How to Sublimate T-Shirts ?

Sublimation is a printing process that uses heat to transfer vibrant, full-color designs onto polyester fabrics. It’s perfect for creating custom t-shirts that look professional and last long.



1. Choose the Right T-Shirt

  • Material: 100% polyester is best; blends can work but colors may appear lighter.

  • Color: Light-colored shirts display sublimation designs most effectively.

2. Prepare Your Design

  • Create your design in software like Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva.

  • Mirror the image before printing so it transfers correctly.

  • Print using sublimation ink on sublimation paper—regular inkjet or laser ink won’t work.

3. Preheat the Shirt

  • Press the blank t-shirt for 5–10 seconds on your heat press to remove moisture and wrinkles.

  • This ensures even color transfer.

4. Position the Design

  • Place the printed sublimation paper face-down on the shirt where you want the image.

  • Use heat-resistant tape if needed to keep it in place.

5. Heat Press

  • Temperature: 385–400°F (195–205°C)

  • Time: 45–60 seconds

  • Pressure: Medium to firm

  • Apply heat evenly. Avoid lifting the press early to prevent smudging.

6. Remove Paper and Cool

  • Carefully peel the paper while the shirt is still warm.

  • Let the shirt cool completely before wearing or folding.

7. Care for Your Sublimated T-Shirt

  • Wash inside out in cold water.

  • Avoid bleach and harsh detergents.

  • Tumble dry low or hang dry for best results.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DIY Sublimation Ornament | Step-by-Step Design & Heat Transfer Tutorial

Image
Custom sublimation ornaments are a fun and meaningful way to decorate your home or create unique gifts for friends and family. Whether you're preparing for the holidays or looking to expand your small business offerings, sublimation on ornaments is a simple, rewarding project that results in professional, lasting designs. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to design, print, and heat press sublimation ornaments from start to finish — even if you're a complete beginner. Materials You'll Need To get started, you'll need: Blank Sublimation Ornaments (MDF, aluminum, or ceramic – coated for sublimation) Sublimation Printer (e.g., Epson EcoTank converted for sublimation or Sawgrass SG500) Sublimation Ink Sublimation Transfer Paper (A-SUB or similar) Heat Press Machine (flat press works best) Heat-Resistant Tape & Gloves Parchment Paper or Protective Sheets Design Software (Canva, Photoshop, or Photopea) 👉 Pro Tip: You can find high-qua...
Read more

What Are Sublimation Blanks? A Practical Guide for Custom T-shirt Sellers & Entrepreneurs

Image
If you're planning to start a custom T-shirt business or already run a personalized gift shop, the term “sublimation blanks” is something you'll definitely come across. But what does it really mean, and how do you choose the right ones for your business? In this guide, we break it all down in plain language — with real-life tips, common mistakes, and what to look for if you're working with T-shirts. 1. What Does “Sublimation Blank” Actually Mean? In simple terms, a sublimation blank is any blank product made specifically for sublimation printing . When it comes to T-shirts, sublimation blanks refer to white or light-colored polyester shirts that are treated to accept sublimation ink . Think of it like this: sublimation printing is like “steam-dyeing” a shirt — and sublimation blanks are the special fabric that can absorb that “steam.” You can’t just use any regular cotton tee — the results will be poor or invisible. 2. How Does Sublimation Work (and Why It’s Great f...
Read more

What is the Best Sublimation Printer for T-Shirts?

Image
 If you're starting a custom T-shirt business or looking to upgrade your setup, you’ve probably asked yourself: what is the best sublimation printer for T-shirts? It’s a smart question — because your printer choice can make or break your product quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Let’s break this down in a clear, practical way — like how I’d explain it to a fellow small business owner over coffee. What Does "Best Sublimation Printer for T-Shirts" Really Mean? When we ask what is the best sublimation printer for T-shirts , we’re not just talking about the machine that costs the most or has the fanciest specs. We’re really asking: 👉 Which printer will deliver vivid, durable designs that stay bright wash after wash? 👉 Which printer is affordable, reliable, and scalable for a small business? 👉 Which printer fits my workflow, space, and budget ? So, “best” depends on your goals. Are you doing small-batch custom orders? Or preparing to scale up produc...
Read more