I do have a lot of paintings on my wall at home and I always wondered, how can I print my designs on these canvases. Yes, you can think about what’s the harm in printing on a photo paper and getting it framed. But, those canvas frames have their charm and I just love the look of them.
I did some testing with my sublimation paper and white canvas but it always gave below-par results. This got me thinking that can you sublimate on canvas? Then an idea struck me, why not use the similar technique that I use on wood sublimation? Yes, you got it right, we can laminate the canvas first and then do sublimation print on them.
Nowadays, you may get such fabrics that look like canvas and have sublimation coating on them, but it’s really hard to find them, and it’s better to go ahead with lamination.
So, without further ado, let’s jump straight into the method of sublimation on canvas.
How Does Sublimation Printing Work?
Let us take an example of printing on a fabric. Traditional printing will only let you print color on the fabric surface. Sublimation printers use heat to transfuse the ink into the fabric and merge them.
To simplify it, traditional printing is like drawing with a pen, while sublimation is like tattooing your skin.
The image is printed on paper. This paper is placed on the printing surface. After applying heat and pressure, the ink leaves the paper and sublimes onto the surface, giving a smooth print texture.
So, your newly printed canvas will look great on those walls.
What are the Tools Required for Sublimation Printing on Canvas?
Now that you have learned how the sublimation process works, it is time to gather the tools used for sublimation canvas.
Sublimation Printer
You will need a sublimation printer for this type of printing. These printers are compatible with sublimation ink.
You can go ahead with dedicated sublimation printers or inkjet-converted printers. We have written detailed guide on these and you should go through them before proceeding.
Sublimation Paper and Ink
Due to heat, traditional ink and paper won’t work, as the ink can be smeared off the paper. Sublimation ink is designed to be sublime and, hence, is used.
Standard paper can support the printing process but might lead to ink wastage. So, it is recommended to use sublimation paper to save the hassle.
Sublimation Software
Designing a project is as important as printing it. You may need the right image processor for your design job. Some of the most popular software in this area are Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, Canva, Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and Sketch. You can also opt for free software like GIMP.
Lamination Sheet
You can pick up any over the counter thermal lamination sheets from your nearest store or Walmart. The sheet will stuck to your canvas and will act as a base for absorbing sublimation ink.
Cutting Machine (Optional)
A cutting machine is generally used to cut off the extra portion of your sublimation paper. Sometimes, your sublimation paper might be bigger than your print. It might leave the extra paper dangling. To avoid this, use a cutting machine or a simple cutter to cut the extra paper.
Heat Press
A heat press is the most essential part of the printing process. A heat-pressing machine presses the sublimation paper and the canvas against each other to create the final product.
Some Extras
You always need these additional items to support your work. Tools like Heat resistant tape, heat resistant gloves, butcher paper, white cardstock always come handy while doing sublimation printing.
Process of Sublimation on Canvas
With all the tools in place, you can now enjoy the process and express your creativity through printing. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step #1: Prepare Your Design
We used Silhouette Studio to create our design. Make sure to mirror the same before printing. Always remember to choose the right size of paper settings before printing. We used 13inch x 19inch sublimation paper this time, but you can take a smaller one depending on your design.
Step #2: Prepare Your Canvas
Heat your canvas by keeping a laminating paper over it. Maintain the temperature at around 380°F while you heat your canvas and laminate film. Heat it for around 15 seconds. Different canvas types will have varied requirements.
If you see any bubbles, then use any card (like credit card) to smoothen out those bubbles.
Step #3: Heat Press
Finally, place your image on the canvas and align it. Use tape to level temporarily. Place them in the machine and press down for 40-45 seconds at 380°F.
Afterward, remove the sublimation paper and let the canvas cool.
Step #4: Admire Your Art
Once your canvas is cooled off, your art is ready. Sublimation printing provides excellent quality. Thus, these canvases can be gifted, showcased, or sold.
Conclusion
To sum it up, this printing is a useful way to scale your DIY (do-it-yourself) projects. It can help you print your art over a ceramic mug or surface with polymeric elements.
Your artwork will shine and receive praise with its high-quality prints and perfect color distribution.
Sublimation canvas printing can be costly. Its sublimation paper and ink requirement makes it less economical than traditional printing. But if you are looking for an unmatched quality, sublimation printing is what you should go for.
With the simple steps in this article, gather all the tools and start your creative journey!
