FAQ

Welcome to the FAQs page, your ultimate guide to sublimation printing answers. Here, you can find quick solutions to common queries and effortlessly enhance your printing journey.

What is the best sublimation printer and transfer paper for sportswear?

For printing vibrant designs on sportswear and fabrics, the optimal system is an Epson F2100 printer paired with TexPrint XP transfer paper. This printer model is engineered specifically for sublimation inks, and TexPrint XP transfer sheets are designed to work well with the Epson printer.

Together, the printer and transfer paper infuse fabric with bright and durable inks. This allows you to achieve professional quality sublimated sportswear and fabrics from the convenience of your home setup.

For sublimation printing, which fabric is suitable?

Polyester and polyester blends work best as substrates for sublimation printing on apparel and fabrics. The dyes used in sublimation can properly bond with the polyester polymers.

This allows them to infuse into the fabric for vivid prints that hold up to washing and wearing over time. Natural fabrics like 100% cotton lack these polyester polymers, so sublimation prints will eventually fade and crack after repeated washing and wear.

What causes banding lines in sublimation prints?

Banding lines in sublimation prints are caused by partially clogged nozzles in the printhead. This results in uneven ink distribution across the transfer paper. You can avoid banding issues by performing routine nozzle checks and alignment procedures. Ensure consistent and uniform ink dispersal across the printhead.

Is sublimation printing permanent?

Sublimation is considered a permanent print process because the dyes infuse into the polyester polymer structure of the substrate you are printing. These dyes fuse into the material rather than sitting on the surface. This makes sublimation prints extremely durable and resistant to fading, cracking, or wearing off over time.

On what materials can you do sublimation printing?

You can use sublimation to print on polyester fabrics, ceramics like mugs and tiles, metals like aluminum sheeting, plastics like acrylic, glass, and many other materials. A polymer coating provides the necessary structure for the dyes to fuse when heat is applied during sublimation.

Why can’t sublimation print white?

Sublimation requires printing onto colored or tinted substrates because the dyes work by fusing with the pigments in those materials to create the printed image. The dyes have nothing to fuse with when sublimating white fabrics that lack any pigment. Having color pigments in the material gives the dyes something to infuse with.

Which material is best for sublimation printing?

You achieve the best print quality from sublimation using substrates with high polyester content.

This includes polyester fabrics, ceramic items like mugs and tiles, aluminum metal sheets, and plastics coated with polymers. The polymer structures allow the dyes to bond securely, resulting in permanent and vivid printed designs.

Can you do sublimation printing on dark color T-shirts?

Unfortunately, you cannot directly sublimate on dark-colored t-shirts or fabrics. The sublimation process requires light-colored, white, or pastel fabrics to work properly. The dyes infuse best with lighter materials.

To sublimate a dark shirt, you need to print on vinyl first and then cut that out to apply over the dark fabric. Another option is using a white polymer spray coating to create a light substrate on the dark fabric.

How do you do polymer coating on an object for sublimation printing?

To properly polymer coat an object for sublimation printing, you should apply either liquid polymer or polymer spray. Be sure to use coating products that are specially formulated for sublimation purposes.

Always follow curing instructions based on manufacturer guidelines both before and after sublimating the item. Curing the coating before printing allows the inks to permanently fuse with the polymers when heat is applied.

FAQ