T-shirts with unique prints are becoming more and more popular. They may be bought and customised online these days. People who want to do this are looking for a suitable method. The original pattern can be used on a T-shirt for a gift, a souvenir outfit for a team of employees or participants of a project (e.g. competition, tournament, etc.). At the same time, you should know that not every type of print will be suitable for a small print run. If we are thinking about one or a maximum of several pieces, it is worth considering sublimation. This is one of the most innovative printing techniques, providing many possibilities.
What is sublimation?
Starting the topic of sublimation printing on clothing, it should be said that it is one of the most durable and popular techniques of marking clothes. It can be successfully used in the implementation of projects based on photos. It perfectly reproduces details, colors, tones and shades, which makes the motif on the clothing look realistic. It is suitable for both simple and extremely complex designs.
In addition to the advantages, there are also limitations for a method such as sublimation printing services on light-colored clothing, made of materials in which polyester predominates – these are the basic guidelines that must be followed by a person intending to implement his project using this solution. In addition to clothes, it can mark bags, pillowcases, umbrellas or leashes in this way. Virtually anything containing at least 80% polyester is suitable for sublimation printing.
Sublimation – what is it?
What exactly is sublimation printing on clothes? It uses a special ink that is applied to sublimation paper. Its other name is transfer paper. In the next step, the print is transferred from paper to material using a sublimation press. The dye is heated using high temperature. Thanks to this, it can change its state of aggregation (from solid to gas) and penetrate into polyester fibers. When the entire print has penetrated the fibers, the temperature is lowered and the fibers themselves close like hair scales. This means that the motif does not so much end up on the surface of the material as it is imprinted into it.
This is how you can briefly describe the sublimation marking process. Sublimation printing on clothing allows you to apply any, even complex patterns to the material that will look great for a long time. Imperceptible on clothes, and at the same time very durable, they can decorate t-shirts or other elements of clothing (sweatshirts, pants, leggings, etc.). You can usually see them on sportswear because they are made of polyester.
Sublimation printing on clothing – advantages
The sublimation method has many advantages. The most important is the sensational durability. Prints made using this option look attractive for a very long time. It is no exaggeration to say that they can look better much longer than the clothes they are on. If sublimation is used correctly, the print will be virtually indestructible. No wonder that this solution enjoys a constantly growing interest of retail customers and large enterprises.
Another advantage is the ability to print most elements, graphics, photos or inscriptions of very good quality and durability. Compared to sublimation, other techniques currently available on the market produce effects that are visible up to a certain point. Usually, after a few or several washes, the print becomes less expressive or fades. Sometimes it comes off the surface of the clothes completely. Meanwhile, sublimation allows you to enjoy it for a long time.
The method is most often used in the sportswear industry. This sector is based on materials containing mainly polyester. Fabrics based on it are distinguished by high breathability, lightness and drying speed, which makes them perfect for training. For this reason, companies producing sportswear are eager to use sublimation printing. They can offer customers attractive models of clothes that will look great even after intensive use. They pay attention to sublimation also because the excellent quality of the print is followed by a relatively low cost of production.
Sublimation printing on clothing – possibilities
Speaking of sublimation printing, it is worth emphasizing that it is suitable not only for the central parts of the torso. It easily passes the exam in situations where we want to cover the entire T-shirt or, for example, the surface of trousers with a specific pattern. Using this technique, large orders can be completed in a short time, meeting the expectations of even the most demanding customers.
The quality of sublimation printing is impressive, as is its resistance to washing. It is easy to understand why more and more companies specializing in this type of activity offer printouts. The purchase of a machine for sublimation printing on polyester materials is an investment in the development of the company.
Sublimation printing – the most important features
As you can see, sublimation has many advantages. Among the most important features that distinguish it, one can mention an extremely realistic and at the same time resistant print. The image (photo, graphics, etc.) obtained by this method will survive many washings unscathed. It will not wash out because the dye has penetrated deep into the structure of the material. He is not afraid of manual cleaning, washing, abrasion or harmful weather conditions.
In addition to the sensational durability, the print impresses with its digital quality – you can see every, even the smallest detail on it. As with digital printing, sublimation allows you to easily reproduce the full range of colors of the motif. There will be no problem, for example, with tonal transitions or shadows. The last advantage is the ability to print even from one piece. If someone would like to present a loved one or themselves a copy of a unique t-shirt, nothing stands in the way. When ordering individually, it is difficult to find a better choice than the method of sublimation printing on clothing.
