A Beginner Tutorial on How to Sublimate a Shirt the Best!

January 22, 2022

Using the fascinating sublimation technique, you can transform a shirt into a colorful canvas for unique and colorful designs. This comprehensive guide aims to assist you as you begin your creative adventure, whether you are a beginner figuring out the world of sublimation or want step-by-step guidance on how to sublimate a shirt. This step-by-step guide contains every necessary tip and direction to produce excellent results, from picking the right supplies to mastering the sublimation process.

In this article, we shall learn the following:

Part 1: Supplies Checklist

If you know about sublimation printing, applying vivid, long-lasting images to various surfaces, including shirts, is easy and fun. You must have the correct supplies before you can begin your sublimation.

Here is a complete list of everything you will require, along with an explanation of how to use it:

Inkjet Printer:

The workhorse of sublimation printing is an inkjet printer. Using this tool, you can design your prints on sublimation paper before being transferred to your shirt. An inkjet printer was created with this purpose.

Tips: How to Choose Sublimation Paper for Inkjet Printers?

Sublimation Ink:

The distinct ink used in the printing process is sublimation ink. Under heat and pressure, it changes from a solid to a gas and bonds with the fabric or substrate. For sublimation printing, you shall need a sublimation ink.

This article may help: The Ultimate Guide of Sublimation Ink

Sublimation Paper:

When heated, sublimation paper works to hold ink and release it. Your design is transferred to the shirt or substrate by it. A must is the sublimation paper. Choose wisely, as there are differences between ordinary and dark textiles.

Learn how to choose sublimation paper here: How to Select the Best Sublimation Paper for DIY Project?

Heat Press Machine:

Free Your Hands with HTVRONT Auto Heat Press

Heat up to 320℉ /160℃ within 4 mins, saving 2minutes than common type.
Upt to 4 fast modes, 2 custom modes and an auto mode for your creativities.
Separated ironing board and auto shut-down design for your safety.

Buy Now View More

The sublimation ink transfers design from the paper to the shirt using heat press equipment that uses consistent heat and pressure. It's an essential part of the procedure. The use of a heat press is a must for sublimation printing. Although we do not advise an iron for consistent results, you can select between automatic or manual heat press equipment.

Tips: How To Use HTVRONT Auto Heat Press For Beginners？

Teflon Sheet

A Teflon sheet separates the heat press plate and your shirt. It enables even heat distribution and prevents ink from adhering to the press. A Teflon sheet is required to safeguard your hardware and provide high-quality transfers.

Tape for transfer:

Transfer tape has the job of keeping your sublimation paper attached to the shirt when using a heat press. It prevents the paper from moving and guarantees precise transfers. It is necessary to hold the sublimation paper firmly in place.

Clear HTV Vinyl (Heat Transfer Vinyl):

For sublimation on cotton and dark-colored shirts, clear HTV vinyl is required. It is a barrier, retaining the sublimation ink and enabling proper transfer. This is essential when working with cotton and dark shirts. Not necessary for other fabrics.

If you have these supplies, you will be on the right track to successful sublimation printing. Each component of the sublimation process has a specific function, ensuring that your designs turn out vivid, robust, and ready to display on your shirts or other substrates.

Part 2: Detailed Steps on How to Sublimate a Shirt

Sublimation printing allows you to create vibrant designs on fabric shirts, including cotton, polyester, and even dark-colored shirts. If you want the finest outcome, ensure each type gets a distinct procedure. Detailed instructions for sublimating on each kind of shirt are provided below, along with valuable screenshots.

How to Sublimate on a Polyester Shirt

Polyester is a synthetic textile that quickly takes sublimation ink, making it relatively simple to sublimate on a polyester shirt. Here is a detailed instruction:

Step 1: Get Your Design Ready

With the aid of graphic design software, create or choose your design. Make sure it suits the size of your shirt, and if necessary, mirror the picture.

Step 2: Print on Sublimation Paper

Print your design on sublimation paper using an inkjet printer. Make sure your printer is set to print using sublimation ink.

Step 3: Use a heat press

Set the heat press machine with your polyester shirt on it. Place your sublimation paper on the shirt with the design facing down. Also, put a Teflon sheet over the area to safeguard the shirt and press.

Step 4: Heat press your shirt

In accordance with the directions for your sublimation ink and paper, adjust the heat press's temperature to 180-200°C FOR 40s.

Step 5: Enjoy the design outcome.

Peel the sublimation paper off with caution. Your polyester shirt now bears a permanent imprint of your colorful pattern.

So, that is how you can sublimate on a polyester shirt with HTVRONT.

