Have you ever heard of sublimation printing? It’s a process that can be used to print images and designs onto fabric.
In this article, we will discuss the sublimation printing process in detail. We will also see the benefits of using this printing method.
If you’re looking for a way to print custom designs on clothing for your business, then sublimation printing may be the perfect solution!
What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing (a dye sublimation printing)is a digital printing technology that uses heat to transfer ink onto a substrate. It is commonly used to print on polyester-based substrates, such as flags, banners, and clothing.
Sublimation printing has several advantages over other types of printing technologies. It produces vibrant and durable results, is relatively fast and easy to set up, and does not require harsh chemicals.
How does Sublimation Printing Works?
In sublimation printing, the ink is first printed onto a transfer paper as a reverse image of the desired design. Then, the sublimation paper is placed on the substrate, and the two are pressed together with a heat press. The heat transfer causes the ink to vaporize and sublimate into the substrate, creating a permanent image.
Sublimation printing is an ideal solution for businesses that need to produce high-quality, customized products in a short amount of time. It is also well-suited for companies that sell frequently updated or changed products, such as sports teams that need to print new jerseys with player names and numbers.
Equipment Needed for Sublimation Printing:
You will need a few equipments to start sublimation printing:
- Sublimation printer: These printers print onto unique substrates using heat transfer inks.
- Heat press: A heat press transfers the image from the paper to the substrate.
- Substrate: This can be anything from a coffee mug to a piece of fabric.
- Sublimation inks: These inks are designed to be transferred onto the substrate using heat.
- Computer and printer: You will use these to create your designs.
- Software: Used to create your designs. Adobe Photoshop is a popular option for this.
- Transfer paper: This paper prints your design onto the substrate.
- Gloves and other protective gear: This is important because sublimation inks can harm your skin.
- Workspace: This should be a well-ventilated area where you can work without being disturbed.
- Power source: This is necessary to operate the heat press and sublimation printer.
If you choose to print yourself, you’ll need these requirements. However, we suggest finding a professional company to get the job done. In this case, Lezhou Garment is the best option. We provide high-quality sublimation printing at an affordable price. Contact us today to get started!
How much Does Sublimation Printing Cost?
The cost of Sublimation printing depends on a few factors, including the design, the number of colors, the type of fabric, and the brand reputation.
Factors that Affect Sublimation Printing Cost
If you want to order Sublimation printed clothes, there are a few factors you need to consider to get an accurate quote.
- Design: The first factor is the design. The more colors and the more intricate the design, the higher the printing cost. So if you want to save money, choose designs that are one or two colors, and have a simple layout.
- The number of colors: The second factor is the number of colors in the design. The more colors, the higher the printing cost. So if you want to save money, choose designs with fewer colors.
- Fabric type: The third factor is the type of fabric. Some fabrics are more expensive to print on than others. So if you want to save money, choose a cheaper fabric.
These are just estimates; the actual price will depend on the specific design, fabric, and other factors. However, this will give you a general idea of how much Sublimation printing costs.
These are the 3 main factors that affect the cost of Sublimation printing. Keep these in mind when you are getting a quote to get an accurate price.
How to Save Money on Sublimation Printing?
If you want to sell Sublimation printed clothes, your main goal will be to get as much profit as possible. So you are probably looking for ways to decrease the cost of Sublimation Printing. Here are some tips that will help you:
- Order in bulk: The more peices you order, the cheaper it will be per piece. This is because the setup cost is fixed and will be divided among many products.
- Choose simple designs: The more colors and intricate the design, the higher the printing cost. So if you want to save money, choose designs that are one or two colors, and have a simple layout.
- Find Factories with lower rates: Of course, this will take some time and research. But it will be worth it in the end because you can save a lot of money by finding a factory with lower printing rates. Lezhou Garment can be a great choice!
- Join a group order: If you know other people who also want to get Sublimation printed clothes, see if you can join their group order. This way, you will get a lower price per piece since the total order amount will be higher.
These are some ways that can help you save money on Sublimation Printing. By following these tips, you can ensure that your business is profitable and that you can sell your clothes reasonably.
Advantages of Sublimation Printing:
There are many advantages to using sublimation printing, including:
- Vibrant and durable results:
When you use sublimation printing, you can achieve vibrant and durable results.
The ink is vaporized and sublimated into the substrate, creating a permanent image that will not fade or crack over time.
This makes sublimation printing an excellent choice for businesses that need to produce high-quality, durable prints.
Additionally, because no harsh chemicals are used in the sublimation process, it is safe for both people and the environment.
- Breathable
Sublimation printing technology is undoubtedly the most breathable of all printing processes. Whether you touch it or put it on, it is super soft and comfortable and feels like just nothing on the surface of the clothing.
