What is SUBLIMATION?

Sublimation Transfers use 100% Polyester (or at least 50% to give a “vintage” look) garments or specially coated sublimation blanks to achieve their look. Artwork is printed onto a sheet of high-release paper and transferred onto apparel using heat and pressure. Heat converts the solid dye particles into a gas — known as sublimation — and bonds them to the polyester fibers. Unlike screen printing, the dye is absorbed by the fabric for a fantastic soft-to-the-hand feel.

There is NO WHITE INK in sublimation. Meaning, if you have a design that has white in it, it will be transparent once printed.

Also, the color of your transfer will always appear a little dull before pressed. It’s the heat that makes it come alive 🙂

Application Instructions:

You must use a commercial heat press. Transfers need even and heavy pressure to adhere correctly. Therefore, home irons and easy presses are not recommended. Do NOT use pressing pillows or platen covers.

Items You Will Need:

• White or light color polyester fabric garment or sublimation blanks. For best results, use fabric with tight weave and 100% polyester content. Polyester blends will produce a more “vintage” look.
• Heat Press
• Parchment Paper or a Printer Paper
• Sublimation Transfer Paper*
• Plain piece of paper

Transferring Your Image:

• Preheat press to 375º – 400º F.(Be sure to check your heat press with a temp gun often to make sure your heat reading is accurate)
• Press garment for 3-5 seconds to release moisture and remove wrinkles.
• Place plain piece of paper inside garment to prevent the ink from coming through the back
• Place your printed image face down.
• Use heat transfer tape to secure the paper on to the blank.
• Place Parchment paper sheet on top of the sublimation paper.
• For fabric sublimation press at 400º for 35-45 seconds at medium pressure.
• When the time is finished open the press and quickly remove the transfer.

**Please note… these directions are starting points and depend on each individual heat press. It is best to start with some test prints to see the sweet spot on your press.

Washing Instructions:

• Turn the garment inside out.
• Wash in COLD water.
• Use a mild detergent for best results.
• Do not use bleach or bleach alternative detergents.
• Remove the garment promptly from the washer. The color may bleed if left in the washer.
• Dry on LOW temperature.

*Please note that transfer paper DOES have a shelf life; it lasts about 1 year depending upon storage. It must be kept sealed in a plastic bag. High humidity or dry conditions can shorten its shelf life.

Current Processing Time For Sublimation Transfers is 1-5 Business Days.

(We will always aim to be faster than our turnaround time. However, Sublimation transfers are not printed until you order them so our ability to produce them depends on the current volume of orders we have in queue.)