⚠️ SUBLIMATION: 27 Things NOT to Do | Maker Academy Weekend 2023 Tool Class
Updated: November 20, 2024
Summary
This video provides a comprehensive introduction to sublimation and its application in creating vibrant, full-color objects like shirts and mugs. It covers crucial topics such as selecting the right sublimation ink and printer, troubleshooting common printing issues, and optimizing heat press techniques. Viewers will gain valuable insights into sublimation best practices, including using polymer-coated surfaces, maintaining print quality, and avoiding blurring or color inconsistencies. The speaker emphasizes the importance of proper equipment, preparation, and technique to achieve successful sublimation projects.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to Sublimation
Class Announcement and Ticket Information
Sublimation Ink Types and Printers
Avoiding Costly Sublimation Mistakes
Printer Compatibility and Warranty
Maintenance and Ink Handling
Quality Output and Surface Compatibility
Avoiding Printing Issues
Heat Transfer Vinyl and Sublimation
Introduction to Issues with Sublimation
Sublimation Ink and Printer Profiles
Sublimation on Dark Surfaces
Heat Requirements and Equipment
Avoiding Pressing in Sections
Pre-Pressing and Surface Preparation
Flat Surfaces and Seam Considerations
Sublimating with Proper Tape
Mirroring Projects and Avoiding Double Mirroring
Using Blue Heat Tape
Pre-Pressing Tumblers
Tearing Sublimation Paper
Heat Tape Expiration
Printer Nozzle Issues
Bleed Settings
Sublimation on Keychains
Using Infusible Ink Pens
Introduction to Sublimation
Introduction to the concept of sublimation, including the process of transferring ink into surfaces permanently to create vibrant, full-color objects such as shirts, mugs, and ornaments.
Class Announcement and Ticket Information
Announcement for a special craft class four days away and information on how to access tickets for the event.
Sublimation Ink Types and Printers
Explanation of different types of sublimation ink, printers, and methods used in sublimation printing, emphasizing the importance of using the correct ink for specific printers.
Avoiding Costly Sublimation Mistakes
Tips on how to avoid overspending on sublimation equipment and finding cost-effective alternatives like budget-friendly heat presses and inexpensive printers.
Printer Compatibility and Warranty
Guidance on selecting compatible printers for sublimation ink, avoiding warranty void by using sublimation ink, and the implications of warranty voiding for personal sublimation printers.
Maintenance and Ink Handling
Tips on maintaining sublimation printers, handling sublimation ink properly, and avoiding common issues like clogs, ink expiration, and ink mixing.
Quality Output and Surface Compatibility
Explanation on the difference between printed sublimation and final transferred colors, the importance of using polymer-coated surfaces for sublimation transfers, and examples of incompatible surfaces.
Avoiding Printing Issues
Guidance on addressing common printing issues like clogs, ink blobs, and color inconsistencies in sublimation printing, along with troubleshooting steps for maintaining print quality.
Heat Transfer Vinyl and Sublimation
Information on sublimation onto heat transfer vinyl, the risks of blurring images on certain vinyl types, and recommendations on handling and choosing suitable vinyl for sublimation.
Introduction to Issues with Sublimation
The speaker discusses various issues encountered with sublimation printing, including blurring, washing issues, and differences in ink quality. Recommendations are made to avoid certain materials that cause blurring and to opt for specific sublimation-friendly surfaces and inks.
Sublimation Ink and Printer Profiles
The speaker explains the importance of using the right sublimation ink and printer profiles for optimal results. Different printer models require specific inks and profiles to ensure accurate color matching. The use of ICC profiles is also discussed.
Sublimation on Dark Surfaces
The speaker advises against sublimating onto dark surfaces due to the transparency of sublimation ink. The importance of using light-colored surfaces for sublimation projects is emphasized, and alternative methods for sublimating on dark surfaces are suggested.
