Can you sublimate on nylon? [Nylon sublimation 101]

Can you sublimate on nylon? Sublimation printing is an amazing technique that is getting more and more popular by the day, the process can be used to create different unique designs on stuff, and they work perfectly well with a wide range of materials.

Whether nylon is one of the materials that sublimation printing works on is a commonly asked question. I’ll explain this and everything you need to know about sublimation and nylon in detail in this article as we explore the world of this beautiful art.

Can you sublimate on nylon: overview

Yes, you can sublimate on nylon.

When done the right way, you can use sublimation printing to create lovely designs on any material you can find.

Because of the synthetic nature of nylon, I find it very a suitable canvas for the process, it makes nylon very easy to sublimate compared to some other materials that will require extra effort.

How to Sublimate Nylon?

Before proceeding, you should note that the procedure below is for sublimating nylon and should not be used for sublimating other materials as it might affect the outcome of your work.

Nylon is unique, and the material does not take in moisture like some other sublimation canvases. To ensure a stress-free sublimation process and guarantee the best result possible, you should use a sublimation ink recommended for nylon bags, nylon jackets, or any other item made of nylon fabric.

Get everything ready

The first step in the magical process is ensuring that all your necessary tools and supplies are intact, setting your working environment, and gathering everything you will need to ensure an easy and stress-free sublimation printing, below are the essentials you’ll need.

Sublimation paper. I recommend using a high-quality sublimation paper to get the best results when sublimating nylon fabrics.

You should know that the paper you’re using affects the appearance of your outcome, the right paper is critical for achieving crisp and vibrant sublimation prints on nylon fibers.

Sublimation printer. To ensure a swift process, you will need a high-quality sublimation printer with no damages or faults.

It will also be an added advantage if your printer has the most recent software, as this will produce even more fantastic prints.

Heat press. The heat press helps you transfer paper designs to your canvas during nylon sublimation, you should make sure you’re using a high-quality heat press to ensure amazing results.

Nylon blank. Get your canvas ready for sublimation before you start the process, you should ensure the nylon blank is clean and free of wrinkles.

Heat tapes. The paper moves during the printing process, and the heat tapes help hold it in place and keep it firm, using heat tapes prevents errors or mishaps that could occur due to paper movement.

Surface Preparation

After preparing where you’ll be working and making sure everything you’ll need is ready, the next thing to do is prepare the surface of your nylon fabric and make sure it’s ready for sublimation.

I recommend washing the material you want to sublimate if it’s old, whether a nylon bag, sock, or any other nylon fabric, you should also iron it gently to ensure the surface is clean and smooth. Then you should add a sublimation adhesive and move to the next step.

Choosing the right ink

Selecting the right ink is an important factor that will affect both your sublimation experience and the outcome of your work.

There are different varieties of nylon fabrics available, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Nylon fabric has a smooth and flat surface and a very high moisture resistance. The material is also very durable and resilient, making it perfect for nylon bags, purses, or any other nylon fabric.

Make sure the sublimation ink you will be using to sublimate nylon is designed for nylon fibers and is of high quality to ensure you get a fantastic outcome.

I recommend using high-quality sublimation ink, as it helps you ensure your amazing design will last and will not fade away after a few weeks.

Design preparation

After everything else is ready you can proceed to design what you want on your nylon fabric, there are countless designs you can choose to print on your nylon fabric that will make brilliant and attractive outcomes.

Make sure that all the hue selections and the size of everything you are designing suit your taste, and ensure your design is simple and lovely and brings out the beauty of your nylon fabric.

Printing the design

When you are done preparing the sublimation design you can go on with the printing, use a very good sublimation printer to guarantee vivid colors and bright sublimation prints.

Set the options on the printer to suit your taste, load the sublimation ink, and transfer your wonderful design.

Seal the Design

After printing your beautiful design, what better way to make it even more lovely than protecting it?

Protecting your sublimation printing project is an amazing way to protect it from external factors that might damage it or jeopardize its appearance.

I recommend using spray paint on your sublimated nylon fabric so it acts as a defensive barrier against potential threats to your masterpiece.

Additional sublimation tips

Sublimation printing is an incredible process that can be used to customize your belongings and make awesome designs when done properly, below are some tips to help you achieve more excellent results.

Use high-quality materials only

The materials you use for sublimation have a major role to play in determining how your sublimation will turn out.

Ensure everything you’re using is of the highest quality and make sure they’re purchased from reputable sources.

Nylon catalyst

If you are working on a nylon bag or any other nylon fabric, you should consider adding a nylon catalyst to your ink, this makes the process easier for you and helps you attain a more durable and long-lasting sublimation print.

Practicing

Practicing is very underrated and can significantly improve your sublimation skills, you should frequently use different canvases to sublimate from time to time, try out different designs, and bring your imagination to life.

I highly recommend practicing at least twice a month to hone your skills quickly, always make sure you’re using the best sublimation paper and that you’re noticing every mistake you make.

Testing

Whether you’re using sublimation printing, screen printing, or any other technique, testing the material is recommended to make sure it is suitable.

You should test the fabric blend you’ll be using for sublimation and test the temperature that the material can resist, as materials like nylon cannot withstand high temperatures and some materials have a higher melting point than others.

Moderate pressure

Many sublimation beginners use too much pressure to ruin the potential of their printing, especially people who are from the vinyl world.

Unlike vinyl, where pressure is very important, sublimation primarily works with heat.

Reuse

Performing sublimation on nylon can be slightly tricky for beginners so it’s common to make mistakes, if you have a ruined project you can use it again to practice more and make your skills better.

FAQ

Conclusion

Sublimation printing can be applied to a variety of materials including nylon to produce incredible designs and excellent creations.

By following safety precautions and using this article as a guide, you can easily sublimate nylon and create a masterpiece.