Common Mistakes To Avoid In Sublimation

Sublimation printing is a popular method of transferring designs onto various surfaces, such as textiles, mugs, and phone cases. However, there are several common mistakes that can occur during the sublimation process that can affect the quality of the final product. Here are some mistakes to avoid when doing sublimation printing:

Not using high-quality designs

The quality of the design you use for sublimation printing is crucial. Using low-resolution images or designs that are not properly sized for the product can result in a blurry or pixelated final print.

Not using the correct substrate

Sublimation printing requires a special type of substrate that has a polymer coating. If you try to sublimate on a substrate without the polymer coating, the ink will not transfer properly, resulting in a low-quality print.

Not using enough pressure or heat

Sublimation printing requires both heat and pressure to transfer the ink onto the substrate. If you don't use enough pressure or heat, the ink will not transfer properly, resulting in a faded or incomplete print.

Not properly cleaning the substrate

Before you sublimate, it's important to ensure that the substrate is clean and free of any dirt, debris, or oils. Otherwise, these particles can get trapped between the substrate and the ink, resulting in a distorted or uneven print.

Not using a protective sheet

When you sublimate, the ink is transferred onto the substrate through a process of heat and pressure. If you don't use a protective sheet between the substrate and the heating element, the ink could escape and get trapped on your heat press platens resulting in a ghosting effect the next time you go to use your press.