Sublimation- What You Need to Get Started

Sublimation

Mar 28

*Disclaimer* I don't claim to know all things about sublimation, but I will share with you what I do know and am willing to help in any way possible. I share the products I use, but I'm not in any way persuading you to purchase the items I use. I created a FREE supply list. It’s available at the end of this post.

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What is Sublimation?

Step into science class for a moment. :-) 1) It's a process where a substance change from a solid to a gas without ever being a liquid. 2) It's the process where images (you design yourself or purchased) are printed on coated paper and then transferred to a coated substrate via heat. Once the sublimation ink is applied to the substrate at high temp, it turns to a gas and the pores of the polyester substrate open up allowing the gas to enter.

When it is removed from the heat, it cools down and the pores close trapping the ink the shirt. So, it becomes one with the shirt…literally. It has to be applied to 100% polyester to provide the best results. 60/40 or 50/50 could work as well, but don't expect those colors to pop as if you are pressing on 100% poly.

Prints are best in CMYK vs RGB. Don't know the difference? That's okay. I've got you!

CMYK- (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) best used for printed materials like brochures, business cards, t-shirts, mugs, mousepads, keychains, etc.
RGB- (Red, Green, Blue) best used for digital images like web design, social media, online logos, etc.

Equipment Needed

Sublimation Printer
Sublimation Paper
Sublimation Ink
Heat Press
Heat resistant tape
Adhesive Spray
Substrates/Sublimation Blanks
Teflon Pillow
Butcher Paper
Lint Brush
Design Software

Sublimation Printer- I'd suggest you do your research with these printers to determine which is best for you, your needs and your budget. There are 2 main brands.

Sawgrass printers have been the front runner of sublimation printers for a while. I hear they are fantastic and cut out a lot of problems that some people have when they convert a printer to a sublimation printer. Now, they are not cheap (starting price of around $500 range and can increase to $1600 or higher). If you're serious about this, I'd say go for it.

Epson printers are a more affordable option. They don't come without their shortfalls, but it's what I have because it was more within my budget. Wondering how much? I paid $109 for a refurbished printer. Not too bad, right? The only problem with that is you'd have to jump on them when they're available because they go very quickly and there's no certain time for availability. I'm all for sharing, so check out Epson's website for WF7710 or WF7720 refurbished printers if you are wanting the price above. There are also the Epson Ecotank printers that are used, especially the 15000 or even the 16600 because they print up to 13”x19”. Don’t want a refurbished? Get a brand new one from there or your local store like Best Buy, Office Depot, etc. I would say if I’d known about the Ecotank printer or if it was available for sublimation before I purchased the WF7720, I would’ve purchased the Ecotank instead. Read about the differences and make your conclusions, but for me, to fill and refill seems easier and it would print quite a bit before running out.
Update- As of Feb 8, 2020, the Epson WF7710 & 7720 have been discontinued. This is not to say you can no longer use yours. I still have my 7720 and will continue to use it until it says “No, Kel” LOL. So, here are some of the popular Epson Printers: Epson Ecotank 2720, 2760, 3710, 3760, 4700, 4760, 15000, 16600.
Epson also has printers that don’t need converting, but I personally have no experience with them. Again, as I’ve said throughout all of this, please do your research when purchasing. Here are those models: SureColor F170, SureColor F570, SureColor F6370.

Sublimation Paper

This is a personal preference. There are quite a few brands out there. Do your research, read reviews and go with it. If one doesn’t work for you, try another. Just google sublimation paper and I promise you'll be reading in no time. Do you want to know what I use now? I currently use TexPrint XPHR. It’s the only paper I’ve ever used since I’ve been doing sublimation and it’s never let me down. All tutorials you’ll see will be this paper. All paper will come in different sizes, so buy depending on what you are wanting to make.

Buy on Amazon

I’ve wanted to try Crafting Besties brand because I’ve heard so many good things, and it’s a small business, but they’re in high demand. My fingers aren’t quick enough to purchase. So, if you can set an alarm and get on it before they sell out before the next drop date, go for it! The pics I’ve seen using this paper with the ink mentioned below are phenomenal.

Sublimation Ink

Depending on the printer you use would depend on the cartridges being used. Like the paper, there are different inks offered. Again, please do your research. I've used Cosmos Ink since the beginning. I haven't experimented with any other ink so I have no comparisons, but you be the judge. I can say though that these inks are nice and vibrant. I’ve had no issues with it.

Heat Press

When searching for your heat press, you don't want to go cheap. You'll need the heat press for the high temperature and the pressure. As with the other, there are different brands. There's not just one I'd suggest. To be honest, I have 2 heat presses. Yep, two.

My first was a clamshell. I purchased it before starting sublimation. Then, I decided I needed a bigger surface for one I wanted to do, plus I wanted a swing-away, so I purchased another heat press when I purchased sublimation equipment. Now, I've seen others do just fine with a smaller heat press, but I had the capability to expand at the time, so that was the best choice for me. If you're wanting to make mugs and hats, take that into account as well. So, do your research.

Heat Resistant Tape/Adhesive Spray

You'll need tape or spray depending on what you're sublimating to hold the item in place while pressing to prevent what's called ghosting. Trust me, you'll want this.

Buy on Amazon

Butcher Paper/Teflon Pillow/Lint Brush

When the ink is activated and turns into a gas, it could get on your heat press plate when pressing onto the substrate. The butcher paper and Teflon pillow are used for protection. These are inexpensive items.

If you press your item without using a lint brush first, you may beat yourself up later! It'll leave noticeable specks in your work that can't be removed. So, make it a habit to use a lint brush before pressing.

Buy on Amazon

Substrates/Sublimation Blanks

Last but not least, the options are endless to sublimate on. Here are just a few.

Tshirts
Mugs
Puzzles
Mousepads
Baby bibs
Bags
Phone/Tablet Covers
Keychains

Design Software

All software has some learning curve, so you'll just have to choose one and start learning it. I have Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator because I do other things, and it does the trick. There's Canva (free) Inkscape (free), Affinity Designer, Silhouette Studio, etc. I would say out of all of them, Canva is the easiest, and even if you decided to get Canva Pro, it’s reasonably priced.

Weigh your options. Decide all the things you'd like to do with your business. Write it all down. I can't stress enough to do your research. Feel free to reach out, and I will share what I know or where you could go for more information, support, or inspiration. With that said, I'll leave you to it. Get excited!! This is a fantastic and very rewarding investment.

You should definitely check out sublimation tips to learn a little more in depth on what you’ll need to succeed with sublimation.