- Relatively fast and easy to set up:
Another significant advantage of sublimation printing is that it is relatively fast and easy to set up.
Once you have the necessary equipment ready, you can start printing your designs within minutes.
Additionally, because there is no need for drying time, you can print your designs and have them ready to use immediately.
- Ideal for businesses that sell products that are frequently updated or changed:
Sublimation printing is ideal if you have a business that sells frequently updated or changed products, such as sports jerseys with player names and numbers.
You can easily print new designs and have them ready to use in a short amount of time.
Because the sublimation process does not use harsh chemicals, you can safely and quickly update your products without worrying about damaging them.
Disadvantages of sublimation printing:
There are a few drawbacks of sublimation printing to consider, such as:
- Can be expensive:
At starting, you’ll need to place a bulk order to get your per-piece price down, which can be expensive for small businesses.
But once you find the clothing ready, it will be easy to get more orders as you already have the design and file.
- Specialty equipment is necessary:
The equipment can be costly if you want to do it yourself. You’ll need a commercial heat press, sublimation printer, and specific inks and papers.
But once you have the equipment, you can use it repeatedly without having to replace it.
We recommend hiring a professional company to do your sublimation printing for you. This way, you’ll get high-quality prints without worrying about the cost or equipment.
In conclusion, sublimation printing has advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before deciding if it is a suitable printing method for your business.
- Fabric limited
Sublimation printing can be printed on polyester fabric only or the color will fade very soon. The more polyester, the better the printing result. I recommend using the fabric with at least 90%polyester.
- Sublimation printing color is on the surface only
The printing is on the surface of the fabric, when you see the backside, the fabric is plain white. If that’s not acceptable, sublimation printing might not your best option.
Sublimation Printing VS Silk Screen Printing
Sublimation printing is a process that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials such as polyester or cotton.
The process begins with a design being created on a computer and then transferred to a printer.
The printer prints the image using special sublimation inks, heated until they turn into gas. The gas penetrates the material, and the dye is permanently bonded to the fabric.
Silk screen printing is an older printing technique originally used to print images on textiles such as silk and cotton.
A stencil is created for each image color, and each color is printed one at a time by pressing ink through the stencil onto the fabric. Silk screen printers can print on various materials.
- Breathable: sublimation printing is better than screen printing
- Price: when your graphic is simple, small size and no more than 3 colours, screen printing is cheaper, and vice versa.
- Fabric limitation: Screen printing has no restrictions on fabrics while sublimation printing can only print on polyester fabric.
- Graphic limitation: Screen printing can only print some simple and solid color graphics while sublimation printing has no limitations for graphic designs.
- Quality: Our screen printing can stay well after washing at least 40-50 times. Sublimation printing will last forever no matter how you wash it.
Sublimation Printing VS DTG Printing
There are a few critical differences between sublimation printing and DTG printing:
Sublimation printing is a digital printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto paper or fabric. The dyes are stored in a solid state within the printer cartridge, and the heat from the printer fuses them into a gas that the material can absorb. This type of printing is most often used for transferring images onto mugs, phone cases, ornaments, and other small items.
DTG (direct to garment) printing is a digital printing process that prints directly onto fabric using inkjet technology. It can be used to print full-color designs with photographic quality on any color fabric. DTG printing is most often used for printing t-shirts and other garments.
- Breathable: sublimation printing is better than DTG printing
- Price: sublimation printing is cheaper
- Fabric limitation: sublimation printing can only be printed on the polyester fabric while DTG printing has to be printed on fabric with silicon oil or they will crack or fade.
- Graphic limitation: Both of them are not limited.
- Quality: DTG printing can last for washing around 30-40 times. Sublimation printing will last forever.
- Color: Sublimation printing is more vivid.
Can Sublimation Printing Apply to Any Kind of Fabric?
The short answer is no. Sublimation printing cannot be applied to any fabric.
The main reason for this is that for the ink to be transferred from the printing paper to the fabric, the fabric must first be treated with a special coating that allows the ink to adhere.
Not all fabrics can withstand this treatment, so only fabric that is made of polyester fabric.
If you’re not sure if a fabric is compatible with sublimation printing, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer before attempting to print on it.
Conclusion
So, what is sublimation printing? It is a process that uses heat to transfer dye onto a surface.
The dye becomes a gas and penetrates the fabric, leaving a permanent print. This printing technique allows for vibrant colors, detailed clothing, and other fabric designs.
Are you looking to add some unique flair to your wardrobe or want custom clothes made for your business? Sublimation printing may be the perfect solution.
If you need help determining whether sublimation printing is right for you, please contact us, Lezhou Garment; with over ten years of experience in manufacturing custom clothing, we can assist you in making the best decision for your business.
What are you waiting for? Get started today!