Improved technologies characterize the current period. People are drawn to the designs and prints on their products because they enhance the beauty of the items. The demand and interest for sublimation printing on pottery, mugs, and fabrics have peaked. Printed shirts are now required by practically every second person, particularly players. As a result, sublimation printing is used in this case. So, we are here with the article; how to print on transfer paper for T-shirts.
Sublimation printing on versatile materials has developed into a significant industry around the globe. Sublimation is used to print the graphics on soccer, cricket, tennis balls, and any shirts with graphics. It has addressed a market need for more outstanding quality, quick mugs and fabric printing, and other things. The method works by directly permitting the ink transition from the solid phase into the gas phase without passing through the liquid phase. The conversion is initiated by temperature or heat and is then regulated by pressure.
How to Sublimate on different mediums using Sublimation Printer
Following are the things that are mandatory to perform sublimation on your fabric and similar materials.
- A converted printer for sublimation may also be used.
- Transfer paper is mandatory because you need to print the image first.
- Sublimation printers require a particular type of ink to sublimate, called Sublimation Ink. With regular printing ink, you will not print by sublimation.
- Get yourself a specific material that you want to print. Note that synthetic textiles will not be printed by sublimation.
- Without a heat press, you will never print a T-shirt by sublimation. The design transferring to your shirt requires temperature and pressure, given by a heat press.
- The heat resistance tape is required to bind transfer paper with T-shirt. The specialty of the tape is that it prevents extra heat from passing through the paper onto the shirt.
Process of Print On Transfer Paper For T-Shirts Sublimation
All the textiles, whether pillowcases or T-shirts undergo the same process during sublimation printing. It is a thermal printing technology that uses sublimation dyes to create graphics on garments. Sublimation Shirt printing is a type of printmaking that begins with a design being printed on a particular paper (sublimation paper) and then transferred to your textile, preferably polyester or a mix of polyester. Afterward, the dye is heated when the ink dissolves into the cloth. When heated, the printed design transforms into a gas, imparting the color to the cloth.
Steps of Sublimation Printing
Step 1: Selection of the design/image to be printed
You may have some entertainment in this step and show off your creative abilities. If you lack any creative abilities, don’t panic. The reason is that there are many photo gallery websites where you may get lovely graphics. Choose the image that you wish to print on your fabric. You may obtain it from anywhere or download it from the internet. Remember that the picture must be flipped before printing so it can’t end up on the wrong side of your T-shirt.
Step 2: Print image on Transfer paper
By using a sublimation printer for T-shirt, print your picture on the transfer paper. It is mandatory to print the image from the coated side of the paper. After printing, isolate the paper to get the part you require.
Step 3: Shirt arrangement
The shirt on which the printing will be done is first pressed. After pressing, any moisture or creases on the clothing will be erased. Place a cardboard sheet between the backside and front side of the t-shirt to secure it in place. Put Teflon sheet above the paper before heat press.
Step 4: Heat Press and Image transformation to T-shirt
The pressure, duration, and temperature of the heat press all have a significant impact in shaping the clarity of the print; thus, make sure that you select the appropriate settings for the cloth. Initially, Heat the press approximately 375°–400°F before placing the printed picture on the t-shirt. Tape this paper into the t-shirt, so it does not slip during the procedure. For 2–3 minutes, press your sublimation paper.
When ink is given elevated temperature, it turns into a gas which allows the gas to enter through the pores of your t-shirt. The pores compress and close as we extract heat from the t-shirt, keeping the ink within. As a result, you have your output photo on a t-shirt.
Some important instructions to follow
- Use cold water to clean.
- A cold environment is needed to dry it.
- Use laundry detergent powder.
- Brushes should not be used.
How to print on transfer paper for T-shirts?
Now, most people have become confused about printing images on transfer paper. Now, take a chill pill because we instruct you about this.
Transfer paper is sometimes known as T-shirt paper. The reason is that it transmits graphics, symbols, and other content to textiles. Transfer papers are classified into two types. One is light-colored, while the other is dark-colored paper. Based on the color of the material you plan to print on, it is necessary to select the appropriate paper.
Dark textiles necessitate the use of dark transfer paper. A white foreground is imprinted through the ink on black paper. This prevents the ink from absorbing the color of the material. The inks of light papers are frequently transparent, so they show up on light-colored textiles. When these papers are applied to white and other light-colored textiles, the patterns printed on light paper attempt to produce a more realistic impression.
Step 1: Flip the image first
The image must be reversed before being printed in mirror format. This is a step that many people seem to miss. The picture must be put on your clothing with the image facing down to display it correctly when applying for heat transfer. If you want to print on black transfer paper, make sure your picture is facing up before transmitting it to your shirt. There is no requirement to invert the picture when printing on dark paper.
Step 2: Print On Transfer Paper For T-Shirts
If you are a newbie, print a sample on regular paper before printing the image on transfer paper. It will aid you in determining whether the photo will exactly look on the paper as it appears on your screen. If the print is accurate and you are pleased with it, you should print it on the right side of the transfer paper. On transfer paper, the right side is frequently indicated. However, if no markings are visible, be careful to print on the side of the coated paper.
The printing process is quite simple. You have to load the transfer paper into the printer. Afterward, press the print. It is precisely the same as printing on regular paper.
Advantages of T-shirt sublimation printing
In our opinion, the method does wonders since it assures that the picture you turn into your shirt will not eventually fade. As the ink blends in with the surface, the appearance is elegant, precise, and refined. Three-dimensional prints will be the result that you get. Sublimation shirt printing might be more expensive than other procedures, but it is longer lasting. Furthermore, unlike other design and printing procedures, this would not break or tear with time.
Choosing white shirts is typically a wise option to optimize these advantages and costs. They are often less expensive than colorful versions of the identical garment, but you can also imprint virtually whatever color you want on your white shirt.
Cons of T-shirt sublimation printing
The cons are actually due to the materials used. This type of printing is merely appropriate for the clothes made of polyester, either entire polyester or a polyester mix. Even if the sublimation is feasible on all other fabrics like cotton, the print would not be everlasting because it is hand made garment hence not suggested.
Sublimation printing on cotton T-shirts
Because sublimation produces a chemical link with the polyester textile fibers inherent in the clothing, using a shirt made entirely of cotton is undoubtedly not a wise choice. The exception is that there are certain sublimation coatings materials available to buy in the marketplace, despite specific individuals claiming that even if you apply that coating, the colors do not appear.
Wrapping up
Sublimation printing is the most acceptable option if you want a pattern that can withstand the energetic and long-term usage of your team shirts and uniforms. However, it is applied to your skin to your selected product rather than being applied to your skin. Heat press machines will not function well with synthetic clothing. When exposed to intense temperature and stress, these clothes frequently melt. Polyester, nylon, etc., are some textiles that perform best with heat presses.
Because transfer papers are such an essential component of t-shirt printing, it is essential to know how to utilize them. Besides understanding how to print on transfer paper for T-shirts is theoretically simple, it may be a rewarding experience within itself. We suggest taking the process easy. Having errors is acceptable when you are first starting. As you gain experience, things will improve, and then you will execute faultless transfers.