Sublimation ink is a unique and different sort of ink. Removing sublimation ink is not an easy task. It requires careful attention to remove it. Some technique gives you 100% safe result, but some can give you very poor results. Here I will tell you safe techniques that will help you know how to remove sublimation ink with different methods.
A little hard work and attention will remove sublimation print, and you can enjoy reprint according to your choice. We will discuss the removal of sublimation prints from different types of things.
How To Remove Sublimation Print from Shirt
Sublimation ink can be removed from the shirt, but it needs full attention and care while attempting the process as it might affect the medium. The slightest carelessness can damage your shirt or the colour of the shirt. However, the following methods will give you astonishing results.
Heat Method
It would help if you had an iron, steel rod and tissue towel. Put the fabric or shirt on the iron mat fronting the stained or printed area. Place the towel on the shirt and press it with high heat iron. With the help of an iron knife or rod scratch, the sublimation printed design. You might have to attempt the process several times to remove the ink completely.
Cold Water Method
The cold water method is also used to remove sublimation print from the shirt, but it works on fresh ink. When the sublimation design is not according to your choice, and you want to change it immediately on the same shirt, you can use cold water. Soak the shirt in cold water for 20 minutes. The ink will become solid before becoming a part of the fabric. Eventually, you can remove it.
Bleaching Method
The bleaching method is also used for removing the print from the shirt. Take a printed shirt and dip the printed part into the bleaching agent; leave it for one hour. After one hour, the ink will melt, and it will be removed from the shirt, now the neat shirt is ready. But the bleaching method is mostly used for white or light-coloured shirts.
Pressure Washer Method
A pressure washer is a device that is used to remove sublimation ink. It is one of the best methods to remove your print from the shirt. A pressure washer is used to remove the sublimation of shirts and is also used to remove many other things like metal, wood, wall, etc. In this method, you have to fill up water in the machine, and then it will project water on ink with full of pressure and remove ink stain from the required area.
Soda Method
The soda method is also used for the sublimation removing process. In this method, take 1 cup of water and 6 cups of soda mix it well. Now the printed shirt dip for 1 hour. After 1-hour, remove the soda and rub it slowly. It will remove the ink from the shirt.
Steam Method
The steam method is also used to remove sublimation print from the shirt. In this process, you need hot water and one tablespoon of salt. Now dip the shirt in hot water and ensure that steam or ink will not dye your shirt. After 10 minutes, take out your shirt from hot water and scrub the design part of the shirt with a dry towel or dry tissue; now, air dries the shirt. Finally, you get rid of sublimation print and enjoy a clean shirt.
How To Remove Sublimation Design from Mugs
Sublimation ink also can be removed from mugs by different methods. It’s easy compared to the shirt method, but it also requires care and attention.
Vinegar
White vinegar is used for removing ink from the mug. Take a deep bowl and fill the white vinegar in the bowl. Dip the ink part of the mug into the vinegar and make sure it covers the printed area. Now scratch the design part of the mug with a strong steel dish scrubber. You might need to repeat the process several times to remove the ink completely.
Microwave- Heat Removal
The oven is also used to remove sublimation print from the mug. Take a printed mug and keep it in the oven at 400 C°above Temperature for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes off the oven and putting out the mug, the ink will melt. Now scratch it from hard cloth, and you will find clean, now you can print it again.
Ammonia and Vinegar
Coldwater, Ammonia and vinegar together can react with sublimation ink and unlock the molecules. The process is simple: add ammonia and vinegar to the bowl and add cold water. Place the printed side of the mug in the solution and let it rest for 4 to 5 minutes. Now remove the mug and wash with mild dishwasher liquid. Enjoy the clean and fresh mug available for new prints.
How To Remove Sublimation Print from Metal
Although removing sublimation ink from the metal is difficult, you easily get the fresh metal ready for new prints with the right procedure.
Sandpaper is best for removing sublimation print from metal. In this process, take sandpaper and pour some acetone drops on it. Now scrub the printed part of the metal. After a little scrub, you will give the final result. Now enjoy neat metal, and you can be reprinted as your choice.
How to Remove Sublimation Print from Wood
Sublimation ink can be removed from wood without any damage. There are different methods to remove sublimation print from wood.
Alcohol is the best method to remove sublimation ink from wood surfaces. You need hard cloth and alcohol for the process. Now wet the cloth with alcohol and scrub on the wooden surface. After a few minutes, you will get neat wood.
Nail polish remover acetone is used to remove all the prink from the wood. In this method, you need a hard cloth and nail polish remover, but make sure nail polish remover is acetone-based mentioned behind the cover. Now wet the cloth with nail polish remover and scrub on the printed area of wood.
Shaving cream is also used to remove sublimation print from wood. In this process, you need a toothbrush and shaving cream. Now put the cream on the surface of the wood and scrub with a brush very well.
Conclusion
Finally, you know how to remove sublimation ink from versatile surfaces without damaging the material. However, some print mediums are expensive and sensitive to cleaning agents and processes that cannot reverse the prints.
So, before attempting any of the processes mentioned above, make sure the material is compatible with the procedure.