Cotton sublimation involves transferring dye onto cotton fabric through heat. While it shares similarities with standard sublimation, there are distinctions between the two methods.
The procedure starts with printable transfer papers, which are affixed to cotton shirts using a heat press. Subsequently, the dye from the transfer paper is transferred onto the surface of the cotton shirt. After the transfer is finished, the transfer paper is disposed of.
Process of dye sublimation
Sublimation printing involves saturating the material with color and is suitable for use with cotton and other non-coated fabrics. The underlying principle is the transformation of dye particles from a solid to a gaseous state, with the polymer in the dye bonding to the fabric, adding color.
For successful execution, preparation is essential for both the cotton and the dye. This includes acquiring specific synthetic spray coatings or HTV cutouts designed for sublimation transfer. Alternatively, a cost-effective approach is to use white glitter heat transfer vinyl on cotton, followed by the application of sublimation dye over the glitter vinyl.
Materials required
If you’re prepared to experiment with sublimation on cotton, it’s essential to have the appropriate materials on hand. Gather polyacrylic dye, cotton fabric, and water. You can find polyacrylic dye at most home improvement and craft stores. When extracting the dye from the container, avoid shaking it; instead, gently stir the powder in a cup or dish. Once stirred, transfer the mixture into a spray bottle.
The subsequent step involves blending the colors in a coordinated fashion. Prepare a plastic bag for mixing the colors and use a paintbrush to apply the blended sublimation ink onto the paper.
Can You Sublimate On Cotton?
No, sublimation is not effective on cotton fabrics. Sublimation printing requires synthetic fibers, and cotton does not have the necessary properties for the ink to bond effectively. Sublimation works best on polyester or polyester-blend materials. If you want to use sublimation, it’s recommended to choose fabrics with a high polyester content for optimal results.
Problems with sublimation on cotton
Using sublimation on cotton can lead to various issues. Firstly, selecting the appropriate digital transfer paper is crucial. Different digital transfer papers come with distinct characteristics that can impact color, image quality, and dye absorption. It’s essential to opt for a digital transfer paper with the correct properties for successful sublimation on cotton.
Furthermore, utilizing sublimation on cotton may result in washing issues as the dyes employed in the process lack chemical bonding. Additionally, due to the cotton fabric composition, there is a risk of peeling and cracking as the product undergoes aging.
what is the solutions then? you might ask
When engaging in sublimation on cotton, it’s crucial to ensure that the dyes are compatible with the fabric. Unlike other materials, cotton doesn’t form a bond with sublimation inks, leading to potential issues such as peeling, cracking, and fading of images over time. This challenge mirrors the issues seen in traditional forms of cotton decoration. To counteract these problems, it’s vital to use high-quality sublimation paper specifically designed for cotton.
Various transfer papers for sublimation on cotton are available, each possessing distinct characteristics impacting image quality and color. Additionally, the paper must effectively absorb and release the dye. Consequently, not all digital transfer papers are crafted with the same level of quality and performance.
Sublimation on cotton without spray
Sublimation on cotton without a spray is generally not effective because cotton lacks the polymer coating needed to bond with sublimation ink. The process typically requires a polyester or polyester-coated substrate for successful sublimation transfer. However, some specialized products claim to allow sublimation onto cotton without a spray, but results may vary.
How To Sublimate On Cotton Using Sublimation Coating Spray
Sublimation works best on polyester fabrics, and attempting to sublimate on cotton directly is challenging because cotton lacks the necessary properties for the sublimation process. However, there are sublimation coating sprays available that claim to make cotton suitable for sublimation. Keep in mind that results may vary, and it’s not guaranteed to be as effective as sublimating on polyester.
If you still want to try sublimating on cotton using a sublimation coating spray, here’s a general process:
Prepare the Cotton Fabric:
- Ensure the cotton fabric is clean and free from any contaminants.
- Stretch the fabric on a flat surface to create a smooth printing surface.
Apply Sublimation Coating Spray:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the sublimation coating spray.
- Typically, you’ll spray an even coat onto the fabric and allow it to dry completely.
Print Your Design:
- Print your sublimation design using a sublimation printer and inks onto sublimation paper.
Heat Press:
- Use a heat press machine to transfer the design onto the coated cotton fabric.
- Follow the recommended temperature, pressure, and time settings for the specific coating spray you are using.
Cool and Finish:
- Allow the fabric to cool before handling it.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions for any additional steps or finishing recommendations.
is printer ink permanent on fabric or cotton?
Printer ink is not inherently permanent on fabric. It may fade or wash out over time, especially if not properly treated or if low-quality ink is used. To make printer ink more permanent on fabric, you can use special fabric ink or heat transfer methods like sublimation.
Final Thoughts
Sublimating on cotton using coating sprays might not achieve the same results as sublimation on polyester, and durability may be compromised. It’s advisable to conduct small tests before attempting larger projects.