And this is the machine you may want to have a try:

Free Your Hands with HTVRONT Auto Heat Press

Heat up to 320℉ /160℃ within 4 mins, saving 2minutes than common type.
Upt to 4 fast modes, 2 custom modes and an auto mode for your creativities.
Separated ironing board and auto shut-down design for your safety.

Buy Now View More

How to Sublimate on a Cotton Shirt

Using clear HTV vinyl to catch the sublimation ink is a necessary additional step when sublimating on cotton shirts. Here is a detailed instruction:

Step 1: Get Your Design Ready

Ensure your design is the proper size and mirror, if necessary, before creating or selecting it.

Step 2: Print on Sublimation Paper

Print your design on sublimation paper using an inkjet printer. Make sure you're using sublimation ink.

Step 3: Apply Clear HTV Vinyl

To protect your design, cut a piece of clear HTV vinyl and apply the vinyl to your shirt using a heat press.

Step 4: Use a heat press

Put the heat press on top of your cotton shirt. Place your sublimation paper on the shirt with the design facing down. To safeguard the shirt, cover it with a Teflon sheet.

Step 5: Press Your Shirt

Under the directions for your sublimation ink and paper, adjust the heat press's temperature to 374- 392℉ and cycle duration. During the allotted period, apply even pressure.

Step 6: Peel and Enjoy your design

Peel the clear HTV vinyl and sublimation paper off slowly. Your cotton shirt now has your design indelibly.

That’s it! Wasn’t it a quick process?

Sublimation on Dark Shirts

Sublimating on dark shirts involves a different process, including a two-step heat press. Here's a stepwise guide:

Step 1: Prepare Your Design

Create or choose your design and ensure it's the right size.

Step 2: Print on Sublimation Paper

Load sublimation paper with your design into an inkjet printer. Make sure you're using sublimation ink.

Step 3: Heat Press on Dark-Colored Fabric

Place your dark shirt on the heat press. Position your sublimation paper with the design face down on the shirt. Cover it with one Teflon sheet and press as per instructions.

Step 6: Heat Press on Dark Fabric

Place your shirt with the clear HTV vinyl back on the heat press. Lastly, cover it with a Teflon sheet and press again as per instructions.

Step 7: Peel and Enjoy

Carefully peel off the clear HTV vinyl to reveal your vibrant design on the dark shirt.

Part 3: Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Although sublimation printing can produce amazing results, there are certain expert tricks and problem-solving suggestions to make sure your prints are flawless and durable:

Cleaning Shirts with Sublimation:

Prints created by sublimation are long-lasting and resistant to repeated washing.

Wash them in cold water with a light detergent to extend their life.

Refrain from using harsh chemicals or bleach because they harm the print.

To protect the print, turn the shirt inside out before washing.

To reduce wear, it's advisable to air dry clothes or dry them on low heat.

The Persistence of Sublimation:

With the right maintenance, sublimation prints can endure for dozens or even hundreds of washings.

The quality of sublimation ink, paper, printing technique, and the care taken during the printing process can affect how long they last.

When Is a Cutting Machine Necessary?

When cutting elaborate designs or shapes out of transparent HTV vinyl to put on shirts, a machine like a vinyl cutter comes in handy. It's beneficial for creating customized designs and accurate cuts.

Sublimation Temperature:

Depending on the substrate and sublimation ink you're using, sublimation temperature varies.

Typically, polyester shirts are sublimated at temperatures between 356°F and 392°F (180°C and 200°C).

Always adhere to the directions provided by the manufacturer for the specific sublimation ink and paper when using other materials.

Why Blur the Image?

By slightly blurring or fading, you can develop the image to have softer edges and a smoother transition to the shirt. The final print may have a more smooth and polished appearance.

Why Reversed Image?

Printing on sublimation paper requires that the image be flipped or mirrored. This is because the picture will transfer backward onto the shirt during the heat press process. A mirrored final print will come from failing to invert the image, a typical error in sublimation printing.

You may obtain unique sublimation prints that appear brilliant and last extended by adhering to this expert advice and dealing with typical troubleshooting challenges. Your success with sublimation printing will depend on your ability to handle the washing process carefully, pay attention to temperature settings, and recognize when a cutting machine is necessary.

Part 4: Summary

You can personalize your shirt uniquely and vibrantly by sublimating it. This comprehensive step-by-step guide includes all you need to know, whether you're new to sublimation or looking for precise instructions. From inkjet printers to sublimation ink and transparent HTV vinyl for cotton shirts, we start with a thorough supplies checklist that explains each item's use and requirement. With experienced advice, covering topics including washing sublimation shirts, the durability of sublimation prints, the need for a cutting machine, sublimation temperature settings, and the significance of blurring and reversing pictures.

By adhering to these professional tips, You can confidently start your sublimation printing journey and create unique, long-lasting designs on your favorite shirts.