Most Common Sublimation Color Problems Occur | How to Avoid

Whether you’re a sublimation printer or a printer, there could possibly be a number of hurdles you face: transfer fading, blurry, not being vibrant, etc. Sublimation printers require continual learning, experimentation, learning, and upgrading. There are numerous other manufacturing processes other than normal printing processes.

The more you train on the subject of the environment, the greater the possibility of you overcoming obstacles to overcome them. By using an appropriate approach you will be capable of rapidly eliminating the most common sublimation print issues.

Sublimation is a printing technique that allows for full color graphics to be transferred onto a variety of substrates. It is frequently used for decorating apparel, signs, and other products made from polyester fabric or poly-coated substrates.

Color Problems Occurring with Sublimation & How to Avoid Them

Sublimation offers a wide range of benefits including vibrant colors, durable prints, and the ability to print on a variety of materials. Despite these advantages, sublimation does have some potential color problems that can occur.

These problems are often caused by incorrect settings or poor quality substrates. However, there are ways to prevent and fix these issues so that you can produce high quality prints every time.

What is Sublimation?

Sublimation is a printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto a substrate. It is frequently used for decorating apparel, signs, and other products made from polyester fabric or poly-coated substrates.

The process begins by printing a design onto sublimation paper using special inks. Then the paper is placed on the substrate and heated to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes the inks to turn into gas and bond with the fibers of the substrate. As the substrate cools, the design becomes permanent.

One of the benefits of sublimation is that it allows for full color graphics to be printed onto a variety of materials. The colors are also very vibrant and durable because they are actually dyed into the substrate rather than being printed on top of it like with traditional methods such as screen printing.

Additionally, sublimation can be used to print on dark or light colored garments as well as a variety of other materials such as ceramic tiles, metal, and glass.

Common Sublimation Color Problems

Despite the many benefits of sublimation, there are some potential color problems that can occur. These problems are often caused by incorrect settings or poor quality substrates.

However, there are ways to prevent and fix these issues so that you can produce high quality and sublimation-friendly prints every time.

Some of the most common sublimation problems include:

1. Fading

This problem is typically caused by using too much pressure when pressing the design onto the substrate. It can also be caused by using an incorrect transfer temperature or dwell time (the amount of time that the design is heated).

To prevent fading, make sure to use the correct settings for your particular substrate and use moderate pressure when pressing the design onto it.

2. Poor Washability

This problem occurs when the dyes do not properly bond with the fibers of the substrate during the sublimation process. As a result, the design may fade or bleed when washed.

To prevent this problem, make sure to use high quality sublimation inks and papers as well as proper pressing techniques.

3. Ghosting

Ghosting is a problem that occurs when part of the design fails to transfer onto the substrate during the sublimation process.

This can be caused by using an incorrect transfer temperature or dwell time, using too much pressure when pressing the design onto the substrate, or using low quality inks or papers.

To prevent ghosting, make sure to use proper pressing techniques and use high quality inks and papers designed specifically for sublimation.

4. Puddling

Puddling is a problem that occurs when ink collects in areas where it should not be present in the design. This can be caused by using an incorrect transfer temperature or dwell time as well as using low quality subimation inks or sublimation papers.

To prevent puddling, make sure to use proper pressing techniques and use high quality inks and papers designed specifically for sublimation.

How to Prevent Sublimation Color Problems

There are several ways that you can prevent sublimation color problems from occurring. First, make sure to use high quality inks and papers as well as proper pressing techniques.

Additionally, it is important to use the correct settings for your particular substrate. If you are unsure about what settings to use, consult the manufacturer of your substrate or a professional printer.

How to Fix Sublimation Color Problems

If you are experiencing sublimation color problems, there are several things that you can do to try to fix them. First, check the settings that you are using and make sure that they are correct for your particular substrate.

If you are unsure about what settings to use, consult the manufacturer of your substrate or a professional printer. Additionally, make sure that you are using high-quality sublimation inks and papers as well as proper pressing techniques.

If you are still having problems, you may need to experiment with different substrates or transfer temperatures until you find a combination that works for you.

Common Myths About Sublimation

There are several myths about sublimation that often discourage people from using this printing method. However, many of these myths are unfounded and simply not true. Some of the most common myths about sublimation include:

Sublimation is only for white or light-colored garments:

This is simply not true. While sublimation does work best on white or light colored garments, it can also be used on dark-colored garments with the right transfer paper.

Sublimation only works on polyester:

Again, this is not true. While polyester is the best substrate for sublimation, other materials such as cotton and nylon can also be used with the right transfer paper.

Sublimated designs will fade quickly:

This is not necessarily true. If you use high quality inks and papers as well as proper pressing techniques, your sublimated designs should be just as durable as designs printed with other methods such as screen printing.

Sublimated designs cannot be washed:

This is also not true. If your design is properly pressed onto the substrate, it should be fine to wash without fading or bleeding. However, it is always best to test a small area of the design first before washing the entire garment.

Tips for Getting the Best Results with Sublimation

There are several things that you can do to ensure that you get the best possible results when using sublimation.

First, make sure to use high quality inks and papers designed specifically for sublimation. Additionally, it is important to use proper pressing techniques and the correct settings for your particular substrate.

Finally, if you are having trouble getting good results with one substrate, try experimenting with different ones until you find one that works best for your needs.

Where to Find More Information About Sublimation

If you would like to learn more about sublimation or find out where you can purchase high quality inks and papers, there are several resources that you can consult.

The internet is a great place to start your research. Additionally, many local print shops and sign companies offer sublimation services and may be able to provide you with more information.

Finally, the manufacturers of your substrate and transfer paper should also be able to provide you with more detailed instructions on how to use their products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Sublimation is a great printing method that offers many benefits including vibrant colors, durable prints, and the ability to print on a variety of materials.

However, there are some potential color problems that can occur. These problems are often caused by incorrect settings or poor-quality substrates.

Moreover, there are ways to prevent and fix these issues so that you can produce high-quality prints every time.