If you are a complete stranger to sublimation or just starting then this guide includes all the crucial details and important factors to help you through the sublimation journey. You might probably have a lot of questions in your mind that you are looking to get an answer for such as what does sublimation mean? How does it work? What you are required to do? What materials are required? How you can make a complete brand by sublimating apparel? Answer to all these questions and a lot more tips and tricks are our today’s pick for your easy and better understanding.
Let’s get into the details of sublimation for beginners.
What is sublimation?
Sublimation is a heating process that is used to transfer images from paper or prints to a t-shirt, shirt, hoody, sweater, or any other type of apparel. You can also try the sublimation process on mugs, cards, key chains, mobile covers, and many other accessories. You can either click a new photo, create collages of different images, or download a picture from the internet.
It is getting very famous lately as people are creating their own merchandise to sell online for a successful business. After reading this guide till the very end, you will also know all the details about sublimation printing and will be able to create your own brand from sublimation. Let’s move to the working of sublimation prints for brief understanding.
Working of sublimation prints
When you first heard of sublimation or had a glance at the process, you might have thought it is a very difficult or complex task that you will not be able to do it but it is not true. The process of sublimation is not complicated and just needs a thorough understanding of things and you will also be able to do it. The working of sublimation prints involves:
👉 The first phase of the sublimation includes printing an image, picture, or graphic on a special type of paper known as sublimation paper or heat transfer paper.
👉 Next, a heat press machine is used to transfer the image on the shirt. The heat from the heat press machine turns the ink of the image into gasses which is absorbed by the shirt or any material.
👉 The pores of the shirt or apparel absorb the gases to create a similar image on the shirt. The result of sublimation is permanent but you might need to follow some washing instructions.
Sublimation printing is just like getting a tattoo but instead of getting the ink on yourself or your skin, it includes printing the tattoos on the apparel and other accessories.
Sublimation materials
As you learned about the sublimation materials, it is also very crucial to learn the materials you require for sublimation printing. To make it easy for you, we described every little detail so you can have a great experience. The materials required for sublimation printing are:
Sublimation printer
The first material you will need is a sublimation printer. Not all printers qualify for sublimation printers but some printers can work both as a regular printer and sublimation printer. There are different brands offering sublimation printers online and at official stores. Click Here (to select the best sublimation printer.)
Sublimation ink
For sublimation printing, you will also need sublimation ink as regular ink cannot be used because sublimation ink is converted into gas to set on a shirt. Sublimation ink is available in many different colors and you can easily get them from any store. The quality of sublimated shirt depends on the quality of ink so make sure you choose a good quality sublimation ink.
Heat press
The heat press is a crucial part of sublimation. Without a heat press, you cannot transfer images from paper to shirts or any other material. There are several types of heat press with different features so you can choose one that suits you best.
Protective gloves
Protective gloves are necessary for your safety as the heat press produces heat to transfer images, it is important to protect your hands from getting burnt or hurt. You can also get heat-resistant gloves for your protection.
Cardboard
The last material is cardboard. It might not seem an important part but you must work with cardboard while working with a heat press so it does not burn your surroundings. Carboards are specially used while printing on shirts so the image does not get printed on the backside.
Uses of sublimation printing
Till now, you must have understood what sublimation printing is and how it works so let’s take a look at some of the uses of sublimation printing to learn whether it is worth your time and effort or not. You can use the sublimation process for printing:
- T-shirts
- Shirts
- Trousers
- Hoodies
- Caps
- Bags
- Sweaters
- Mugs
- Key chains
- Pouches
- Wallets
And many more 😄
How you can start a sublimation business?
The last but not the least of all questions that we discussed is how you can start a sublimation business. A sublimation business can prove to be really successful if you have the right equipment, optimized ideas, and the right plan. The steps for starting a sublimation business are as follow:
Choosing products
The first and foremost thing to finalize while setting up any kind of business is to choose the right product. Choosing the right products is the most crucial part of any business and can also help in getting sales. You need to choose products according to the demand of people and competition in the market. We presented a list of things you can sublimate so go and choose one that suits and is also in high demand.
Right equipment
The second thing you need to do to start a sublimation business is to get hold of all the right equipment you will need such as sublimating printers, inks, inventory, space for setting up the parts, computer for designing, sublimation paper, and other necessary supplies.
Plan and strategy
The last step is to develop a high-end plan and strategy to get sales in the market. Do marketing of your products on the right platforms such as social media so people can get awareness about your brand and products.
Conclusion:
As we are here to end our sublimation journey, let us conclude the guide on sublimation for beginners. It has been a great roller coaster ride with you and we hope you must have also enjoyed every step of this guide with us. Nothing is impossible with a little hard work and focus so if you are planning to start a sublimation business then we will recommend you to definitely go for it because we have full confidence in you and you can make it.
Sublimation of apparel might seem a complex task to you but it is not as it seems. It is a very fun and exciting activity as you play with colors, designs, and sizes to create a personalized look. With a little attention and focus, you can achieve a lot of dreams and big goals so go buy a sublimation press and start doing what you love. You can create personalized gifts, apparel, and many more with sublimation. We wish you all the best.
Frequently Asked Question
What equipment is required for sublimation?
To start a sublimation business you need a designated sublimation printer, sublimation paper, sublimation ink, and heat press machine. Choose this equipment with attention. As they are your initial investment and play a very crucial role in the business foundation.
Do I need Cricut for sublimation?
The straight answer is No! Sublimation prints are self-weeding. Cricut is not necessary for this process. Because only the printed area is transferred to the substrate during the sublimation process.
Is the sublimation business is profitable?
Yes, It is a lucrative and profitable business. As there are many people and companies making money with this business model. You can create custom products and sell them in the local market, online stores like Amazon, eBay or start small with FB or Instagram page. Make a good durable product and market it well.
Can a regular printer be used for sublimation?
It is recommended to use a sublimation printer. A regular printer with ink won’t produce optimal and durable results. Although regular printers could be converted to sublimation printers like Epson printers. Sawgrass SG 500/1000 is the best printer for sublimation beginners.
How should I price the sublimate t-shirt?
Well, First look at your production cost and operational cost. How much does a shirt cost you?. Analyze market prices and set your cost according to them. Don’t forget to set your margins.
