Polyester — Fabrics are the most popular items to sublimate. It includes knitted polyester products like flags, banners, and table covers, as well as woven items like tents and tote bags. Sublimation issues on vinyl can also lead to a loss of vibrancy or detail in the design. If the sublimation process is not carried out properly, the colors may not appear as vibrant or the fine details may become less defined. This can diminish the overall quality and visual appeal of the sublimated vinyl product. Now that you know how to sublimate clear HTV, I’d love to see YOUR awesome sublimation creations. Please share them with me! You can post a photo in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker. The other major reason to sublimate onto vinyl instead of directly onto a t-shirt is that this method allows you to put sublimation prints on cotton shirts. Normally, you can only sublimate onto polyester tees. But if you have the medium of the vinyl in between the ink and the fabric, you can put your sublimation print on soft, comfy cotton instead!

Printing on apparel opens up vast opportunities for customization. Almost every design or cute message you’ve admired on a t-shirt or onesie is a product of decorative printing. I’ll also use my Cricut Maker 3 cutting machine to print then cut the sublimation paper, and cut the vinyl. Any of the Maker or Explore series Cricut cutting machines will work, because they have Print Then Cut capabilities. Sublimated vinyl is a popular choice for various applications, from custom apparel to promotional items. To ensure its longevity and vibrant appearance, proper cleaning and maintenance techniques are crucial. In this section, we will explore the best practices for cleaning and caring for sublimated vinyl. Gentle Handwashing Techniques Mouse pads are a popular substrate for sublimation printing. The following are the recommended sublimation heat press settings for mouse pads: The best way to use sublimation vinyl for dark shirts is to choose a type of white vinyl with either a polyester coating or a high polyester content. This will make your design pop and look bright against the dark fabric of the shirt.You can effectively sublimate on certain types of Circut-brand vinyl, so long as it has a polyester coating. Circut’s white glitter HTV works especially well for this purpose. Additionally, exposure to excessive moisture or humidity can impact the sublimation process. Moisture can interfere with the sublimation ink’s ability to turn into a gas and penetrate the vinyl, leading to subpar results.

You too can customize apparel for your family, friends, and teammates, or venture into a business. But if you are drawn to this specific article, it is probably because you are unsure of which method to go with between sublimation and vinyl. And when you have the basics down and are ready to fine tune your sublimation prints for the absolute best and most vibrant prints with true colors, you can add ICC printer profiles. These are specific to the ink you’re using with a printer, and can make a big difference in color. And, best of all, they are free! In my sublimation printer setup directions, I also explain how to find printer profiles — you can get all of that information over at jennifermaker.com/sublimationprinters. How hard is to get started in sublimation? To cause sublimation, you need to set the heat on your press to at least 375℉. Once this heats up, press the transfer and vinyl together on the shirt for 30 seconds. From the industry leading Hotflex to speciality products like Gem Flex and Pearl Flex, we have a massive selection of colours. The loss of vibrancy or detail is another common effect of sublimation on vinyl. When the sublimation ink is transferred onto the vinyl, it can sometimes result in a slight loss of vibrancy. This can be particularly noticeable in designs with vibrant or intricate color patterns. The fine details and subtle nuances in the design may not be as pronounced, leading to a less visually appealing end result.

The equipment and consumables needed for vinyl printing cost far less than sublimation. Thus, hobbyists and start-up small businesses tend to prefer this method to get into the craft. Before sidelining sublimation due to hefty costs, you must analyze the quality of both decorations and how long they last. This is especially critical if you are making gifts of sentimental value or products you intend to sell. But you cannot sublimate onto plain glass, ceramic, or cotton. Sublimation only works well on polyester or a polyester coating applied to another material. One effective way to prevent sublimation issues on vinyl is by using heat transfer vinyl (HTV). HTV acts as a barrier between the sublimated design and the vinyl surface, providing an extra layer of protection. This not only helps to prevent fading and discoloration but also adds durability to your designs. Now I know I haven’t covered everything there is to know about sublimation here, but I am always happy to help more! Watch for more sublimation tutorials and please ask any questions you have in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.

However, if you wish to cast your nets wider and play on commercial ground, produce high-quality products in unique colors and unrestricted designs, and don’t mind working with polyester or coughing up extra capital, go with sublimation. But you can sublimate so much more than just T-shirts. You can do polyester tote bags, pouches, and garden flags. You can do things that have a polyester fabric coating, such as these coasters and these mousepads. You can even do unusual things, like 100% polyester door mats I found at Home Depot.

Heat Presses & Accessories

When the time is up, lift the EasyPress straight upward. Remove the butcher paper but wait until the HTV has completely cooled before removing the carrier sheet, about 5-10 minutes - this is a COLD peel. The first step is to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the substrate you are using. The manufacturer’s instructions will provide you with the recommended sublimation heat press settings for the substrate. Do a Test Print There are workarounds out there for other materials and colored fabrics, including white sublimatable HTV which only just came out recently, after the original publication of this tutorial!

If the HTV recommends a warm peel, remove the plastic carrier film right away at this point. If it needs a cool peel, let the shirt cool down before you touch it. You may also have heard that you can use laser copy paper, BUT, be aware that it will make your prints look more faded and washed out. So use this at your own risk. We are sure you already have tons of creative ideas you want to try out. But before hopping onto any of the methods, it is critical that you analyze them further. There are significant differences that affect the design and products you can print.I’d love to see YOUR sublimation projects! Please share a photo in our sublimation craft group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker. The easiest way to find HTV for sublimation is to buy products that specifically say “vinyl for sublimation” in the product description. To combat the loss of vibrancy or detail, it is important to choose sublimation inks that are specifically formulated to retain color intensity and clarity. Additionally, using a higher-quality vinyl substrate can also help preserve the vibrancy of the design. Regularly inspecting the sublimated vinyl for any signs of fading or loss of detail and taking appropriate measures, such as using protective coatings or sealants, can also help maintain the visual appeal of the design. Then, load the mat with your printed sheet into the machine and press the flashing button to cut your design.