What is sublimation?
Sublimation is the simplest and most effective technique for transferring high-quality photos or images onto a wide variety of materials. It is a printing technique that requires very specific inks.
Using a sublimation printer, you can print your design onto sublimation-compatible transfer paper. Then, under the heat and pressure of a heat press, the design is transferred onto the fabric.
There are two types of sublimation printing: polyester sublimation and cotton sublimation. With cotton sublimation, the image is bonded to the fabric, creating a very slight raised layer. In contrast, with polyester sublimation, the ink penetrates the fabric fibers completely. To learn more about polyester sublimation, please see our dedicated article by following this link.
Cotton Sublimation
Cotton sublimation allows you to print on white or very light-colored (pale pink, pale blue, ecru, etc.) made of at least 60% cotton. You can personalize items such as cushion covers, t-shirts, baby bodysuits, and more. You can work with high-quality materials and create multi-color transfers.
However, if you want to personalize a wide variety of items, especially objects, you should consider polyester sublimation. This method is more versatile and allows you to personalize both textiles and objects.
What are the advantages of Cotton Sublimation?
- This is the simplest technique on the market.
- It's ideal for getting started in personalization and doesn't require a large budget or investment.
- It's suitable for both individuals and professionals.
- It allows you to create designs on high-quality materials.
- It enables multi-color transfers with gradients : photos, black and white, sepia effect.
- It allows you to reproduce high-definition images.
- Excellent machine wash resistance : 50 washes at 30°C.
What are the steps involved in Cotton Sublimation?
- Print your design on sublimation paper (Chromablast) in mirror image
- Cut it out with scissors or using a cutting plotter
- Place your image on your textile material in the heat press and press for 30 seconds at 190°C
- Perform the hot peeling
And there you have it, the trick is done!
What equipment is needed for Cotton Sublimation?
- A printer suitable for sublimation: the Sawgrass SG500 (A4) or the Sawgrass SG1000 (A3)
- A set of 4 Chromablast ink cartridges
Chromablast cotton sublimation paper
- A heat press such as the 38 x 38 cm Side Opening Heat Press
- Cotton media
- Accessories: high-temperature tape , high-temperature protective gloves , Teflon sheet , etc.
Need more information on Sublimation? We offer free online training (webinars) on this topic:
- Sublimation
- SG500 / SG1000 Sublimation Printers
- Sublimation: Maintenance and Tips
- Creative Studio Software
- SPM Software
- Enhance ChromaLuxe
- Personalize your Dark Textiles with Sublimation
- EasySubli Paper
- Liberty Subli
- Liberty Patch
- Liberty Patch Satin Effect
Find all the dates and register by clicking on this link.
Also check out all our video tutorials on our YouTube channel.
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See you soon,
The Créadhésif Team
