This guide outlines steps to prevent shifting of your heat sublimation transfers during pressing. Misalignment can occur when the heat press or sublimation paper moves, leading to blurred or incomplete designs. By following these steps, you can maintain accurate and consistent results.
Things to know first
Heat transfer printing and sublimation printing are both methods used to apply designs onto various materials, but they have distinct processes and outcomes. The table below delineates what they are as well as what their differences and similarities are.
Heat Transfer Printing
Sublimation Printing
Definition
This method involves printing a design onto a special heat transfer paper.
The printed image is then transferred onto the material (like fabric) using heat and pressure.
It’s versatile and can be used on a variety of materials, primarily cotton.
The result is a design that sits on top of the material, which can sometimes lead to a texture that can be felt.
This technique requires printing onto a special sublimation paper with sublimation ink.
The design is then transferred to a polyester material or a material coated with a polyester layer, which is especially suitable for workout attire.
Heat and pressure are applied, causing the sublimation ink to turn into a gas and bond with the polyester fibers.
The result is a more durable and seamless design that is embedded within the material, offering no texture to the touch.
Differences
Material Compatibility: Heat transfer can be used on more types of materials.
Texture: Heat transfer prints may have a texture.
Durability: Heat transfer prints are less durable compared with sublimation ones.
Medium: Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
Material Compatibility: Sublimation requires polyester or polymer-coated items.
Texture: Sublimation prints become part of the material and are smooth.
Durability: Sublimation prints are generally more durable and less prone to fading compared to heat transfer prints.
Medium: Sublimation Paper
Similarities
Both methods use heat and pressure to transfer a design onto a material.
They are both popular for creating custom apparel, accessories, and promotional items.
Each technique allows for vibrant and full-color designs.
Tool needed
Some parchment paper;
A roll of adhesive heat transfer tape;
How to do it
# Maintain stable pressure and vertical pressing
Manual pressing of sublimation paper onto the sublimation board may result in shifting due to the board’s smooth surface.
To ensure stability and even pressure, press vertically and steadily to prevent any lateral movement during the heat press operation.
# Use adhesive heat transfer tape
The sublimation paper can easily shift on the slick surface of the sublimation board.
Secure the sublimation paper with some adhesive heat transfer tapes to hold it in place during pressing.
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