02/18/2022
Are YOU curious about what the sublimation process actually is - or maybe you've never heard of it before joining my group! But I'm here to answer those 🔥 questions you may have 😆
WHAT IS SUBLIMATION?
In simple terms, it's the process of combining a shirt, tumbler, etc with the sublimation ink using heat. And it's a complete game changer!
A more in depth answer is that there are 4 things are needed to sublimate:
-1st is a sublimation printer with special sublimation ink (I use the Sawgrass SG500 that I bought here https://www.143vinyl.com/sawgrass-sg500-sublimation-printer.html)
-2nd is sublimation paper that I bought here https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XSB4M8J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (yes, they have a specific paper just for sublimation)
-3rd is the item or substrate you'll be printing on, this is either your item of clothing, mouse pad, garden flag, metal-wear, etc. For the anything that is fabric that you intend on using, you need either a 100% polyester or poly blend has it has an effect on the final product and how well the ink and the fabric come together.
-4th is a heat source (heat press, oven, etc). This is the press I have: https://smile.amazon.com/Slendor-360-Degree-Multifunction-Transfer-Sublimation/dp/B08HN5QSNM/ref=sr_1_12?crid=1BEPTOQ5TISUK&keywords=heat+press&qid=1645211595&sprefix=heat+press%2Caps%2C352&sr=8-12
The combo of special ink, paper, substrate and heat creates a masterpiece - it allows the ink to go from a solid to a gas without turning to liquid, a bit like dry ice. The conversion is initiated by heat and controlled by pressure. The ink that is used turn into gas when put under heat, then combine with the fabric or substrate, the ink is embedded in the item, rather than simply laying on top like a normal print. The effects are permanent and less prone to fading, or cracking like some vinyl can do over time.
There are pros and cons, as with all mediums, but for the right project with a lot of color on a light colored substrate, sublimation is terrific for the job!
Let me know in the comments below if you were familiar with sublimation or not before now - and let me know if I can help YOU with a sublime sublimation creation!
