Dye sublimation printing is often found in an array of unique and vibrant designs, offering a great way to sublimate on colored shirts. However, print companies and hobbyists are often limited by the fact that in order for sublimation to work as intended, the substrate must be polyester/polymer-coated and white. Sublimation on colored shirts will be considered in our article.
This boundary can be a challenge if you have a product line that offers dark t shirts or other non-white products. Fortunately, there is an easier way to sublimate on even darker garments without sacrificing any color vibrancy! All it takes is some extra printing preparation knowledge and anybody looking to sublimate dark t shirts, tile or wood will be able to achieve amazing results with dye sublimation printing.
Can you sublimate colored shirts? Yes, you can sublimate on colored and dark shirts. But, there will be varying results in terms of contrast and vibrancy of the printed image. The colors on the white shirt come out to be super vibrant. Whereas the dark shirt had the least contrast and the blue shirt looks slightly different than the white. So, we conclude that the darker the garment the less vibrant the printed image will be.
My Experiments…
Sublimation on colored t-shirts can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. After numerous experiments involving different images, temperatures and pressures with the heat press – as well as wash tests for good measure – I was able to achieve vibrant prints that really stand out against non-white substrates. With no white ink available in sublimation printing, these are results nothing short of miraculous!
Steps to Perform Sublimation On Colored Shirts
Have you ever wanted to sublimate onto something that’s not white? Well, here’s your chance! I’ve tested this method with great success – and so have many others. With a few easy steps, it doesn’t matter if the item is 100% polyester or 65/35 cotton-poly blend; you can make vibrant designs on any colored shirt! All you need to do is follow these simple instructions…
Step 1: Your design should be darker than the garment
After a few trial projects, I learned that light designs only pop on white clothing. To make them visible against colored fabrics, my solution was to go much darker with the artwork – and it worked!
Get the perfect print finish with Sublijet HD ink – your go-to for achieving professional results. Solid colors, either flat or toned, work best and let you show off unique images without having any white areas on fabric stay as is. If your current sublimation ink has been giving satisfactory results so far then keep it that way – otherwise check out this high quality option!
Step 2: Heat up your Heat Press
To bring your design to life, start by printing it onto special sublimation paper. Then fire up the heat press and set the temperature to 190 degrees Celsius – keep pressure light or medium for best results!
Step 3: Place your shirt and pre-press
Prepare your shirt for printing by ensuring the printed surface is facing up, then run a lint roller over its smooth face to remove any errant fuzz. To guarantee even heat distribution and prevent sticking, add an extra layer of protection with a Teflon sheet before pressing down on it firmly for several seconds.
Step 4: Lay your design
Craft a unique design on your t-shirt with heat-resistant tape and protect it from the press by laying down the Teflon sheet. Make sure to place your masterpiece face down for best results!
Step 5: Press the design
Utilize light to moderate pressure and the desired temperature setting, then count down 50 seconds. When your time is up, lift your heat press off the object while swiftly removing both the teflon sheet and sublimation paper in one swift motion!
Protect your fabric design by making sure to take off the paper with extra caution! If you’re too rough, it could create a ghosting effect that will render all of your hard work in vain. Be gentle and mindful as you remove – success is just around the corner!
Step 6: Allow it to cool
After a few moments of heat, the garment is ready. Remove it from the press and let it cool to reveal your beautiful sublimated design on colorful fabric!
Recommended Heat Transfer Vinyl for Sublimation Printing
Have you ever wondered what kind of vinyl from TeckWrap Craft can be used to create amazing sublimated designs? Not all HTV materials will work for this process – but the ones that do make stunning creations!
When you’re looking for the best way to preserve your print’s overall look, white HTV is the best option. Stick with flock or PU varieties for a classic look, but if you want an extra sparkle on top opt for glitter!
Say goodbye to the days of searching for quality HTV! TeckWrap Craft offers a wide variety of superior options ideal for sublimation, so you can have your project looking perfect in no time.
White Chameleon Heat Transfer Vinyl
White Flock Heat Transfer Vinyl
White PU Heat Transfer Vinyl
Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl
Are you ready to be dazzled? Check out these stunning photos of a project featurinng the glittery, vivid colors from TeckWrap Craft’s white HTV! The dazzling effect will leave your jaw dropped – it looks truly awesome.
Can you sublimate on colored polyester shirts?
Step up your style game with sublimation printing! Perfect for polyester garments, this unique form of ink infusion won’t fade or flake like regular dyes. Say goodbye to unattractive cotton shirts: experience vibrant color and lasting design detail when you opt for the modern print process that is sublimation.
Make a fashion statement with contrasting colors! A white shirt offers the perfect backdrop to let your black print shine, while a dark base is ideal for making golden prints stand out.
Sublimation on cotton shirts?
Create a lasting print on 100% cotton t-shirts with the power of sublimation! By combining injectable heat transfer vinyls and the traditional sublimation process, you can achieve vibrant prints that won’t fade or peel over time – something usually reserved for 50/50 polyester and cotton blended garments. Make your designs stand out today with this revolutionary printing solution!
Sublimation on dark colors?
Sublimation printing on dark color shirts substrates can open up an array of creative possibilities when it comes to custom designs – from t-shirts and wooden frames, all the way to acrylic items or your morning cup o’ joe. The secret lies in a coated surface that’s able to react with dye for longer lasting results after heat press; however, due care must be taken as varying color combinations may yield interesting yet contrasting outcomes!
Can you sublimate on grey shirt?
Unleash your full creative potential with sublimation! Showcase their vibrancy and vividness on any 100% polyester shirt—whether you prefer an elegant grey or classic black.
Sublimation htv for dark shirts
Sublimation is the perfect choice for printing vibrant designs onto your clothing! For polyester garments in colors like black, grey and heather blue–you’re all set. However, if you’d prefer to use heat transfer vinyl on cotton pieces or leather items? That works too! As a bonus tip: sublimation offers superior results when used with light substrates such as white fabrics.
Can you sublimate on comfort colors shirts?
Comfort Colors is an iconic t-shirt brand lauded in the apparel industry for its signature soft, natural hues and relaxed vibes. Utilizing top tier materials from 100% cotton to 80%-100%, Comfort Color shirts may not be ideally suited for sublimation printing but are perfect for those looking to capture that comfortable essence of casual styling!
Conclusion:
Sublimation apparel is perfect for everyone looking for a personalized, unique wardrobe. All it takes is a sublimation printer, and a few easy steps to customize any article of clothing. Bright blues and greens can easily be sublimated onto lighter fabrics, while more deep shades like black or violets require special steps to ensure the sublimation image ends up crisp and clear. With all the possible colors the sky really is the limit! Whether you’re looking for basic fashion or something more spunky, sublimation clothing offers an exciting way to show off yourself with style.
Read more: Can you use any mug 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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