Welcome to the first of, what I hope, is a long series of learning along with me!  After reading and stalking anything and everyone with a sublimation setup, I’ve decided to dive into the printing process in my own studio space.  Each time I share what I’ve made using dye sub processes, I get asked about what sublimation is, how it works, and what you need to do it yourself.  So here I am!

I’d like to preface this by saying that I’m learning along with you!  Everything I talk about on here is practically being discovered in real time, the same as you.  I don’t claim to be an expert.  I’m simply a person full of curiosity and excitement about a new medium for making!  Let’s learn together, shall we?

WHAT IS DYE SUBLIMATION PRINTING?

I’m so glad you asked!  Because it’s all about science!

The word “sublimate” is defined as “the passing directly from the solid to the vapor state”.  So what does that mean in terms of what we are doing?

Dye sublimation printing is a digital printing technology, that allows you to print full color artwork on polyester (and polyester-coated!) substrates.  It’s taking a printed design (the solid) and by applying even heat and pressure, it turns to a gas (through an endothermic reaction) and never hits the liquid phase.  There’s no ink needing to dry during the transfer process, it’s all an infusion on the molecular level.

Basically magic.  Except it’s science!

The version of sublimation printing we are going to be discussing is focused on the process of using sublimation dyes that are printed directly to a transfer sheet, and then heat pressed to the substrate.  The ink is deposited on some high-release speciality papers and the chemical process happens while your heat press does all the work for you.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HTV + DYE SUB?

Heat Transfer Vinyl (or HTV), is incredibly popular in the crafting and creative world.  Most likely you, or a friend of yours, has a Cricut or Silhouette die-cutting machine and has had some version of experience with HTV.  The vinyl is a polyurethane material that allows any apparel decorator to create a design, cut and weed it out, and heat apply it onto a garment.

With HTV you are printing “on” the fabric.  You can feel the design if you run your hand over it.  Over time, the design can crack or peel due to wear and tear.  But for most purposes, it is AWESOME and absolutely worth having in your creative arsenal.  Plus it will bond to cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends and various other fabric types that can handle the heat application process.  It comes in many colors, sometimes even patterns and specialty prints, and you can use it on dark and light colors — even layer the prints for multi-colors on a single design!

Dye Sublimation is a chemical reaction, as explained already.  There’s no printing “on” the fabric.  You’re bonding “to” the fabric.  You can stretch it as much as you’d like, you can wash it a million times, and your design will remain the same as the day you first applied it.  You are limited to lighter colored fabrics, so your design will be able to show.  And the fabric type is stricter as well: polyester, polyester, polyester.

Each printing type has it’s own strengths and weaknesses.  It just depends on what you’re looking to do!

WHAT CAN I DYE SUBLIMATE PRINT ON?

SO. MANY. THINGS!  But…within a certain range of substrate.

Also.  I keep using the word “substrate”.  Let’s quickly define that.  In chemistry, a substrate is typically the chemical species being observed in a chemical reaction, which reacts with a reagent to generate a product.  Whew.  Lots of big words.  In dye sublimation, the substrate is polyester.  Polyester is the “species”, the special sub ink is the “reagent” and the product is your beautiful make.

Polyester is a man-made, synthetic resin.  It comes in so many forms…but the most thought of version is fabric.  Thanks to the 1970’s polyester suits trend, polyester fabrics don’t always have the greatest reputation.  But as of late, polyester is making a comeback in the form of DBP…or Double Brushed Poly.

DBP is everywhere in the sewing world lately!  It sublimates beautifully, and I’ve made a few totally awesome (honking my own horn here) clothing items already using it.  It’s not the only fabric out there that can handle the dye sub process, but it’s the easiest to get your hands on and so far has given me some of the best results.

I’ve also had incredible luck with a woven fabric that I’ve been dye subbing my little heart out for some fun items.  Mostly masks (thank you 2020), however I see it as a gateway to so much more creative making!

What about non-fabric items?  Oh gosh!  There are endless amounts of sublimation blanks, that you can find all over the place.

Here are a few types of blanks you can find: Boards, Business Cards, Drinkware, Clocks, Coasters, ID Tags, iPad / iPhone Cases, Jewelry, Keychains, Can Coolers, License Plates, Magnets, Mouse Pads, Mugs, Name Badges, Ornaments, Pet Tags, Photo Frames, Plaques, Puzzles, Tiles……and then some!

I’m less experienced in the sub blanks than I am with fabric so far.  But like I said, I’m ready to explore along with you!  I’ve already had incredible success with these keychains!  I honestly was blown away with the vibrant colors.  And am ready to take on as many items as you’re ready to take on with me.

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?

It might feel like a big list, but I promise we will break it down even further in the coming weeks.

• PRINTER (Converted to Sublimation Ink + Printing)
• SUBLIMATION PAPER
• SUBLIMATION INK
• HEAT RESISTANT TAPE
• HEAT PRESS / IRON
• DESIGN SOFTWARE

Please follow me at Wild + Wanderful Blog on Facebook / Wild + Wanderful Blog Facebook Group / Wild + Wanderful on Instagram so you know when the newest posts come out.  They’ll all make their way to my new resource page on the blog: Sublimation.

Until then, here is a quick look at my current setup.

Epson Ecotank ET-2720 | A-Sub Sublimation Paper – 8.5 x 14 | 15×15 Clamshell Heat Press | Printers Jack Sublimation Ink