Sublimation Ink is a dye used exclusively in the sublimation printing process to print vibrant, high-quality designs on polyester fabrics and polymer-coated surfaces. When heated by a heat press, the pattern is transferred to the material, creating a long-lasting and durable print. This makes it ideal for creating detailed images on garments, home décor, and customized goods.
What is sublimation ink made of?
Sublimation ink comprises dye particles, carrier liquid, additives, and other costs. These components ensure that the ink penetrates the fabric and has strong adhesion to the fabric, ensuring vibrant colors and smooth printing.
What is the difference between dtf ink and sublimation ink?
Unlike DTF Inks printed on the fabric’s surface, sublimation inks penetrate the fabric and become part of it. This ensures durability and prevents color fading or peeling. Unlike sublimation inks, which are mainly suitable for polyester and light-colored substrates, DTF inks can be used on a wide range of materials, and the design is completed by transferring the pattern onto the material’s surface through a unique transfer film. Read the article ‘DTF Ink vs Sublimation Ink‘ for more information on the differences
Sublimation Ink Working Process
Equipment and Consumables Required
- Sublimation Printer
- Sublimation ink
- Sublimation paper
- Heat press machine
- Polyester or polyester-coated substrate
Printing Steps
- Design: Use the software to create the design, make sure the design is high resolution, and save the file in a compatible format (e.g., PNG, JPEG).
- Print: Print the design onto sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
- Heat transfer: A heat press transfers The design onto the fabric.
- Cooling and Finishing: Allow the substrate to cool before processing to check the quality and vibrancy of the transferred design.
For more details, you can read the article ‘What is sublimation printing.’
what is the best printer for sublimation ink?
| Printer | For Epson | For Mimaki | For Sawgrass |
| Sublimation Ink | Sublimation Ink for Epson ET 2800 2803 2850 15000 2400 2700 2710 2720 2750 2760 3700 3710 3750 3760 3830 3850 4700 4760 4800 4820 4850 5800 5850 5880 8500 8550 15000 7700 7750 4700 2650 WF 2540 2750 2760 2830 2850 2860 3620 3640 3720 4730 4833 7210 7610 7620 7710 7720 7820 7840 I3200 4720 XP600 T3000 T5000 T7000 T3070 T5070 T7070 T3200 T5200 T7200 T3270 T5270 T7270 Printer. | Sublimation Ink For Mimaki SB411 SB310 SB54 SB610 JV33 JV34 TS34 JV150 JV300 JV5 TS300 TS500 TX500 SB53 SS2 SB310 Printer. | Sublimation Ink For Sawgrass Sg400 Sg800 Sg500 Sg1000 Printer. |
Advantages and disadvantages of sublimation ink
| Compare | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Sublimation Ink | Bright colors: Sublimation ink prints exceptionally bright and vivid colors with high print quality. Long-lasting and durable prints: The sublimation ink printing process embeds the ink into the garment fibers, making the printed product less likely to fade, peel, and crack. Environmentally friendly: Sublimation printing uses water-based ink, which produces minimal waste, making it an environmentally friendly product. | Limitations of Applicable Materials: Sublimation inks are mainly practical on polyester or polyester-coated materials. This limits their application to specific fabrics and substrates and reduces versatility. Suitable for light-coloured fabrics: Sublimation printing is best suited as the ink binds to the material. Dark textiles cannot display vibrant colors, limiting design options. |
Sublimation Ink Applications
- Sweatshirts and Clothing. Create vibrant and durable graphics on sweatshirts and t-shirts.
- Small promotional products. Printing on items such as mugs, mouse pads, and keychains.
- Everyday Home Decor. Create customized designs on cushions, curtains, and wall art.
- Customized and personalized gifts. Unique designs for special occasions, such as photo mugs and customized t-shirts.
- Corporate Branding. Customized merchandise for businesses, including branded clothing and accessories.
- Fashion and Design. One-of-a-kind fashion pieces with intricate patterns and colors.
How To Selecting Best Sublimation Ink?
Considerations
- Choose inks with vibrant, accurate colors.
- Make sure the ink is compatible with the printer and substrate.
- Choose a well-known brand known for consistency and reliability.
- Read reviews and seek recommendations from industry professionals.
- Compare ink prices while considering long-term value.
- Balance initial cost with print quality and durability.
Tips For Choosing The Correct Ink
- Test in small quantities.Purchase sublimation ink samples to test color accuracy and performance.
- Check Compatibility. Confirm that the ink matches your specific printer model and sublimation paper.
- Consider technical support and after-sales. Choose a brand that offers good customer support and product warranties, such as Winnerjet.
Sublimation Ink Storage And Handling
- Store ink in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
- Keep sealed until ready for use to prevent contamination.
- Use the ink before the expiry date to ensure print quality.
- Avoid shaking the bottle vigorously to prevent air bubbles and deposits.
FAQS
How long does sublimation ink last?
Sublimation inks are known for their durability and long-lasting vibrancy on various materials. Under optimal conditions, sublimation inks can last for several years. However, the quality of the ink and substrate, the application and curing process, environmental factors, and how the print is used and cared for can all affect its longevity. Proper handling and storage can further extend the life of inks and prints.
Can you use sublimation ink on the DTF film?
While it is technically possible to print on DTF films using sublimation inks, this is generally not recommended. It may need to provide optimum printing results and require additional adjustments and testing. Inks and materials designed explicitly for DTF printing are advised to ensure optimum print quality and durability.
Can you use sublimation ink on printable vinyl?
No, sublimation inks do not apply to printable vinyl. Sublimation ink is designed for polyester fabrics and specially coated materials. Heat is required to transfer and bond the ink to the substrate fibers. Printable vinyl, on the other hand, does not have the necessary coatings to accept sublimation ink properly. It would help to use inks specifically designed for vinyl, such as pigment or eco-solvent inks.
Can you use sublimation ink on regular paper?
No, sublimation inks are not suitable for plain paper. Thermo sublimation inks are designed with unique heat-sublimation papers that hold ink until heat is transferred to a compatible substrate, such as polyester fabric or coated material. Using plain paper will not produce effective results because the ink will not transfer properly.
Can you use sublimation ink in any printer?
No, you cannot use sublimation ink on any printer. Thermosublimation inks require printers that are specifically designed or modified for thermosublimation use. These printers have specific print heads and components that can handle the unique properties of sublimation ink. Using sublimation ink on a non-specialized printer can damage the printer and result in poor print quality. It is best to use printers explicitly designed for sublimation printing or modified adequately for this purpose.
Future Trends In Sublimation Printing
- Faster printing speeds and higher output resolution.
- Enhanced color management systems for more accurate printing
- Streamline workflow and improve efficiency by automating processes.
- Develop coatings that sublimate in a broader range of materials.
- Innovative technologies to achieve better results on non-polyester fabrics.
Conclusion
Sublimation Inks offer the advantages of vibrant colors, durability, and environmental friendliness. Although limited to polyester and light-colored fabrics, it has applications across various industries and offers significant opportunities in the custom and personalized print market.
As technology evolves, so does the versatility and efficiency of sublimation printing. Its potential to provide high-quality, sustainable, and environmentally friendly printing solutions makes it an attractive option for businesses and creators. In short, choosing the correct ink for your situation and business model is essential to grow your business. For more information, you can contact us.
