Due to the popularity of the question of how to remove sublimation ink from shirt, we have identified several methods that will help to cope with sublimation printing mistakes, depending on the significance of the error and the color of the fabric and ink.
What is sublimation printing and why should we know how to remove sublimation ink from shirt?
Sublimation printer ink is now often used for digital printing with an inkjet printer. Sublimation ink is also used for printing on clothing due to its unique qualities. Sublimation printer ink is filled into the printer and printed image, which is subsequently transferred to the fabric using a heat press.
Pros and cons of sublimation ink
That is, the dye is present in the form of a powder on paper, and with the help of heat and pressure from a heat press, it is transferred to the fabric. This results in a very stable image, but it also makes it difficult to correct sublimation printing errors.
When inkjet printing with sublimation ink on textiles, errors are quite rare, but sometimes the wrong part of the design may be printed on the shirt or the ink will leave a stain on the fabric.
How to remove sublimation ink from shirt: small stains
Just add water!
Сold water tricks
Rinse off visible ink with cold water to make further sublimation ink stain removal work easier. In this case, it is better to use neutral detergents, since some solvents can damage the fabric and deprive it of its brightness. Work quickly as it makes the ink freeze faster in cold water and you should try to remove it faster.
Warm water tricks
Warm water can also help make the task of sublimation ink removal easier: soak your shirt in a quart of warm water with 2-3 tablespoons of common salt or dishwasher powder for a few hours or overnight.
What about the dryer?
In addition to warm water, you can try using a dryer for heat treatment. Heat the cloth for a few minutes, and repeat this again until the ink disappears.
Use household chemicals
Can the stain be bleached?
To completely remove sublimation ink, you can use fabric bleach, which can be found at any home improvement store. For this method, it is better to try to dissolve and remove the ink as much as possible, then soak it in bleach for an hour, and then rinse it with plain soap and water.
Do not use bleach with chlorine on colored fabric shirts, otherwise, they will fade.
At the last stage of washing, ammonia can be used instead of bleach (it will be enough to add one cup).
Are there alternatives to bleach?
If the shirt is white, you can place the contaminated area in a chemical solution of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide in a ratio of 1:2. Citric and oxalic acid will also help with ink removal. It will be better if you protect your hands from contact with chemicals by wearing gloves.
Alcohol can help too!
With a small mistake, the easiest and most inexpensive way to remove sublimation ink from a shirt is to use rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth. Pour just enough alcohol on the stained fabric area of the fabric, press the area with a clean cloth, and blot the print inks. Repeat these steps until the contamination of sublimation ink is completely removed.
YOU can also remove sublimation ink stain mechanically
In addition to the methods described above, a pressure washer can also be used. Add plain water to the pressure washer tank and wash the shirt.
General advice: let the shirt air dry naturally, and don’t iron any stained spots as this can slow down the sublimation ink’s fading.
Dealing with serious sublimation printing stains using paper towels
If the contamination is significant, then the method described below is suitable.
This method of how to remove sublimation ink from shirt is complex, multi-stage, and requires the purchase of the following consumables: aluminum foil, polymer crystals, paper towels, iron, distilled water, denatured alcohol, a small fan (if you want to speed up the process), and 2 containers (for soaking and for mixing chemicals).
First step
In the first stage, it is worth taking care of the organization of the workplace in order to avoid contamination of other surfaces in process of sublimation ink removal. To do this, cover the work surfaces and the floor with aluminum foil in several layers.
Second step
In the next step, take the prepared container, pour denatured alcohol solution into it, and place the section of the shirt that needs sublimation ink removal into it. Leave the fabric to soak for a quarter of an hour, this time will be enough for the ink to disintegrate a little, which should facilitate its further removal without damaging the fabric.
Third step
After the specified time, prepare several pieces of clean paper towels, remove the shirt from the container and wipe the cloth between them. Repeat this action until all the liquid is absorbed by the paper towel.
Fourth step
After that, take a dry paper towel and lay it in several layers under and over the fabric and iron with a hot iron. However, do not use the maximum temperature, this can damage the fabric.
We advise you to move the paper towels during the ironing process, do not stop the iron in one area for a long time, and do not press it with force on the paper towels – too much pressure can damage a shirt. It is also recommended to cool the shirt before touching it with your hands and putting on heat-protective gloves during the procedure.
Fifth step
When the shirt is completely dry, cover everything on top with aluminum foil and iron for about 5 more minutes. This will make the fabric stiffer and allow the fabric to be preserved during the next sublimation ink removal procedure.
Sixth step
After that, a polymer solution of denatured alcohol and polymer crystal mix should be prepared. To do this, pour 2 tablespoons of polymer crystals into a second container, for example, a cup, and add denatured alcohol there to dissolve them into a viscous cloudy solution.
https://youtu.be/VIlA4JUMThY
Take two clean paper towels, dampen them with distilled water, and wring them out lightly so that it is damp but not dripping wet. Then dip them into the container with a polymer solution and gently rub the stain.
Sublimated ink stains usually come off easily with this method. Wash your shirt until it is completely clean. Next, wash the shirt in the usual way in the washing machine.
Note!
It is worth noting that the composition of the fabric must also be taken into account when choosing a method for removing sublimation ink. Before using chemicals, it’s worth checking the label to make sure the product doesn’t have specific cleaning instructions, and you can also check the fabric composition.
How to remove sublimation ink from polyester?
A prevalent question is about the features of removing sublimation ink stains from polyester. The fact is that sublimation ink is best transferred to polyester and other polymers, the percentage of polyester in fabric for decoration using sublimation printing should be at least 70.
You may also be interested: Can you use sublimation ink for regular printing?
Why is polyester used for sublimation printing more often?
Under the pressure of a heat press, the ink on the surface of the sublimation paper passes into a gaseous state and ink penetrates into the micropores of polyester. After cooling, the ink becomes solid again, but inside the material, which provides more permanent characteristics.
Often the composition of the fabric is mixed and it must be ensured that the product’s processing type to remove sublimation ink will be suitable for each component. Some fabrics require special washing, hand washing, or dry cleaning.
- A variety of household chemicals can be used to remove sublimation ink from polyester. The method described above for removing sublimation ink stains from a fabric with rubbing alcohol is perfect for this type of fabric. Borax is also suitable for this purpose. Add a little water to make a paste, let the mixture set on the stain for half an hour, then wash off the mixture.
- Strong or normal soap is also effective for removing ink stains, you can also try using laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, or stain remover. Apply the product to the place of contamination and rub it with your fingers, making a little effort.
- You can also try spraying hair spray on the stain, which will wash the stain and bring it to the surface, making it easier to work on the fabric. Be aware that hair spray may damage some fabrics or surfaces.
- A mixture of dish soap, white vinegar, and water also helps with ink stains. For this method, you need to mix half a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with a tablespoon of white vinegar and a liter of warm water. Stir the solution, take a piece of clean paper towel and apply the mixture thickly on the desired area of the shirt in sublimation ink, leave for half an hour.
Next, try to remove sublimation ink stain mechanically by rubbing the cloth between your fingers. Rinse the fabric under cold running water, making sure that the mixture is completely washed out, residues may further damage the fabric.
Read also: Сan you sublimate on glass?
Conclusion
We hope that the above tips will help you remove the sublimation ink stain without a trace in the minimum time and you will be able to correct the print error without damaging the fabric.
Read also: Difference between sublimation and heat transfer: in-depth analysis
If you are not sure about choosing the right way to remove sublimation ink stains and are afraid of ruining the item, it is better to go to the laundry store and ask for advice on how to remove sublimation ink from shirt there.
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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