Tips for Achieving Long-Lasting Printing Results with a Thermal Sublimation Ink
- Share
- Issue Time
- Jun 11,2024
Summary
Learn expert tips for maximizing printing durability by using FCOLOR thermal sublimation ink. Use your basic strategies to improve your printing level.
Thermal sublimation printing is a popular method to create vivid and lasting designs on a variety of materials. Whether you print a T-shirt, mug or a custom case, lasting printing is essential to ensuring your work stands the test of time. In this guide, we introduce in depth the best techniques and practices for achieving the most durable printing results using thermal sublimation ink.
Learn About the Sublimation Ink
First, it is important to understand what a thermal sublimation ink is and how it works. Unlike ordinary ink, which stays on the surface of the material, the thermal sublimation ink becomes a gas and is embedded in the fibers of the substrate. This process produces bright, high-resolution prints that are easy to fade and crack.
Select the Appropriate Thermal Sublimation Printing Material
Thermal sublimation printing requires specific materials to achieve optimal results. To obtain a bright and lasting printing effect, the key is to choose the right substrate and high-quality thermal sublimation paper. Let's explore these key components in more detail.
Choose the Right Substrate
The substrate is the material to which the design is transferred. Not all materials are suitable for thermal sublimation printing, so choosing the right material is crucial. Here are some of the best options:
Polyester Fabric
·100% polyester: This is ideal for thermal sublimation printing. Synthetic fibers allow a thermal sublimation ink to penetrate and bond deeply, thus creating a vivid, durable print. Common uses include T-shirts, sportswear, and flags.
·Polyester blend: Although the effect is not as ideal as pure polyester fiber, the fabric with high polyester fiber content (at least 50%) can still produce good results. Printing may be less vivid or durable compared to 100% polyester.
Polymer-Coated Substrate
·Ceramic cups: These cups are coated with a special polymer layer that accepts the sublimation ink, making them the perfect choice for personalized drinking pieces.
·Aluminum plate: For logo and photo panels, these plates have polymer coating to achieve high-quality image transmission.
·Mobile phone case: Polymer-coated mobile phone case can be used for sublimation to achieve a durable and beautiful custom design.
Special Sublimation Blank
·Mouse pad: It usually has a polyester top layer to ensure good printing quality.
·Key chain: Made of polymer-coated metal or plastic, perfect for small custom items.
·Handbags: Polyester or polyester-coated fabrics are best suitable for bright, durable designs.
Material That Should Be Avoided
· Cotton: The sublimation ink and cotton do not combine well, causing the print to dim and fade.
· Uncoated metals: Metals without a polymer coating do not accept sublimation ink.
· Natural fiber: Fabrics such as wool, silk, and linen are not suitable for sublimation ink because they cannot be combined with ink.
The Importance of High-Quality Thermal Sublimation Paper
In addition to choosing the right substrate, the use of high-quality thermal sublimation paper is also crucial to obtain excellent printing results. The reasons are as follows:
The Best Ink Transfer
High quality thermal sublimation paper after special coating treatment, can effectively maintain and release the hot sublimation ink in the hot transfer printing process. This coating ensures that the ink is fully absorbed by the paper and then fully transferred to the substrate when heat and pressure are applied.
Consistent and Bright Colors
Cheap or low quality sublimation paper can cause poor ink transfer and in fading, uneven or discoloration of printed matter. High-quality paper ensures that the color is consistent and bright, closely matching the original design.
Minimize Ink Exudation
High-quality thermal sublimation paper maximizes the risk of ink coloring, namely color mixing, and blur. This is essential for the detailed design and text, which can ensure clarity, clarity, and professional results.
Reduce Waste and Costs
While high-quality thermal sublimation paper may initially be more expensive, it can reduce the possibility of printing errors and wasted materials. In the long run, it can save costs by reducing reprint requirements and ensuring customer satisfaction with the final product.
Tips to Maximize Print Durability:
Choose High-quality Materials: the basis of durable printing is the quality of the materials used. Choose high-quality substrates compatible with thermal sublimation ink to ensure optimal results.
Calibrate Print Settings: fine-tune print Settings to achieve a perfect balance of color saturation and clarity. Adjust the ink density, temperature, and pressure settings for optimal results.
Maintaining Proper Thermal Pressure Conditions: constant heat and pressure are essential for the effective progress of the sublimation process. Make sure your hot press is calibrated correctly and maintain even pressure during printing.
Pretreatment Substrate: the use of coating or primer pretreatment substrate can enhance the adhesion of the ink and improve the overall durability of the printed matter. This step is essential to achieve lasting effects.
Follow the Manufacturer's Guidelines: Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines to use the FCOLOR thermal sublimation ink. Following the recommended practices will ensure that you print for the best possible results.
Conclusion
In short, to use thermal sublimation ink to achieve lasting printing, it requires attention to detail, quality materials, and appropriate technology. By following the tips outlined in this guide and taking advantage of the superior performance of FCOLOR Ink, you can take the print project to new heights. Embrace the power of thermal sublimation technology and unlock the amazing lasting printing potential to power your audience. Use FCOLOR to improve your printing level and witness the differences in printing quality and durability. If you would like to know more information about thermal sublimation printers and consumables, please feel welcome to contact us.
FCOLOR Is a well-known custom printer ink manufacturer with more than a decade of experience in the industry. We include a wide range of high-quality inks, such as dye inks, pigment inks, thermal sublimation inks, weak solvent inks, thin film inks, and DTF printer inks. We also offer a variety of ink cartridges and inkjet printers to meet different printing needs.
In addition to inks and printers, FCOLOR offers professional printing solutions, including PVC and ID card printing, card printers, and label printers, all designed for precision and reliability. Our expertise extends to dye thermal sublimation and digital printing equipment, ensuring first-class performance and vivid printing quality. We provide all necessary consumables to ensure your operation goes smoothly.
In addition, FCOLOR prides itself on providing customized solutions to meet the unique needs of its customers. Whether you need a custom ink formulation or a custom printing system, our team is committed to providing innovative and efficient solutions to enhance your printing capabilities. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes us a trusted partner in the printing industry.
Great on a wide variety of hard surfaces with a sublimation-coating: coasters, jewelry, mugs, etc.
this sublimation ink can be used to print on silk-like polyester, sports T-shirts, cycling jerseys, polyester bags, umbrella...
DTF ink prints with bright colors, high degree of pattern printing, clear and smooth without clogging
Compatible with the MBIS (Mimaki Bulk Ink System) on following Mimaki printers