To achieve the best results, it is recommended to conduct a test run with a small piece of vinyl before sublimating your main design. This will allow you to fine-tune the temperature and pressure settings to achieve the desired outcome. Remember, each vinyl type and sublimation paper may require different settings, so it’s always important to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. For the white iron-on vinyl layer, prepare a green StandardGrip machine mat with the white HTV, shiny side down, and secure it with a brayer.

So that means you can use the dye sublimation transfer process on polyester T-shirts, totebags, aprons, garden flags, and pillowcases, yes, but it also means things with a polyester coating, of which there are really many! You can get sublimation blanks for countless items… ceramic mugs, stainless steel tumblers, mouse pads, puzzles, coasters, oven mitts, there are SO many things! It’s also possible to do things like wood and MDF when you use a special layer. If there’s something you want to sublimate, you can likely find a way to do it! Everything you see in the photo below is something I sublimated! Aren’t they cool? After soaking, rinse the sublimated vinyl thoroughly with clean water. Ensure that all traces of detergent are removed. Print Onto Source Paper — To begin with, the design is printed onto the special transfer paper we mentioned earlier using a sublimation printer. You can’t use a standard household printer as it needs to work with dedicated sublimation inks. You can effectively sublimate on certain types of Circut-brand vinyl, so long as it has a polyester coating. Circut’s white glitter HTV works especially well for this purpose. The easiest way to sublimate onto HTV is to use the heat press for sublimation with the vinyl attached to the shirt or blank.I also like to have things like heat-resistant tape on hand to keep my prints in place so they don’t shift during the process. Other useful things to have are pressing mats and heat-resistant gloves. Links to everything I’m mentioning here above! Having provided an overview of vinyl and sublimation, it should be easy to decide on the path to take. Simply weigh the pros against the cons. A: When using an EasyPress, you’ll want to press your clear HTV at 385° F (196° C) for 30 seconds to apply it to your shirt, and then sublimate at the same temperature for 55 seconds. Best Vinyl for Sublimation The best vinyl for sublimation is white glitter HTV because most types of glitter HTV use polyester flakes for the glitter particles. This makes sublimating onto the surface super easy! The glitter also creates an interesting slightly raised texture in the design, which can look nice on a t-shirt or fabric bag.

Alright, beyond the sublimation printer and sublimation ink, you’ll need something to print onto. Sublimation Paper

Best Vinyl for Sublimation

Sublimated vinyl is a popular choice for various applications, from custom apparel to promotional items. To ensure its longevity and vibrant appearance, proper cleaning and maintenance techniques are crucial. In this section, we will explore the best practices for cleaning and caring for sublimated vinyl. Gentle Handwashing Techniques Remove the butcher paper and let the design cool off for a few seconds before removing the tape and paper while it’s still warm to reveal your design. Sublimation printing on vinyl begins with selecting a type of heat transfer or adhesive vinyl with a polyester coating. The printer can either print an image onto the vinyl or use a transfer sheet to place a design on the vinyl. A heat press with precise temperature and timing will activate the sublimation process.

Set your heat press to 350℉. You will use a pressing time of just 25 seconds for this kind of vinyl. As always, you start at the computer with a digital image. Print this out onto sublimation transfer paper using a sublimation printer. Make sure you reverse or mirror the image, as you apply the print face-down onto the HTV. Note: These are general recommendations and may vary depending on the specific vinyl and sublimation paper used. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal results. Apply to Transfer Paper — Once the machine has finished the cut, you can place the vinyl piece onto the transfer paper to make it easier to place it on the product. Well, both vinyl and sublimation are relatively easy to execute. You only need to learn how to use a vinyl cutter for vinyl and a sublimation printer for sublimation.

The temperature is one of the most important factors when determining sublimation heat press settings. It is important to find the best temperature for the material you are using. Too high of a temperature can cause damage to the substrate, while too low of a temperature can result in a blurry or faded design. I list all of the temperatures I’ve successfully used on all the blanks I’ve tried in my Sublimation Cookbook.

Next, open up the program you use to run your electronic cutting machine for vinyl. Use the trace function to cut out a shape from the HTV just ⅛” of an inch smaller than the sublimation print. Gently squeeze out excess water from the item. Avoid wringing or twisting, as it can distort the design or cause the vinyl to stretch. The decision is now in your hands. Hopefully, this post has helped you see things much clearer, and you can now decide between sublimation and vinyl without hesitation. Use heat-safe tape like ThermoTape to attach the transfer paper face-down on top of the vinyl. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top and bottom of the vinyl and transfer paper.Abrasive materials: Scrub brushes, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaning tools should never be used on sublimated vinyl. These materials can scratch or damage the design, resulting in a distorted or faded appearance.