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How Can I Make SublimationReleased Date: 31/05

The previous gives a basic understanding of how sublimation works. Let's now turn to describe what type of products and surfaces you can decorate by using sublimation. We'll also tell you what products don't work for sublimation.    How Can I Make  Sublimation

 

In order for a product to be “sublimatable”, it must have the following characteristics.

 

1. The product or substrate must be white for best results. Because sublimation inks are translucent the background has to be white or a light or pastel colour to enable the inks to show up.

 

2. The product must have polyester content or polymer coating. A ceramic tile  does not have any polyester content, so in order to decorate it must be specially prepared with a polyester coating. This concept applies to all substrates.

 

3. The product must be able to withstand high temperature and pressure. Roughly 200 degrees Celsius (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit) is temperature required for a heat pressto transfer inks from the paper to the substrate.How Can I Make  Sublimation

 

What you cannot image with sublimation:

 

1. Cotton! Sublimation inks will not bond to cotton. Again, sublimation ink requires a polyester or polymer surface plus heat and pressure for the correct chemical reaction to take place. Cotton will not retain the ink. However, sublimation inks can be used very effectively with new performance apparel and sports apparel high in polyester. (Read the separate PDF document on t-shirt decoration available at “How to Make a T-Shirt”)

 

2. Dark or black products! Sorry, but black t-shirts are out. So is anything dark for that matter. Again, since sublimation inks are translucent, your image will not show up on a dark surface.

 

Some ideal products for imaging :

 

• Coffee mugs
• Plates
• Ceramic tiles
• Plaques
• Mouse pads
• T-shirts
• Jigsaws
• Place mats
• Coasters
• Glass products
• Beer steins
• Coasters
• Floor mats
• Signs