Sublimation Why You Should Try It!

I remember when Cricut rolled out Infusible Ink, I stated that it was a game-changer! I loved the way that it can be infused into the fabric or coasters. The results are beautiful. As I used it more, I wanted to do more with it. This is where I ran into some issues. Infusible Ink is excellent if you’re going to use Cricut’s ink colors and designs, and if you don’t want to do intricate or small images or lettering. Weeding those designs can be a real pain. So, this is what lead me to do a little research, and I discovered Sublimation! 

I want to introduce you to it and hopefully inspire you to give it a try! Hopefully, this post will answer your questions on what Sublimation is and how you can give it a try. I will also be covering some of the most common Sublimation FAQs!

If you are interested in finding out more about Sublimation and want to give it a try, then this is the place for you to be! Let’s get into Sublimation!

What is Sublimation?

Let’s start by answering your first question! What the heck is Sublimation?

Wikipedia describes it as:

Dye-sublimation printing is a computer printing technique which uses heat to transfer dye onto materials such as a plastic, card, paper, or fabric. The sublimation name was first applied because the dye was considered to make the transition between the solid and gas states without going through a liquid stage. 

So that might sound technical, but don’t worry, let’s lay it out in plain English! Sublimation is just another process to transfer an image onto a variety materials. You just need special ink and heat to accomplish it! The great thing about Sublimation is that since it is transferred at the molecular level, your transfer is permanent. So that means that you can wash or scrub your design, and it is not going anywhere!

Why Sublimation Printing?

As I just mentioned, Cricut’s Infusible Ink as a way to transfer an image onto different types of material. You can also use heat transfer vinyl (HTV). But you are limited to the colors and designs of the transfer paper or vinyl, but not with Sublimation.

Sublimation opens up the possibilities of endless designs and no more weeding vinyl. Let’s take a look at some advantages of Sublimation.

Sublimation Cost 

There are some essential items you will need to purchase to start off with, but once you have those items, you will see some cost savings compared to buying vinyl and infusible Ink. Let alone storing all of your vinyl and infusible Ink! You will need a printer (I converted mine) Sublimation ink, heat press, and designs! That is it, and you are ready to design away! Don’t worry, later on I will share with you what I bought to start. 

Sublimation Design Options

Sublimation printing opens up the door to many design options. You can now transfer a picture onto a cup, a shirt, or many other types of materials. You can add a saying in tiny font, and you don’t have to worry about weeding your vinyl—no more laying of vinyl to accomplish a multi-color design.

Saving Time

Since the image will print all at once, you will not be loading your vinyl cutting machine with different vinyl colors. Also, since you do not need to weed your design, you can speed more time designing or choosing an intricate design. 

What Supplies and Equipment is needed to do Sublimation?

So, I’m sure your next question is what do I need to get started is your next question? Let’s get started with what I did first!

1. Printer

I did lots of research on printers and decided to convert my existing printer. You might wonder what I mean by that. To print and transfer your image, you have to use special ink. There are so many helpful YouTube videos out there on converting your existing printer. HERE is the one that I found and it walked me through the steps. Incidentally, I already had an Epson 7720 on hand.

You can also purchase a printer designed and manufactured for Sublimation. I just chose to convert my printer because it looked easy!

2. Sublimation Ink

I found Sublimation ink on Amazon. Here is the Ink I purchased. I also was amazed at how long the ink lasts,  its nothing like regular printer ink. I have been doing lots of Sublimation printing, and I am only halfway through my ink! 

3. Sublimation Paper

There are a lot of different kinds of Sublimation paper out there. I started out using A-SUB paper, but I also found out that you can use Laser Ink Jet paper, and it works great!

4. Heat Press

If you already have a Cricut Easy Press, then I would start with it.

My husband surprised me with a Heat Press for my birthday, and I love that it allows me to transfer larger images than my Easy Press does.

5. Design Software

You will need something to begin designing your projects. I started out using Cricut’s Design Space, and it works out great for smaller designs, especially coasters. The Print Then Cut options what I use. I print the design and then skip to the cut step. The limitation you have with using the Design Space software is that the print then Cut limits you to 6.25” x 9.75” design options. So, I am playing with Photo Shop and my photo viewer on my MacBook Air to resize images.

Those are the main items you will need. There are a few accessories that you will want, like some Hot Pads or Heat Resistant Gloves, Heat Resistant Tape, and some parchment paper and that is it to get started! 

What products can I use for Sublimation?

Ok, so you know what it takes to get started. Now let’s talk about what you can sublimate onto!

Remember Sublimation binds ink to polymers on the transfer material. So, anything with a high polymer content should be able to be sublimated onto!

So, you ask what has polymers in it. Let’s start with the fabric. The fabrics that work great include polyester, nylon, and spandex, but there’s a lot more! 

You can also sublimate onto types of aluminum and ceramic if they are specially coated with a type of material that can accept the Sublimation ink. 

Here are some examples of what I have sublimated on already and I have just scratched the surface!

When you are shopping for different Sublimation blanks to use, make sure that they are specifically advertised or listed as Sublimation ready. This is a great way to guarantee that you are working with the right types of materials. I have found a variety of supplies with sublimation blanks. Here are a few that I have ordered from lately; Conde, Coastal Business, Heat Press Nation and don’t forget to check out Esty. I have found some great prices and fast delivery on Etsy. It just depends on what you want to Sublimate on!

Here is a tutorial on making sublimation coasters! I hope you like it.