Dye Sublimation Basics

Dye Sublimation Transfer Varialbes

Because you can imprint to a variety of surfaces and substrates, you will need to take all variables of the surface into account when selecting time, temperature and pressure.

Substrate Surface Variables Include: Thickness of surface.; Surface texture.; Surface size.; Surface color.; How fast the surface absorbs heat.; Accuracy of heat press (time, temperature and pressure).

Preparing Your Art Work and Transfer Paper

Print your images approximately 1/4” larger than the size of the substrate you are transferring to. This allows a margin of error when aligning everything under the heat press platen. Software templates are available for many of our substrates and we also offer add-on software with pre-built templates for a variety of substrates. Use the recommended paper and substrates for sublimation transfers. Moisture and humidity will cause undesirable results (color shifts, bleeding and uneven transfers) with the sublimation process. To avoid these problems, keep your paper or fabric in a dry place.

If you suspect moisture, try these techniques:: Place paper on the raised pedestal bottom of the press and let it dry under the heat platen. Don’t close the heat platen!; Prepress fabric for 10 seconds before transferring.; Use a fresh, non-textured paper towel behind the transfer sheet.

Protect Your Heat Press

The Temp/Time/Pressure settings listed in this document are general guidelines. Sublimation transfer is not an exact science… you may find it necessary to experiment with these settings to obtain ideal results.

It is important to protect the rubber pad that is attached to the raised pedestal bottom of the heat press. The same is true for the rubber pad found in a mug press. Covering the pad with a protective sheet of paper, a paper towel or a brown Teflon sheet will prevent sublimation ink from being absorbed into it.

If you use paper: Choose an inexpensive white bond paper or a roll of white paper (cut as needed)… discard after each pressing.
If you use a paper towel: Choose an inexpensive, white, non-textured brand (the texture will leave a pattern on the substrate)… discard after each pressing.
If you use a brown Teflon sheet: This is a reusable sheet that should be cleaned with alcohol after each pressing.

After transferring the image to the substrate, promptly remove the transfer paper. Do not stack the transferred items with anything else until they have completely cooled. Any paper residue left on the substrate after transferring can be removed with isopropyl alcohol.

If you need help with sublimation please do not hesitate to call us, and do not hesitate to ask us questions no matter how simple or complex. We are here to help you achieve the best possible results with your products.