Sublimation is a unique process which transfers images or text onto synthetic materials (the more polyester, the better!). The sublimation printer uses special ink and paper that, when applied with high heat, transforms into a gas and fuses into the synthetic fabric. Although comparable to processes like using inkjet printable T-shirt paper, sublimation lasts longer and is more reliable due to the way the dye is applied. This is most commonly done with synthetic fabric or “sublimation blanks”, which are items like mousepads, keychains, and more that are specifically designed for this process.
At the Makerspace we have a Sawgrass SG1000 sublimation printer. This comes with all the materials needed to do dye sublimation including the ink, the paper, and a heat press. Occasionally, we may also have sublimation blanks available for use! Otherwise, the only thing you will need to bring is the fabric or material you want to sublimate on.
Process:
- You will need to have your design ready and appropriately sized for your project. You can use PNG, PDF, SVG, and more!
- If you use the computer in the Makerspace, it already has the software and drivers installed. You can email the design to yourself, or put it on a usb stick to access it on the computer.
- If you don’t use the computer in the Makerspace, then you will need to download the free Sawgrass Print Utility app and create an account.
- Upload your design into the program, which will automatically mirror your image for sublimation
- Make sure there is sublimation paper in the bottom tray, blank side facing down
- Begin printing
- Once all the pages of the design are printed, give them time to dry
*If the pages are not fully dry, the image or text will not transfer properly. Wait about 10 minutes or until the paper feels totally dry.
- Heat the heat press to your required temperature, and set the timer for the required time
- Click to see the full Sublimation Heat Guide
- Adhere your design, face down, to the fabric using heat proof tape
- Place Kraft Heat Paper on the heat press to protect your material, then place your item and design, and finally, place brown butcher paper on top of your design to absorb the gas during the process
- Pull down the heat press lever until it locks, and keep it closed until the timer ends
- When you hear the beep, pull up the lever and take out your design
- You can now remove and discard the used sublimation paper
- Your design should now be properly sublimated!
We also created a handy how-to guide that you can review in the Makerspace, which can also be found here: Sublimation Print Guide
Additionally, the following video gives detailed instructions on setup and process the SG500 machine (very similar to the one we have).