Sublimation is a unique process which transfers images or text onto synthetic materials. 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 for sewing projects or for other materials like mousepads.
At Makerspace we have a Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer. This comes with all the materials needed to do dye sublimation including the ink, the paper, and a heat press. 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 to go in a pdf format
- Download the free Sawgrass Print Utility app
- Upload your design into the program
- Ensure your design is mirrored, especially if it is text
- Make sure there is paper in the bottom tray
- 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 400°F for 50 seconds
- Adhere your design, face down, to the fabric using heat proof tape
- Place brown butcher paper on top of your design, this will absorb the gas during the process
- Pull down the heat press lever till it locks and keep it down 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!
The following video gives detailed instructions on setup and process for the same machine we have in Makerspace!