The 9 Mistakes to Avoid in Sublimation
Sublimation printing, a technique accessible to both beginners and professionals, allows for printing on a wide variety of materials, as long as they have a polyester coating. This technique is very popular because, in addition to being versatile, it is inexpensive and very easy to implement. In fact, it is the simplest on the market!
However, before you start printing and customizing, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow to avoid common beginner mistakes. Below is a compilation of the most frequent errors, and you'll get your customizations right the first time!
Position the paper the wrong way around
When you print using dye sublimation, you use a special type of paper onto which the ink is deposited. However, this is not standard paper like you would find in a regular office printer. Dye sublimation paper is not printed on both sides. Therefore, you must be careful when positioning it in the printer to ensure your image prints on the correct side.
If you're using TruePix paper, for example, you need to print on the whiter side . So, place the darker side facing you in the tray. To see which side is correct, we recommend positioning yourself near a light source and turning the paper over.
Use cheap inks
Sublimation printing is a technique that requires very specific inks. Even if these inks seem expensive, it's essential to use official inks designed for your printer. If you're using a Sawgrass printer, choose official Sawgrass inks. The same applies to Epson printers. Cheap inks, even those claiming to be "compatible" with your printer, could damage it and cause printing problems.
Furthermore, in case of a problem, if you have used unofficial inks, you risk losing the warranty on your machine.
Forgetting to select mirror mode
Note that for some images you will absolutely need to select mirror mode. This is especially true if you have lettering or if the orientation of your image is important.
When you want to use sublimation printing, you position the printed image face down on the object or fabric. Therefore, if your text wasn't mirrored at some point, it's very likely to end up upside down on your finished product.
Do not print with SPM
Sawgrass Print Manager (SPM) is a free software program that works in conjunction with Creative Studio and Sawgrass printers . While Creative Studio allows you to create and lay out your artwork, SPM translates the colors for the printer . In other words, this software is essential for achieving the color reproduction you truly want.
If you do not print via SPM, your visuals may appear dull as they come out of the printer and after pressing.
SPM is a free software that you can download directly from the Sawgrass website or by clicking here.
Do not remove the protective film from the products
If you've chosen polyester sublimation for its versatility and numerous customizable substrates, you've probably noticed that some have a plastic film. This transparent plastic film protects the white sublimation surface to minimize scratches, stains, and dust accumulation.
Many products on our site feature this film. This includes ChromaLuxe plates, door hangers, lunch box plates, and more.
Before pressing, always check if the item has this film and remove it !
Do not use high-temperature tape
Sublimation printing allows you to personalize textiles and objects, sometimes very small ones. However, sublimation paper is quite volatile. Therefore, at the end of the press's countdown, when it lifts up, it can sometimes pull the paper along with it.
If this happens, you may encounter a problem. Your image will not transfer correctly and may even appear duplicated on your device, as in the example below.
Do not protect your support
When you personalize an object or textile using sublimation printing, you expose it to intense heat for several minutes. By using a finishing sheet or a Teflon sheet, you significantly extend its lifespan. This tip is therefore valid regardless of the personalization technique you use.
Teflon sheet retains more heat, while finishing sheet can help you give a matte or glossy look to your creations.
In addition to protecting your textile support, the sheet will also protect your heat press to prevent staining the upper platen.
Failure to comply with pressing conditions
To achieve perfect sublimation printing, it's important to respect the pressing conditions for each item. These conditions vary from one product to another, depending on the material, size, and shape of your item. For some items, for example, you'll need a specific press : caps, mugs, plates, balloons, etc.
To determine the correct pressing times and temperatures, refer to the pressing instructions on the product sheets. You can also find all the pressing instructions for each material in our summary sheet below:
Do not use protective gloves
If you've carefully reviewed the pressing instructions above, you've probably noticed that peeling is always done while hot. So, at the end of your press's countdown, you'll need to remove your print. But be careful of burns! Your product has spent several minutes at 180 or even 200°C and is extremely hot.
It is therefore important to equip yourself with high-temperature protective gloves to customize your materials safely.
Need more information about Sublimation? We offer free online training. To register, click here.
Alternatively, you can always contact us by phone at 01 34 33 01 55!
