SUBLIMATION and ALL OVER PRINTS

Sublimation printing is a popular technique used in the print-on-demand (POD) industry, especially for products like apparel, mugs, and other items with polymer-based surfaces or polyester fibres. The process results in vibrant, durable, and high-quality prints. Here’s a step-by-step description of the sublimation process:

The process starts with creating or selecting a design digitally, usually in graphic software such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. The design should be in high resolution to ensure the best print quality. The design is then printed onto a special sublimation transfer paper using sublimation inks. These inks are designed to vaporize when heated, unlike regular inks that would simply dry or cure. The printed sublimation paper is then placed on the product to be printed. For instance, if it’s a T-shirt, the paper is positioned on the area where the design transfer is desired.

The product, with the sublimation paper on top, is placed into a heat press. The heat press applies both heat and pressure to the product. The temperature and time can vary based on the product and material but often ranges between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 205°C) and lasts for about 30-60 seconds. Under the influence of the heat and pressure from the heat press, the sublimation inks on the transfer paper vaporize (or sublimate) and penetrate the fibres or polymer coating of the product. As the inks cool down and solidify, they become a part of the product.

After the specified time, the heat press is opened, and the sublimation paper is carefully peeled away from the product. The design has now transferred to the product, and the colours are embedded within the material, not just on the surface. Once cooled, the product is ready for use or sale. The print is durable, resistant to fading, and feels smooth to the touch, unlike other methods where you can sometimes feel the print raised from the material.

Imagine you want a unique shirt with a design that covers every inch of it, front and back, top to bottom. That’s what “all-over sublimation printing” is all about. But why does it take a bit longer to get this type of shirt compared to others? Let’s break it down:

Instead of printing on a pre-made shirt or garment, we start with a big, flat piece of fabric, like a blank canvas. We then print your chosen design all over this fabric using the magic of sublimation, ensuring the design covers every bit. Once your design is on the fabric, we need to turn that flat piece of decorated material into a wearable shirt. This means cutting out the shirt’s shape and stitching it together. Cutting and sewing a custom garment isn’t as fast as just printing on a pre-made one. It’s a bit like baking a cake from scratch versus decorating a pre-bought one. The scratch-made cake might take longer, but it’s tailored just for you!

In short, all-over sublimation printing gives you a 100% uniquely designed garment, made just for you. It’s a bit like haute couture in the world of printed shirts! And like all good things, it just takes a bit more time to perfect, as the delivery times are slightly longer due to extended manufacturing practises.