What Materials Can Be Sublimated?

It is very important to note that dye sublimation should be used with polyester or polyester-coated material. While this can be confining to the kind of fabrics that can be applied, it leaves the field wide open for other non-fabric opportunities, such as trade show displays, tiles, and sporting goods.

These materials are unable to be printed on when using the other well-known printing processes, heat transferring and screen printing.

Some polyester-coated materials require different techniques when using the sublimated method.

Sublimation Printing on Fabric

There are several things to learn when using dye sublimation on fabrics for items like, T-shirts, dresses, tablecloths, custom tents, etc. “All-over” designs where a pattern or image covers the entire print are a popular option when using this process, as it’s easy to do.

Some hindrances that can occur when printing on fabric is that random white creases can appear on the printed fabric. This is usually due to not setting the transfer paper correctly, causing it to be folded over or become wet. One must be attentive when setting up prints for sublimating.

Also, if someone wanted their graphic to be slightly textured, this kind of printing isn’t the right choice as it’s for replicating the look, not the feel. One must use their best judgement when choosing a design to appear on a shirt.

Sublimation Printing on Glass

Since glass can break easily, it is important that more caution is taken when using dye sublimation printing. The heat press needs to be used carefully. The heat press pad can provide extra covering for the glass, but this isn’t required.

Another thing that must be remembered when printing on glass is that the way glass heats up is different from the more conventional fabrics often used. Occasionally, the heat can cause foggy sections in the print, so halftones can be used to cover this issue.

Another solution to the problem is using textured material that leaves the impression of a clearer image. Something that makes this approach different is that the ink must be sublimated in the right-reading style, since the print transfers to the back of the glass and is viewed from the other side. Other materials require the image to be sublimated in a mirror-image format.

Sublimation Printing on Plastic

Printing on plastic materials can require a different type of technology. While the heat press used for fabrics and other flatter surfaces is a flatbed press, if a 3D object is being sublimated printed on, an oven press would be required instead.

Another change is that the image will be printed on film rather than paper, which is more formable to the object being printed on.

A final thing to consider is that the item must be able to withstand around 400⁰F of heat without being ruined. This can be rarer in plastic products than in fabrics and glass.

Sublimation Printing on Aluminum & Metal

Using aluminum or metal items can create a very dynamically printed image. Choosing high-quality materials to be printed on offers the best results.

For the most beautiful effect, an efficient sublimation printer should be purchased. One with an 8-color setting is recommended.

Something that should be kept in mind is that metals are usually placed on top of the sublimation transfer paper instead of underneath when printing. Make sure the image remains properly placed on the material without using heat tape.

Overall, one has to be sure that the heat is directly touching the metal and the paper.

Sublimation Printing on Canvas

The main difference when using dye sublimation on canvases is that canvases can be designed to be stretched. This process is called a “Gallery Wrap”, which is when the canvas print is rolled around the sides to the back of the frame so that the tools used in securing the canvas can’t be seen by viewers.

One must keep in mind that the sides will be visible and also need to be printed on with either a continuation of the front image or a repeat of the same image. If using this gallery wrap style, then the canvas material should be larger than its frame so that it can stretch easily.

When preparing to use the heat press, it is very important to make sure the material is clean. This can be done by using a lint roller.

Sublimation Printing on Wood

The sublimated printing technology has even extended to wooden items, which leaves the field even wider open for what can be printed on. While wood doesn’t contain polyester, like a lot of other products, it can be coated with a poly substance by using rollers and heat.

Once when this is done, completing the sublimation process is similar to working with other polyester materials. The coating might allow the heat press to be used at a lower temperature than the standard 400⁰ most other products use. This should be looked into when using certain coating on wood.

Sublimation Printing on Acrylic

While acrylic isn’t polyester based, there is a product referred to as Sublimation Acrylic that can be used for the dye sublimation process. This product can be used with the conventional heat press and transfer paper without being ruined. Sublimation Acrylic is sold on sites and in stores where they sell printing materials and machines.

Sublimation Printing on Vinyl

The vinyl sublimation process is done almost the same as with other materials. The main difference with vinyl is that it’s used on products that are cut in shapes.

This often applies to products that use sticky adhesive, such as wall and floor decals. This is done by cutting the silhouette of the image wanted on the design file before using the sublimated printer.

When it’s time to sublimate, the vinyl is cut into the proper shape. Cutting should be done close to the edges of the print. Depending on the size, more than one vinyl product can be printed at once and cut separately.

Sublimation Printing on Nylon

This is the most difficult material for dye sublimated printing. There are many different types of nylon, each with a different reaction to the sublimation process. Nylon 6 is the type that is most commonly used for textiles.

Something to keep in mind with nylon printing is that it needs to be tried and tested to see what the most attractive result is. There are unique outcomes for the wide range of options available. One helpful tip would be to use lower heating temperatures.

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