With time, many individuals have started engaging with the advanced printing process of sublimation. Sublimation print is a fantastic way to create remarkable graphics on a number of materials. As you know, Sublimation printing refers to printing customizable designs using the best sublimation printer, compatible sublimation ink, and heat transfer machine.
However, it is true that among the most common questions we come across about sublimation is, “What can you sublimate on?”. I give the answer quite easily: stuff composed of polyester cloth or a poly varnish. But wait there’s more, you can even sublimate on various items such as ceramics, wallets, metal, and so forth.
Eager to know how to sublimate on these items? Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered. In this article, you’ll find numerous materials that are suitable for you to sublimate. So, without wasting more time, let’s take a look at what can you sublimate one by one:
The process of sublimation:
The sublimation process is rather easy and an advanced process. Sublimation printing is a method of transferring sublimation ink on the sublimation paper. The transmission is aided by providing pressure and heat. This as a consequence achieves outstanding graphics through Epson sublimation printers. As per the sublimation principle, the solid is immediately turned into gas for sublimating any object. You are ready to sublimate after you get all the essential equipment needed for sublimation.
The Best materials to sublimate on:
There is a vast variety of things to choose from for sublimation. Also, you can perceive that there are various collections of crafting materials to sublimate on. A few will outperform others while some will be your personal best.
It all basically comes down to the effort you’re inclined to dedicate. We’ll go through the best polymer, fabric, ceramics, and metals.
1. Sublimation on Fabric:
When it comes to fabric, the most suitable material that will ensure you the best results on sublimation is polyester. Polyester is widely regarded as the best medium for sublimation printing. A fabric made of 100% polyester produces the best results as these are usually man-made. In return, this makes it simple for soaking and preserving ink. Similarly, lycra and nylon spandex are good alternatives aside from polyester.
Remember that cotton and other natural fibers don’t retain ink properly. Hence, these are not recommended to sublimate on. You can find numerous polyester sublimated items such as
● Polyester Aprons
● Polyester bags
● Polyester Mouse Mats, etc
Note:
You can usually find pieces of dust and debris on the fabric when you get it from any store. As a precaution, we suggest having a lint roller with you. The lint roller removes any dust or particle from the cloth. This will in turn allow cleaner and even transmission.
2. Sublimation of Polymer:
Polymer is another kind of material that is either natural or fabricated. You can go for sublimation on polymers as Teflon and nylon are involved in it. These both easily merge with the dyes used for sublimation. Synthetic polymer and natural both yield good sublimation results.
However, the synthetic polymer is what you can sublimate on, for greater outcomes. You can perform sublimation on a variety of alternatives such as
● Skinny tumblers
● Keychains
● Bookmarks
● Notebooks
3. Sublimation on Ceramic:
Ceramics is another choice for carrying out sublimation on. Ceramic refers to those materials that resist heat damage and are firm. These include mugs, tiles, and pots. Although sublimation on every ceramic material is possible, several can require specialized coating prior to sublimating it.
After the ink adheres to the ceramic, it is hard to get washed off. Even the print will not get any damage by dishwasher or microwave. Ceramic materials that allow sublimation are
● Ceramic tiles
● Ceramic cups
● Ceramic coin banks
● Ceramic vases
● Ceramic coasters
If you’re interested in personalizing your ceramic cups, mugs, or plates, sublimation may be the perfect method for you!
Sublimation is a printing method that uses heat-activated inks to transfer images onto various surfaces. It’s a great way to add personalization to your ceramics without having to worry about ink smudging or running.
To get started, you’ll need some sublimation-friendly inks and a printer that can handle them. Once you have your supplies, simply print your design onto transfer paper and then heat it up using a heat press. Apply pressure and heat for the recommended time, then peel away the transfer paper to reveal your finished design..
4. Sublimation on Acrylic:
Sublimation on Acrylic is like trial-and-error. Acrylic sheet is simple to produce, adheres well to solvents, ink, and thermoforms readily. Acrylic has an inclination for melting owing to its thermal characteristics. However, it may absorb sublimation ink to give amazing outcomes only if the temperature provided is appropriate. You can find several sublimated acrylic items such as
● Acrylic shirts
● Acrylic badges
● Acrylic photo panels etc.
5. Sublimation on Metal:
In order to sublimate metals, you’ll need polymer coating. When you apply polymer paint to the metal, it will provide quicker absorption. Metals are considered best for sublimation due to their long-standing property.
But once it relates to metal sublimation, you don’t get the perfect outcomes. It’s nearly impossible to get the color coordinated properly on metal. The color you get on sublimated paper and that on metal can appear to be very dissimilar.
So, here we have it. These are various examples of items that can be sublimated. In addition, you can try to sublimate aluminum sheets, wooden tables, glass windows, and other surfaces.
6. What you can Sublimation On:
Learn more about what you can sublimation on idea.
Sublimation on cotton. Possible or not?
As mentioned earlier, sublimation on cotton does not guarantee accurate outcomes. Applying the sublimation ink to the cotton fabric can be challenging. Also, it can easily smear and fade away after a few wears. However, it is not impossible to sublimate on cotton fabric. You can follow 2 steps to sublimate cotton fabric.
● Rather than sublimating the cotton fabric straight away, print on white glitter vinyl first.
● Afterward, using a heat press machine, press the white vinyl sheet along with cotton.
What can I sublimate on, the list goes on:
The above-mentioned item list isn’t entirely complete. But, it should help make decisions about what you can sublimate on. Doesn’t matter if you sublimate for presents or for a side hustle. Let’s take a quick overview of the other items that you can sublimate:
● Towel ● Purses ● Pillowcases
● Coffee mugs ● Bookmark ● Air fresh
● Wallets ● Phone cases ● Hats
● Key chains ● Puzzles ● Bracelets
● Bibs ● Lunch Bags ● Sheets
● Phone grips ● Earrings ● Travel mugs
Frequently asked questions:
Can you perform sublimation on Rayon fabric?
Rayon fabric is made of semi-synthetic materials. Sublimating on 100% Rayon fabric may be a difficult task. As it is composed of various materials, it’s unlikely to absorb sublimation ink. However, you can sublimate on Rayon after merging it with other materials.
Is it feasible to sublimate a mug of any shape or size?
Yes, Sublimation can be done on mugs, but sublimation on ceramic is simpler.
Certain mugs, on the other contrary, may require to be coated with polymer before sublimation. Let’s check how sublimation work.
Can I find any polymer coat for covering my item by myself?
Yes, there are several Do-it-yourself coatings for sublimation. Subli Glaze coat series and other coats allow individuals to coat items that are not sublimation compatible. These coatings can be used to apply on surfaces like metal, wood, glass, etc.
Conclusion:
In a nutshell, we compiled a list of several items that you can sublimate on. In recent times countless individuals are becoming professionally entangled with sublimation printing. As a consequence questions like “what can you sublimate on?”, “Best sublimation printer” etc are rising day by day. That is why we brought forward several items that will ensure you the best results on sublimation.
We tried to cover every item that is to know about sublimation. Surely, after going through this article, you will be able to comprehend that there are several items you can sublimate. If you still hesitate to sublimate on any item, do tell us. We would love to help you out. Let us know in the comment section if you prefer us to write about sublimation on any other material as well!