Then, load the mat with your printed sheet into the machine and press the flashing button to cut your design. When it comes to cleaning sublimated vinyl, gentle handwashing is the preferred method. This approach helps to preserve the integrity of the design and prevent any damage to the vinyl itself. Here are some steps to follow when handwashing sublimated vinyl: You normally need to press for a full minute to complete the sublimation. You may want to do a sample run and try just 30 seconds first to see if that produces vivid results, though, as the precise timing can vary depending on the brand of glitter HTV you select. A: Even the best sublimation T-shirts on white polyester fabrics will eventually fade a little bit. To keep the sublimation image on your shirt looking nice and vibrant, turn your shirts inside out before washing them. That way, the front of the shirt won’t rub against other things in the machine. Use warm or cold water and a mild detergent to keep the design vibrant, and don’t wash them with a lot of other colors. Gentle cycle is best. Take your sublimated shirts out of the wash right when they’re done — you don’t want them sitting crumpled up and wet. Hang dry or use a dryer set to air dry or low heat. The main reason is to not expose your sublimation shirts to super high heat again, as the ink might sublimate out. Most dryers won’t get that hot on a normal setting, but the heat can still accelerate fading, as well as wear on the vinyl itself — so hanging dry is always a good idea.

Overall, sublimation on vinyl offers a unique and versatile method of printing that produces vibrant and long-lasting designs. By properly understanding and implementing the sublimation process, you can create stunning and durable vinyl products. To follow this tutorial using cotton T-Shirts and clear sublimation HTV, you’ll need regular white HTV if you’re making a color shirt, as well as some standard sublimation supplies like a sublimation printer (I’ll use my converted Epson Eco-Tank), a heat press (like a Cricut EasyPress 2, or another style), sublimation transfer paper, and other items you can find in my materials list. Follow my list so you can make sure to get the right products. To sublimate onto glitter HTV, you follow almost all the above steps for sublimating on regular HTV. The only variation is in timing and temperature.Allow the item to air dry completely before storing or wearing it. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause fading. Then it’s at the final stage where the actual sublimation takes place. The heat and constant pressure open the material’s pores and turn the dye into a gas, allowing it to permeate and become one with the product. Thus, making a wonderfully durable, non-fading custom design. Vinyl Printing: The Process Use a brayer to smooth the clear HTV - shiny side down - onto a clean green StandardGrip mat. The matte side should be facing up.

You can print on a vast array of materials and products using the sublimation method. However, you’ll need a different heat press dependent on the type of products you wish to use. Use the Layers Panel to make sure you have the Offset layer selected and change the Operation to "Basic Cut." The shape will automatically change to gray, which is fine. This will be my clear HTV layer. Align the transfer print side down on top of the HTV. The transfer should just overlap the edges of the HTV. You may want to use heat-resistant tape to secure it in place. Sublimation on vinyl is a fascinating process that allows for the transfer of vibrant and detailed designs onto vinyl surfaces. It involves the transformation of a solid dye into a gas, which then permeates the vinyl and becomes a part of its structure. This results in a permanent and durable print that is resistant to fading and rubbing off. Adding a protective coating or sealant to your sublimated vinyl can provide an extra layer of protection against fading, discoloration, and wear. These coatings act as a barrier, shielding the design from external factors such as UV rays, moisture, and abrasion.

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. You can transfer dye-sublimation printing onto a LOT of things! You can sublimate gorgeous, full color designs into anything made of polyester or anything with a polyester coating. To maintain vibrancy and detail, it is essential to use high-quality sublimation inks and vinyl materials. Additionally, ensuring that the sublimation process is conducted at the correct temperature and pressure settings can help preserve the integrity of the design. One effective way to prevent sublimation issues on vinyl is by using heat transfer vinyl (HTV). HTV acts as a barrier between the sublimated design and the vinyl surface, providing an extra layer of protection. This not only helps to prevent fading and discoloration but also adds durability to your designs. Related: The Ultimate Guide To Heat Press T Shirts: Benefits, Tips, And Troubleshooting Blurring or Distortion of Designs