All About Fashion Design Press

How Heat Transfer Sublimation Works to Create Customized Clothing and Accessories

May 28

Are you looking to design customized clothes and accessories? Sublimation heat-transfer is the perfect process for you if so. In this blog, we will explain the process of sublimation and the equipment required to begin. We will also give you a few tips on how to get the most effective results from your sublimation projects. Let's get started!


Sublimation is a process which uses heat to transfer ink onto a surface. Polymer-coated metallics and polyester fabrics are the most popular substrates for sublimation. Sublimation inks as well as a printer are needed to sublimate on substrates. Sublimation printers use special, solid inks that are at room temperature which can be heated to make them gas. These inks become gas once heated to sublimation temperature and then bond to the polyester fabric.

Sublimation requires two pieces that are heat presses and a sublimation printer. Sublimation printers come in a variety of sizes however the most popular size is A-sized. Sublimation printers that are A-sized use large format sublimation inks and papers. You can find heat presses in many sizes and designs. The most popular design, however, is the Clamshell heatpress. Clam shell heat press plates come with two plates that open and close like a clam shell.

To get started with sublimation, you'll need to purchase a sublimation printer and heat press. Also, you'll need sublimation papers and inks. A-sized Sublimation Inks and Papers are suggested to get the best results. Once you have the equipment you need, you're ready to start creating customized clothing and accessories!

Here are some tips that will assist you in getting the most from your sublimation projects. Read more at https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/12/21/2356296/0/en/Sublimation-Heat-Press-Manufacturer-Insta-Graphic-Systems-Is-Attending-Two-Trade-Shows-In-January-2022.html

Use only the best sublimation papers, inks and inks.

- Ensure that your substrate is polyester or polymer coated.

Heating your heat press according the directions of the manufacturer.

To avoid sticking, you can make use of parchment paper to cover your heat press platen.

Test various temperatures and press times to get the best results.

Now you are able to make customized clothing and accessories by understanding the process of sublimation. 

Questions about sublimation

How do you begin a business in sublimation on a shoestring budget?

-What are some of the most requested items to sublimate with?

There is so much you can learn about heat transfers and sublimation. Sublimation can be utilized to create amazing, custom-designed clothing and accessories. If you are able to master it, you will be able to sublimate like an expert. Thanks for reading and we hope that this article will help you to understand the process of sublimation.