Sublimation on fabrics - what materials are suitable for printing and how to achieve the best results?

Thinking about creating personalized T-shirts, bags or sweatshirts? Sublimation printing on fabrics is a method that will open up new possibilities for you. Thanks to it, graphics retain intense colors and do not wash out even after many washings. It's a technique ideal for creating promotional clothing or unique fashion designs. Wondering what sublimation materials to choose to get durable and expressive results? Read our guide and you will learn what mistakes to avoid and what to pay attention to in order to make your designs stunning.

Table of contents

• What is sublimation?
• What materials are suitable for sublimation?
• Sublimation on cotton or polyester?
• Practical tips for best results
• Sublimation on fabrics - proven materials at Euroland

What is sublimation?

Sublimation is a print transfer technique that involves transferring dye from special sublimation paper directly to the material using high temperature and pressure. As a result, the dye becomes a gas and penetrates the structure of the fabric, creating a durable finish that is imperceptible to the touch. This is what makes sublimation printing on fabrics resistant to washing, abrasion and even fading.

What materials are suitable for sublimation?

The basis of a successful project using sublimation is the right choice of material. This method works best on substrates that have polyester in their composition, so it is a popular choice. The higher the synthetic fiber content, the better and more durable the print will be. What materials are suitable for sublimation? Here is a list of fabrics to which sublimation printing can be successfully applied:

• 100% polyester - perfectly absorbs sublimation ink for intense and vivid colors. Ideal for making sports shirts, sweatshirts or accessories;

• polyester blends (e.g., 50/50 polyester/cotton) - allow personalization of garments that have the advantages of natural fibers;

• spandex/lycra - often used in swimwear. Sublimation is permanent on them and does not limit the flexibility of the material;

• nylon - you can successfully print on nylon bags or backpacks, although the effect may be slightly less saturated than on polyester.

Choosing the right material for sublimation is a guarantee of durability of the print and a professional visual effect.

Sublimation on cotton or polyester?

A common question that customers ask us is "How to do sublimation on natural fabrics?". Unfortunately, cotton, silk or linen fibers do not bind to sublimation dyes. Printing on such material will be impermanent and will fade quickly after the first wash. The solution to this problem is natural fabrics with a blend of polyester. Thanks to the synthetic content, the dye has something to bind to, and the pattern retains intense colors and durability for a long time. The greater the admixture of polyester in the material, the better the end result will be. Sublimation on cotton or other polyester-blend fabrics is a practical compromise between a natural look and print durability.

Practical tips for best results

To make the print durable, it is worth remembering a few rules. First of all, it is best that the material is white or a very light color. Sublimation does not cover the background, so dark fabrics may distort the colors of the print. Always remember to set the optimum temperature and warming time, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. A transfer that is too short or a die that is not warm enough can make the print poorly fixed.

Sublimation on fabrics - proven materials at Euroland

Sublimation is an excellent method for creating durable and intense prints, provided the base is the right materials. By sticking to the above tips, you will easily achieve professional results. In our wholesale store you will find a wide selection of products, from T-shirts to bags that have been specially prepared for sublimation printing on fabrics. We provide proven materials, which allows customers to create projects of the highest quality. Check out what we have prepared for you and see how simple it can be to create your own unique products!