People using sublimation printers look for sublimation inks that will meet their demands. This article is what you need if you are among them.
This article will answer the burning question “How long does sublimation ink last?”.
There should not be any problem if you use high-quality sublimation paper and ink, and store them properly.
How long does unopened sublimation ink last?
You want to know how long sealed ink lasts, don’t you?
If you are using unused ink cartridges in an empty container, the shelf life of unopened sublimation ink can extend to two to three years. You must know how long sealant ink lasts.
Sawgrass argues that inks can last for 2 years.
The ink is formulated to produce sublimated ink and its shelf life is two years. Epson has backed that claim.
The storage period of the ink varies according to the temperature of storage it has. Under unopened conditions, it reaches a temperature of 156,2 degrees Fahrenheit for two years.
However, expired sublimation ink use can cause lots of trouble.
Can we have sublimation ink from other manufacturers?
Third-party sublimation inks
Third-party sublimation inks can easily substitute those expensive counterparts.
Cosmos Ink
Cosmo’s Ink offers a unique sublimated ink specifically developed for converted Epson printers. Ink can be purchased from sealed packaging and does not come with a paper pack.
Cosmos says it has a recommended shelf life of 9.5 – 12 months, as long as stored in cool, dark, wet places. It may seem obvious that the shelf life of Cosmos is identical regardless of the sealed or unfilled bottles.
Cobra Sublimation Ink
We also asked Cobra Ink about how long sublimation inks last for Epsons’ Eco Tank convertors. The sealed bottle lasts 18 months, while an unsealed container has a shelf life of 1 year.
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink
Hiipoo inks are popular 3rd party sublimation inks available for sale online. The sealed bottles have a shelf life of up to 2 years, with the open bottles remaining stable for one year.
How long does Sawgrass ink last after opening?
With Sawgrass Ink, when a cartridge is loaded into Sublimation Printers, it runs until its expiration date. The cartridges are dated by their expiry date, so if you can’t print the ink before this date, you may encounter problems.
Most experts agree that there are many years or weeks before your expiration date for a Sawgrass cartridge without any noticeable damage or loss in print quality.
How long does Epson ink last?
We consulted Epson for an extension date for the open T49 M Sublimation Ink and the company officials confirmed that the opened ink will serve you till the expiration date depending on how properly you would store and use it. Epson ink is famous for its quality, and sometimes Epson’s sublimation ink can last even more after the expiration date printed.
What is sublimation printing?
Sublimate printing is the method of printing images onto objects. Designs can be made on several things, such as shirts and mugs using special pigments and specialized machinery as well as sublimation paper. Sometimes it can be screen printing. It involves transforming solids into gases without preparing them for liquidity.
Sublimated ink is easily transferable by superheating to a temperature of around 392 degrees Fahrenheit onto textiles, and ceramics.
Before that, the pre-printing transfers must have been pressed in the package and heated to withstand the adhesion.
How does sublimation printing work?
Tell me the meaning of sublimation clothing.
Tell me the way sublimation occurs in real life. For prints, it will be needed.
Sublimation printing machine: a sublimation printer may be fabricated with roll sizes as much as 99,208 lbs and is suitable for mass production. Converted Inkjet printers are also compatible.
Sublimation printer and inkjet printer – What are the differences?
Differences between an inkjet and a sublimation printer can be seen by heating and subliming the solid sublimation ink into the paper rather than spraying. The ink sublimation process is performed within a sublimation printer.
Tell me the best way to use sublimation inks
How do you keep your printing machine clean by using this tool?
Keeping ink lines in the nozzle head and ink flow is best done by printing frequently. When the print machine has a Sawgrass, it can carry out the maintenance cycle once per week. While these cycles are small, they need very little ink since printers must always be powered down.
Whenever you have Epson printing equipment, it is advisable to check out all of your nozzles and clean the heads. If a printer isn’t cleaned regularly, then the result will be poor quality.
Benefits of sublimation printing
Dye Sublimation can make an excellent printed component. Images won’t break or wear over time unless the procedure is used repeatedly.
These are particularly critical to those working on products that use often-used materials. It can print items like mouse pads, footwear, and personalized printed garments.
The same goes for bedding and clothing, which can be easily washed without reducing their attractiveness. Sublimation is often applied to fabrics, and it’s best to use heat transfer printing only with fabric.
Washing
You must remember the amount of washing you have done in a washing machine. The ink disappears when washing. Sublimation prints react to fabric and water, resulting in ink fading.
If one is washing the shirt in the hot water daily, it is likely that fading will occur quickly. Please wash only if necessary.
UV rays
Sublimation technology has many uses, but the technology cannot resist the sun. Even after repeated exposure, it is often difficult to clear an image. It’s primarily theoretical and not practical.
How long does sublimation ink last on shirts-Epson, Sawgrass?
Can I print some of my shirts and find out how many days of printing sublimation ink can be discarded after printing?
You may also be interested: Can you use sublimation ink for regular printing?
How long can sublimation prints last?
As sublimation ink penetrates the clothing, it becomes a part of the fabric. That is why there is no chance that it will fade away until it’s worn out.
Furthermore, the shirt is 100% durable if the instructions are carefully followed. Sublimated prints usually feel smooth and do not form a layer on the top.
The prints will last long on the condition of not using bleach.
How many times can I use a sublimation print?
Sublimation print has an expiration date, and it is usually printed on the cartridge.
After a long time, the dye quality may deteriorate and there can be clogged print heads and viscous carrier liquid issues.
Read also: Difference between screen printing and sublimation.
Is sublimation long-lasting?
Yes, it is! Especially on ceramic mugs, because of the resilience of sublimation print. With sublimation printing, you can create anything you want, and it will serve you a lifetime! So, go get them!
How long does a bottle of sublimation ink last?
Usually, it lasts for about two years.
If it is stored in a dark, dry place at the right temperature.
Does sublimation ink fade?
Sublimation ink may fade because of poor exploitation and if it comes in direct exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet radiations affect it.
Now you know the answer to “How long does sublimation ink last?”.
Read also: What is the best shirt for sublimation?
Hi, I’m artist and sublimation printing expert. Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, I had passion for photography and painting from my childhood. I started my career as a sublimation print operator for a local printing company in 2012. The role exposed gave me lots of practical knowledge about printing process, from managing color profiles to ensuring print quality on various materials.
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