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How Heat Transfer Sublimation Works to Create Customized Clothing and Accessories

May 27

Are you looking to design customized clothes and accessories? Sublimation heat transfer is the best process to design custom clothes and accessories. This blog will explain how sublimation works and what equipment you'll need to get started. We will also provide suggestions for making the most out of your sublimation projects. Let's get started!


Sublimation involves the transfer of heat ink onto substrates. Polyester fabrics and polymer-coated metallics are the most popular substrates for sublimation. Sublimation inks are required to sublimate onto a substrate. Sublimation printers make use of inks that melt when heated to room temperature, but change to gas once heated. When the inks are heated up to sublimation temperatures, they turn into a gas and bond with the polyester fabric, or polymer-coated metal.

Two components are needed to sublimate: a sublimation printing machine as well as heat press. Sublimation printers are available in a variety of sizes however the most popular size is the A-sized. Sublimation printers of the A-size size utilize large-format sublimation paper and inks. There are heat presses of various sizes and styles. The most well-known design however is the clamshell heatpress. Clam shell heat press plates come with two plates that can open and close as a Clam shell.

You will need a heat press and sublimation printers to begin sublimation. You will also need sublimation inks and papers. We recommend using A-sized sublimation papers and inks for optimal results. When you've got the right equipment, you are able to start creating custom clothing or accessories.

Here are some suggestions to assist you in getting the most from your sublimation projects. Read more at https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/12/21/2356296/0/en/Sublimation-Heat-Press-Manufacturer-Insta-Graphic-Systems-Is-Attending-Two-Trade-Shows-In-January-2022.html

Use premium quality sublimation papers and inks.

Make sure that the substrate you choose to use is either coated with polymer or polyester

Heating your heat press according the directions of the manufacturer.

To avoid sticking, put the paper made of parchment between the substrate and the platen of heat press.

You can play around with pressing times and temperature to determine what is the most efficient for your project.

You now know the basics of sublimation and can create custom clothes and accessories. 

Questions about sublimation

How do you start a business in sublimation with a small budget

What is the most commonly used item to sublimate?

There is so much you can learn about heat transfers and sublimation. This process is a great way to create incredible custom-designed clothing and accessories. It takes a bit of time to master sublimation. Thank you for taking the time to read and we hope this post has helped you to understand the process of sublimation.