Sublimation has revolutionised the way we create personalized apparel and accessories. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, mastering the sublimation process can elevate your creations to new heights. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of sublimation—from selecting patterns and designing to printing, pressing, and stitching—all while ensuring you avoid common mistakes.
Watch the below video to learn more:
1. Starting with the Design Phase
Choosing the Right Pattern
The design phase is crucial in sublimation. Whether you’re working on a simple rectangle for a mouse pad or a more complex t-shirt design, having the right pattern is essential. If you lack patterns or design skills, platforms like Etsy offer a vast array of affordable patterns.
Steps to Select a Pattern:
- Search for Patterns: Navigate to Etsy and use keywords like “t-shirt pattern” or the specific item you’re designing.
- Evaluate the Fit: Examine images of the pattern on models to ensure it matches your desired fit.
- Purchase the Pattern: Opt for PDF patterns to easily separate and manipulate design elements.
Designing Your Pattern
Once you’ve acquired your pattern:
- Use Vector-Compatible Software: Programs like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW can handle vector formats (DXF, SVG) allowing you to adjust and move design elements seamlessly.
- Redraw if Necessary: If you’re using software without vector support, such as Photoshop, you might need to manually redraw the design lines.
Organizing Your Design:
- Zoom In: Examine your design closely to understand the separation of different elements.
- Label Sizes: Suppliers often include size indicators (e.g., gray for 5XL, pink for 4XL) in the PDF. Ensure each size is correctly labelled and grouped.
- Focus on the Desired Size: Hide unnecessary sizes and concentrate your design efforts on the specific size you intend to print.
2. Printing Your Design
Printer Setup
While detailed printer operation tutorials are available online, understanding the basics is vital:
- Ink and Paper: Use high-quality sublimation ink and 100 GSM or thicker paper with a special sublimation coating.
- Reverse the Design: Since sublimation is a transfer process, your design must be mirrored before printing. Most design programs offer a “flip horizontally” option.
- Allow Time for Paper to Settle: After printing, let the paper rest for about an hour to prevent waviness during pressing.
Common Printing Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Ink Usage: Ensure your ink is calibrated for sublimation to maintain colour accuracy and vibrancy.
- Wrong Paper Side: Always print on the designated side of the sublimation paper to ensure proper transfer.
3. Selecting the Right Material
Choosing the appropriate material is pivotal for successful sublimation. Here’s an overview of various materials and their best uses:
Common Sublimation Materials:
- Soft Shell: Ideal for hoodies and jackets due to its inner fleece and durability.
- Bonded Microactive: Best for items like tires, offering rigidity and a flat surface.
- LRA (Spandex/Scuba): Suitable for sportswear and garments requiring significant stretch.
- NK1 (T-Shirt Material): Perfect for long sleeves and outerwear without pill formation.
- Scuba: Great for rash vests and cuffs, providing a balance between stretch and durability.
- Matri Acetate: Comparable to Adidas tracksuits, offering strength and minimal stretch, suitable for activewear.
Handling Materials:
- Purchase in Rolls: Buying materials in rolls prevents creasing and saves time compared to pre-cut bundles.
- Identify Sides: Recognize the front (printed) and back sides to ensure proper pressing with your Heat Press.
- Stretch Considerations: Understand the stretch direction—left-to-right or four-way stretch—and press accordingly to maintain garment integrity.
4. Calibrating the Heat Press
Proper calibration of your heat press ensures consistent and high-quality sublimation results.
Key Settings:
- Temperature: Typically set around 200°C. Adjust if you notice burning or insufficient transfer.
- Speed: A common setting is 750 units (adjust based on your machine). Minor fluctuations (±50) are usually acceptable.
Pressing Technique:
- Align the Paper and Material: Ensure the sublimation paper covers the entire area without excess that could interfere with the press.
- Insert Correctly: Feed the paper into the heat press first, followed by the material, maintaining consistent speed to avoid bubbles.
- Manage Static Electricity: Prevent the paper from being sucked back into the drum by slightly overhanging and guiding it into place.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
- Ghosting (Double Prints): Caused by excessive pressure. Adjust the tensioning bar to reduce pressure and perform test presses until the issue resolves.
- Creasing: Prevent by ensuring the paper settles adequately and the material is free from pre-existing creases.
5. Finalizing Your Sublimation Project
Cutting and Stitching:
- Cutting: Use specialized material scissors (e.g., CMT material scissors) to follow the design outline accurately.
- Stitching: Assemble the cut pieces, ensuring the sublimated design aligns correctly.
Quality Assurance:
- Inspect Prints: Check for consistent colour transfer and the absence of defects like ghosting or creasing.
- Adjust if Necessary: Recalibrate your press settings if you encounter recurring issues.
6. Advanced Tips and Tools
Automated Cutting:
To streamline the cutting process, consider investing in advanced machinery like the Cyclops Double Gantry Double Laser Tube Fabric Cutting Machine from Advanced Machinery. This can significantly reduce manual effort and increase precision.
Material Selection:
Experiment with different materials to understand how each interacts with sublimation ink. This knowledge allows for better customization and higher-quality outputs.
7. Conclusion
Sublimation is a blend of art and science, requiring attention to detail from design to final product. By following this guide, you can navigate the complexities of sublimation with confidence, ensuring your creations are both beautiful and durable. Whether you’re launching a new business or enhancing your existing skills, mastering sublimation opens up endless possibilities for personalized and high-quality products.
Stay Ahead with AM.CO.ZA
In a time where AI and smart technologies are transforming industries, AM.CO.ZA has emerged as a leader in CNC routers and printing machines. With more than 11 years of experience, they offer a diverse range of advanced products, including CNC Routers, Large Format Printers, Vinyl Cutters, Laser Cutters, Plasma Cutters, and DTF Printers. Their solutions serve a wide array of sectors, from manufacturing and engineering to the creative arts.
Visit our showrooms in Sunny Rock, Johannesburg, and Montague Gardens, Cape Town, or reach out via WhatsApp at 060 600 6000 for more information. Explore our offerings at https://am.co.za/ and elevate your sublimation projects today!
Machines, Consumables and Parts Available from https://buythis.co.za/
For more info on Advanced Machinery visit https://am.co.za/
Subscribe to AM.CO.ZA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AchievementMatters?sub_confirmation=1
Chat with us by sending “hi” on WhatsApp to 060 600 6000.