Everything you need to know about sublimation
I have been sublimation printing for roughly a year now and I have had lots of questions about this craft. Here’s everything you need to know about sublimation.
Sublimation printing is a popular method for creating vibrant, long-lasting prints on a variety of materials. It involves transferring ink from special sublimation paper to the material being printed, using heat and pressure.
What format are the files?
Sublimation designs need to be in PNG format with a transparent background. Ideally in 300dpi, which all of my free files are. Making them ideal for this type of craft project and many others.
How to use sublimation designs
Once you’ve downloaded a design, you can adapt it to suit your needs using software like Cricut design space, photoshop, inkspace or a free alternative is GIMP. If you don’t want to alter the design, then you can print straight away.
You will need to use a printer that is set up for sublimation printing. Which uses special ink and paper. A regular printer will not work.
What materials do I need?
- You will need a sublimation printer with the correct inks
- Sublimation paper
- Blanks that work for sublimation printing, such as polyester t-shirts, or mugs and key rings that are coated.
- A heat press for flat projects like cushion covers and clothes or a mug press for cups and tumblers.
What if I don’t have a sublimation printer?
If you don’t want the expense of buying a printer solely for sublimation printing. Another great lower cost way to try the technique is you use, infusible inks sheets or infusible ink pens.
Ink sheets can be cut in a similar way to Heat transfer vinyl and come in a wide range of colours and designs.
Infusible in pens give you the flexibility to hand draw your own designs and transfer them to products. Fantastic if you are an artist or want to create special mementoes of Children’s artwork.
What can I make with sublimation printing?
Almost anything! The range of sublimation blanks (products with polyester coating) is growing, and the range of versatile heat presses, means you are not limited to flat items anymore either. For example you can print on:
- coasters
- socks
- hats
- tshirts
- waterbottles
- chopping boards
- mugs
- Glasses
- Earrings
- Wind chimes
- Tote bags
Free sublimation designs!
If you want to get started with sublimation, don’t forget to check out my Free Sublimation PNG library
Want more sublimation and svg files?
Explore even more creative designs in my Ko-Fi shop! Discover a treasure trove of unique projects, sublimation and SVG’s that will inspire your next project. Visit my shop now to unlock endless creative possibilities.
