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Sublimation is one of the most popular printing methods in the printing industry. This method provides many advantages. It not only offers a wide range of colors but is also quite easy and fast to use.
With some outstanding advantages, sublimation is a good printing method for different products and materials, especially shirts. But the question is: “How long to press sublimation shirts?”. In this blog, we will answer this question clearly and also cover all necessary information about subliminal printing!
Now, it’s time for digging in!
What is sublimation printing?
Sublimation printing is a technique that allows you to use high heat and pressure to transfer your design from sublimation paper to your products. This method uses special dye-based inks that can convert from a solid state directly to a gas without a liquid state.
For further information about sublimation printing, let’s explore here!
Factors influencing the quality of pressing sublimation shirts
When you press sublimation shirts, you must pay attention to some factors or elements that can influence the result of the shirts. Let’s explore below:
1. Type of fabric
The material of shirts that are used for sublimation printing is quite important to the outcome. The ideal fabric used for sublimation should be 100% polyester or have a high polyester content, with at least 65%.
The outcome of the sublimation process relies on the fabric’s ability to absorb and retain the sublimation dyes. Polyester fibers provide the necessary structure and chemical properties to bond with the dyes effectively. The higher the polyester percentage, the more vibrant, long-lasting prints.
2. Sublimation ink
The quality and type of sublimation ink can significantly impact the printing process. High-quality inks will transfer more efficiently and produce more vibrant colors.
These inks are specially formulated to turn into gas at high temperatures and bond with the polyester fibers. If you are using other inks, the printing color won’t turn out as vibrant and bold as with real sublimation ink. Poorly printed products will impact the overall product quality as well as hurt customers’ trust.
3. Heat press temperature
The temperature setting on your heat-press is a critical factor in the sublimation process. The standard temperature for sublimation on polyester fabrics is typically between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 205°C).
If the temperature is too low, the dye may not transfer properly. If it’s too high, the fabric can scorch, and the colors can distort. It’s important to follow the recommended temperature settings for both the ink and the fabric you are using.
4. Pressure applied
Another factor that can influence the quality of sublimation shirts is the level of pressure applied. Medium pressure is generally recommended for the almost sublimation process. Too much pressure can cause the ink to bleed and the image to blur, while too little pressure can result in incomplete transfers with patchy or uneven color distribution.
5. Design complexity
The complexity of the design you are transferring can also influence the pressing process. Larger or more intricate designs may require longer pressing times to ensure that the entire image transfers evenly and completely. Detailed designs with fine lines and small text need to be pressed with precision to avoid blurring and distortion.
Additionally, multi-colored designs may require careful attention to ensure that all colors are transferred accurately and vibrantly. It’s often helpful to perform test presses with complex designs to fine-tune the time, temperature, and pressure settings for optimal results.
How long to press sublimation shirts?
Below are suggested time for pressing sublimation shirts:
1. Polyester shirts
Polyester is an excellent fabric for sublimation methods. The recommended heat press settings are 375-400°F (190-205°C) and the time is 45-60 seconds. This helps the sublimation ink properly bond with the polyester fibers, resulting in durable prints.
Before processing further, you need to pre-press fabric for 5-10 seconds to remove any moisture and fine lines. This can help enhance the quality of the transfer. To increase the maximum quality, you also should have a test press with a sample piece of fabric.
Below are our sublimation shirts:
AOP Regular Fit Button-down Shirt
Our AOP Regular-Fit Button-down Shirt combines classic style and modern convenience. It has a button-down shirt style, offering a regular fit that ensures comfort and fit for all body types.
This product is also made from 100% polyester for outstanding durability, insulation, and wrinkle resistance. And sublimation printing makes these products more durable than ever. All AOP regular-fit button-down shirts are applied with special inks to transfer directly onto the fibers, resulting in a smooth, high-quality finish.
AOP Unisex T-shirt
Our product is the AOP Unisex T-shirt, made from 100% polyester fabric. This material is chosen for its durability, moisture-wicking properties, and smooth, comfortable texture.
We use the sublimation application method, which ensures vibrant, high-quality prints that maintain the quality of products after multiple washes. The combination of premium polyester fabric and advanced sublimation techniques make your products both stylish and long-lasting.
AOP Women’s Off-the-shoulder T-shirt
AOP Women’s Off-the-shoulder T-shirt is made from 95% polyester and 5% spandex. This blend offers exceptional wrinkle resistance and moisture-wicking properties, ensuring a comfortable and stylish wear.
The soft, stretchy fabric helps users enhance the overall fit and feel comfortable. And with these fibers, we choose the sublimation printing method. It allows your products more and more vibrant, long-lasting prints that maintain their quality over time.
All-over Print Comfort T-shirt
Our AOP comfort T-shirt is expertly designed using 95% polyester and 5% spandex. This advanced fabric offers a soft, comfortable touch. Additionally, this fabric makes users feel cool and dry, whether you’re out for a casual day or outside day’s activities.
The T-shirt features a vibrant design achieved through sublimation printing. With this advanced combination, our products bring users a comfortable feeling along with long-lasting prints over time.
AOP pocket Hawaiian shirt
This product is made from 100% woven polyester fabric, which is perfectly thick for durability while staying cool and breathable. The fabric’s smooth texture ensures comfort and style all day long.
With the sublimation printing method, our Hawaiian Shirts come with vibrant and long-lasting colors. With its eye-catching patterns and reliable construction, our AOP Pocket Hawaiian Shirt combines style and function, offering a standout product that maintains its look wash after wash.
Additionally, the sublimation printing method makes your design more vibrant and long-lasting. This process embeds the ink directly into the fabric, so the colors stay bright and won’t fade over time.
2. Polyester blends
For sublimation on polyester/cotton blends, it is recommended to press for 50-70 seconds at a temperature of 375-400°F (190-205°C). Fabrics with higher polyester content (e.g., 70% polyester/30% cotton) will have better sublimation results, with more vibrant and durable prints. Lower polyester content (e.g., 50% polyester/50% cotton) may result in less vivid colors and a more vintage look.
3. Nylon
With this material, you should press for 30-40 seconds at a temperature of 350-360°F (175-182°C). To protect the fabric from damage, you always use a protective sheet, such as parchment paper or a Teflon sheet, between the nylon and the heat press platen. This layer helps prevent direct contact with the hot surface, reducing the risks at the most.
4. Spandex
For sublimation on Spandex, press the fabric for 35-45 seconds at a temperature of 355-365°F (179-185°C). Spandex is highly elastic and sensitive to heat, making it susceptible to damage from excessive temperatures. To minimize the risk of heat-related issues, you should apply moderate pressure during pressing and use a protective sheet, such as parchment paper or a Teflon sheet.
Choosing the right temperature and time is extremely important. Because it directly influences the quality of outcome products. Your products only become great if you get everything right. It includes both the best print and color occurrence on the sublimation paper and perfect heat settings.
