Frequently Asked Questions about Sublimation

What are sublimation transfer inks?
How do sublimation transfers work?
How are sublimation transfers different from transfer papers?
How is a sublimation transfer different from direct printing onto fabric?
What are the limitations of sublimation?
What do I need to know about color management software?
What should I know about UV stability when using sublimation inks?
Why should I choose sublimation over a CLC transfer paper system?
What do I need to get started?
Do I need special transfer paper?
Who do I call when I have a technical question about sublimation printing?
Will ImprintsUSA guarantee my satisfaction?

Technical Support Related Questions

What are sublimation transfer inks?

Sublimation describes the process of a solid substance changing directly into a gas or vapor, without first passing through the intermediary liquid state. An example of this process which most recognize is "dry ice."

In the printing world, the term sublimation is used to describe heat-activated inks that change into a gas when heated and have the ability to bond with polyester or acrylic surfaces. Sublimated images are extremely washable; scratch resistant and dishwasher safe because the image is protected within the surface.

Printing with sublimation ink is not new; sublimation transfers have played an important role in the printing world for decades. What is new to the printing world, is the ability to digitally print sublimation inks rather that screen-printing them.

How do sublimation transfers work?

Sublimation uses a patented heat transfer process that employs special heat sensitive inks or toners to permanently dye polymer-coated surfaces. Simply print your clip art, scanned images, or computer created artwork on an inkjet or laser printer using high-quality paper and sublimation inks or toners. The resulting transfer sheet can be applied to a variety of surfaces with a standard heat press.

How are sublimation transfers different from transfer papers?

Heat transfers created with color laser, ink jet, or wax thermal printers use a polymer coated transfer paper to fuse ordinary toner or ink particles onto the surface of a substrate. The result is a "decal-like" transfer that can peel, crack, fade, and discolor over time. Sublimation transfers instead rely on special transfer inks or toners to transfer below the surface of a substrate. The result is a "tattoo-like" transfer that will not peel, crack, or fade and lasts for many years.

How is a sublimation transfer different from direct printing onto fabric?

'Direct printing' is an alternative category that includes a variety of ways to digitally print on textiles. Direct printing involves printing directly to a coated and paperbacked fabric with an ink jet printer. A common misconception is that this is a more efficient process than sublimation, but both methods require finishing. The finishing process for direct printing includes both steaming and washing. Standard ink jet inks or specialty inks can be used but vary greatly in quality and durability. Coated or paperbacked fabrics for direct printing are limited, more expensive and easily wasted. To compare production costs, a 3' x 8' banner printed directly will cost approximately $84.00. The same banner will cost less than $40.00 when sublimated. Moreover, sublimation transfers offer a level of color, richness, vibrancy and permanency that direct printing cannot rival. Note: these costs will vary depending on which direct printing application is used.

What are the limitations of sublimation?

Sublimation inks and toners transfer well to light colored, synthetic surfaces such as polyester and acrylic. They do not transfer to natural surfaces such as cotton, or dark colored surfaces. Over long periods of time, sublimation inks and toners have limited color-fastness when exposed to direct sunlight.

What do I need to know about color management software?

Every ink used in the printing industry requires color management to produce good clarity and consistent results. Color management software is an invaluable tool when printing with sublimation. Color management software gives sublimation printers the tools to produce brilliant spot color fills and transfers with true photo. The only color management software available in the sublimation industry is PowerDriver PRO/PowerDriver PRO PS from Sawgrass and ImprintsUSA! PowerDriver PRO/ PRO PS is provided to all ImprintsUSA users at no cost with the purchase of a set of inks or toners.

What should I know about UV stability when using sublimation inks?

Over long periods of time, sublimation inks and toners have limited color-fastness when exposed to direct sunlight. However, there are many factors that can affect the lifetime of your sublimated product: climate, season, geography, transfer time, temperature and pressure, the substrate and image density. Sawgrass has developed SubliJet XL inks for our inkjet sublimation systems to provided extended outdoor durability. If you are planning an application that will be exposed to direct sunlight for the product lifetime, be sure to discuss all available options with your ImprintsUSA.

Why should I choose sublimation over a CLC transfer paper system?

Transfer paper systems, or Color Laser Copier (CLC) systems, are useful for particular novelty-type applications, but are not ideal as a primary digital transfer system. First, the cost of entry into a CLC system is 5-10 times as much as a desktop inkjet system, beginning around $5000. Second, CLC requires unique paper for each substrate you plan to transfer onto. Finally, and most importantly, CLC transfers have limited wash-fastness and durability. This is especially noticeable in apparel decorated with CLC transfers. The CLC transfers will have a heavy, plastic-like feel and will require special care instructions to minimize damaging the transfer. In most cases, apparel decorated with a CLC transfer will have to be washed inside out and line-dried.

What do I need to get started?

It is easier than you might think. To create sublimated products with this technology, you will need the sublimation ink or toner cartridge set, color management software, a compatible desktop or large format printer, PC or Mac based computer, graphic design software, and heat transfer equipment (flat press, mug press, or plate press). The addition of a color scanner lets you create transfers from photos or other scanned artwork. ImprintsUSA can assist you in selecting a system designed for your needs.

Do I need special transfer paper?

Because sublimation utilizes heat activated inks and toners, there is no special paper required. Sublimation works with high-quality ink jet and laser paper for optimal transfer quality. Additionally, there's no need for pre-shrinking the paper before printing (commonly needed for e-stat transfer paper). ImprintsUSA can offer specific paper recommendations.

Does sublimation work on 100% cotton T-shirts in addition to polyester T-shirts?

Sublimation uses dyes requiring t-shirts to have a synthetic printing surface. Hanes Printables offers a range of apparel called Soft L'ink(tm) that combines 100% cotton fabric with a micro-polyester outer weave for a product line that allows printers to digitally create full-color, photo-quality graphics on a cotton-based garment. An alternative technology, the Natura Digital Apparel System, is available for apparel decorators interested in producing digital transfers for 100% and cotton blend apparel.

Who do I call when I have technical questions about sublimation printing?

Technical support is available from Sawgrass and ImprintsUSA via phone, fax, and e-mail. Sawgrass and ImprintsUSA employ a full technical support staff, which are experts in their field and know how to solve any problem that you may encounter while using your sublimation system.

Will ImprintsUSA guarantee my satisfaction?

PartnerPlus™ is Sawgrass' comprehensive plan to fully guarantee our digital transfer inks and toners against performance issues or defects, and to fully support any of our recommended piezo-head printers under manufacturer's warranty when used with SubliJet inks.

PartnerPlus is a complete user support program that provides sublimation transfer system users with the following :

• Real-time product support to resellers and end-users including: telephone/web/fax based technical support and advice.
• Sophisticated RIP and color management support and applications tips.
• Full product warranty against any SubliJet ink/cartridge performance issues or defects.
• Full support and service of piezo-head printers under warranty that are used with SubliJet transfer inks.
• ImprintsUSA pledges a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all users.