Personalizing dark textiles with sublimation is possible!

March 24, 2022

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 ink vaporizes and penetrates the fabric fibers directly. This process results in a product that is perfectly soft and smooth to the touch , with high-quality definition. This means the image becomes an integral part of the fabric without any added thickness. Please note that this feature is not available for cotton sublimation.

The problem with sublimation is that you can only work on white or very light-colored fabrics. However, there are alternatives for printing on dark fabrics using a simple polyester sublimation printer (sublijet ink) and specific papers.

Specialty Papers for Sublimation

Sublimation enthusiasts know that making marks on black or dark surfaces with classic sublimation paper (Truepix, Sublim'éco…) is impossible… Unless you have the right paper!

To personalize dark fabrics, you'll need a specific type of heat transfer vinyl. This process will give you vibrant colors and good wash resistance (up to 50 washes). Note that, unlike polyester sublimation, there will be a slight increase in thickness because the image isn't embedded in the fabric's weave; it's a transfer applied directly to the textile surface.

By using the papers below with your polyester printer, you can personalize cotton textiles, whether colored or dark!

The Liberty Subli by CFP Flex

The strength of Liberty Subli paper lies in its ease of use, whether in terms of handling, cutting, or pressing. At 120 microns thick, it allows you to achieve a fine, soft, and elastic result with vibrant and deep colors. Highly durable, it can be washed approximately 40 times at 30°C without losing its color brilliance.

It also has the unique feature of being compatible with inkjet printers.

This printable flex material is made in France with respect for the environment. Composed of water-based polyurethane, it releases no solvents into the atmosphere, only water. With a low carbon footprint, it complies with REACH and Oeko-Tex standards.

To create projects using Liberty Subli paper:

Create your own image or import your photo
Using a dye-sublimation or inkjet printer, print your design without activating mirror mode (the design must be facing you when printing). Also print the registration marks if you intend to cut with a plotter.
Wait 5 minutes after printing and then cut it out using a plotter or simple scissors. Be careful, the ink dries quickly.
Peel your design from the adhesive polyester backing by hand. For pre-spaced shapes (such as lettering), use transfer tape.
Position your garment and design on the heat press. The transfer is quick and takes place at a low temperature: 15-20 seconds at 120-135°C. For a black polyester t-shirt, 5 seconds of pressing is sufficient.
If the use of tape was necessary, perform a cold peel

Liberty Subli is available in packs of 10 or 50 sheets in A4 and A3 format.

The Liberty Patch by CFP Flex

At 300 microns thick, Liberty Patch allows you to create markings on dark fabrics with a woven effect . The result is similar to embroidery and perfect for creating patch -style markings . This paper is the most resistant to high washing temperatures: up to 95°C for approximately 40 washes! It is therefore suitable for professional or sportswear such as sports uniforms or bags.

The Liberty Patch is also made in France and is just as environmentally friendly with its aqueous composition and its compliance with REACH, Vegan and Oekotex standards.

How to use Liberty Patch paper:

Print in mirror image mode on standard sublimation paper (such as Truepix)
Position the Liberty Patch on a heat press and place your printed image face down on the Liberty Patch
Press at 190°C for 50 seconds (medium pressure)
Peel while hot
Cut manually with scissors or using a plotter
Peel your image off the adhesive liner
Place the cut-out Liberty Patch onto your fabric, printed side facing you, and place a sheet of parchment paper on top
Press at 190°C for 50 seconds

Liberty Patch is available in packs of 10 or 50 sheets in A4 and A3 format.

The Liberty Patch Satin Effect by CFP Flex

Discover the latest release from CFP: Liberty Patch Satin Effect! Similar to Liberty Patch, this new paper allows you to create projects with a woven, satin finish. It is compatible with Sublijet sublimation inks and offers all the advantages of Liberty Patch (environmentally friendly, low carbon footprint, high wash resistance, etc.).

You can use it on a wide variety of materials: light and dark textiles, cotton, polyester, elastane, nylon, poly-cotton…

How to personalize your projects with Liberty Patch Satin Effect

Print in mirror image mode on standard sublimation paper (such as Truepix)
Position the Liberty Patch Satin Effect paper on a heat press and place your printed image face down on the Liberty Patch Satin Effect paper
Press at 170°C for 80 seconds with light pressure. Wait 60 seconds before peeling
Cut manually with scissors or using a plotter
Peel your image off the adhesive liner
Place the Liberty Patch Satin Effect on your fabric, printed side facing you, and place a protective sheet on top
Press at 150°C for 20 seconds and peel

The Liberty Patch Satin Effect is available in packs of 10 or 50 sheets in A4 and A3 format.

The EasySubli by Siser

Easy Subli paper is also very easy to use. At 220 microns thick, it delivers intense color reproduction for professional results. You'll also save valuable time printing, as it prints in just 30 seconds.

It can withstand approximately fifty washes at 30°C, but it can be washed up to 60°C. However, if you wash the item at a high temperature, its lifespan will be closer to thirty washes.

This paper has several certifications such as REACH, Oeko-Tex or Standard 100 Class I. You can therefore personalize bodysuits, baby bibs or children's water bottles with complete peace of mind.

For optimal results, you can use Siser's Easy'Subli sublimation inks. The colorfastness will be more stable and long-lasting.

Using it couldn't be simpler:

Print your image on EasySubli paper
Cut out your image with scissors if it's simple, or otherwise use a plotter to outline it
Remove the liner
Place your image on your fabric, with a protective sheet on top, and press for 15 seconds at 155°C with medium pressure
Perform your peeling while hot (or cold if you used transfer tape)

EasySubli is available in packs of 10 or 50 sheets in A4 or A3 format.

Need more information on Sublimation? We offer free online training (webinars) on this topic: