out!
