Sign up for the newsletter and immediately receive a 5% discount coupon

How to print on natural fabrics using sublimation printing

Sublimation
Sublimation

Sublimation transfers can only be done on polyester or on polyester treated materials.

Therefore, a sublimation transfer can’t be printed on natural cotton unless it’s been polyester coated. Furthermore, since sublimation inks aren’t opaque, sublimation can only be used on white or very light-coloured surfaces.

Sublimation transferring is therefore not a particularly versatile or universal technique: on some materials, such as cotton T-shirts, other techniques, such as laser transferring, are more suitable.

However, it is possible to treat some solid surfaces using a polyester spray.

You may also like

Do you have a curiosity or a question to ask us?

Write here
Might interest you
The differences between digital transfer printing and sublimation printing

Here's a quick run-down of the differences between digital transfer printing and sublimation printing, answering the many questions we get...

Transfer and sublimation printing on masks: what to do if halos appear around the design

I’ve recently started creating decorated objects using sublimation printing, however, often when I print lettering there’s a halo around it.If...

Sublimation on wood: how do you do it?

Not all items are suitable for sublimation printing, unless they’ve been specially treated. To render an item suitable for sublimation...

Starting an item customisation business (on a limited budget)

I'd like to start a small business customising various fabrics and items. I’d like to keep the initial investment below...