Heat Requirements and Equipment
The speaker details the necessary heat requirements for sublimation projects, recommending temperatures of at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Various heat press options are discussed, including Cricut EasyPress and the importance of avoiding household irons for sublimation.
Avoiding Pressing in Sections
The speaker cautions against pressing sublimation designs in sections to prevent overlapping lines and inconsistent results. It is advised to use a heat press large enough to accommodate most projects in one go and avoid pressing in sections whenever possible.
Pre-Pressing and Surface Preparation
The importance of pre-pressing projects before sublimation printing is highlighted to remove moisture and ensure successful transfers. The speaker advises using clean surfaces and lint rollers for preparation.
Flat Surfaces and Seam Considerations
The speaker discusses the significance of working on flat surfaces for sublimation projects and avoiding bulky seams, zippers, or pockets that can impact the quality of transfers. The use of pressing pads to elevate surfaces is recommended.
Sublimating with Proper Tape
The speaker emphasizes the importance of using heat-resistant tape tightly to secure designs during sublimation printing. The type of tape, such as blue or clear, suitable for sublimation projects is recommended.
Mirroring Projects and Avoiding Double Mirroring
The speaker advises always mirroring sublimation projects to ensure proper orientation on surfaces. It is cautioned not to double mirror designs, whether during printing or cutting with a Cricut machine.
Using Blue Heat Tape
Advice on avoiding overlapping tape with designs to prevent moisture traps.
Pre-Pressing Tumblers
Discussion on whether pre-pressing tumblers is necessary and the uncertainty around it.
Tearing Sublimation Paper
Instructions on tearing sublimation paper to avoid square-shaped imprints.
Heat Tape Expiration
Speculation on the possibility of heat tape having an expiration date and comparisons to masking tape.
Printer Nozzle Issues
Troubleshooting advice for resolving red color flow issues in an Epson printer.
Bleed Settings
Explanation of when to turn bleed on or off while printing from Cricut Design Space.
Sublimation on Keychains
Factors that may cause light areas on sublimated keychains, such as protective coating or moisture.
Using Infusible Ink Pens
Confirmation on using Infusible Ink pens on sublimatable surfaces with necessary heat press temperatures.
FAQ
Q: What is sublimation printing?
A: Sublimation printing is the process of transferring ink into surfaces permanently to create vibrant, full-color objects like shirts, mugs, and ornaments.
Q: Why is it important to use the correct ink for specific printers in sublimation printing?
A: Using the correct ink for specific printers in sublimation printing is crucial to ensure optimal results in color matching and overall printing quality.
Q: What are some tips to avoid overspending on sublimation equipment?
A: To avoid overspending on sublimation equipment, one can consider cost-effective alternatives like budget-friendly heat presses and inexpensive printers while ensuring compatibility with sublimation ink.
Q: Why is it advised to use polymer-coated surfaces for sublimation transfers?
A: Polymer-coated surfaces are recommended for sublimation transfers because they allow for better ink absorption and result in more vibrant and durable prints.
Q: What are some common issues in sublimation printing, and how can they be avoided?
A: Common issues in sublimation printing include clogs, ink expiration, and color inconsistencies. These can be avoided by properly maintaining sublimation printers, handling ink correctly, and using compatible materials.
Q: Why should sublimation printing be avoided on dark surfaces?
A: Sublimation printing should be avoided on dark surfaces due to the transparency of sublimation ink, which can result in colors not appearing as intended. Light-colored surfaces are recommended for optimal results.
Q: What is the significance of pre-pressing projects before sublimation printing?
A: Pre-pressing projects before sublimation printing is important to remove moisture from surfaces, ensuring successful transfers and vibrant prints.
Q: Why is it crucial to mirror sublimation projects before printing?
A: Mirroring sublimation projects before printing is crucial to ensure the designs are oriented correctly on surfaces once transferred.
Q: What are some best practices for securing designs during sublimation printing?
A: Using heat-resistant tape tightly to secure designs during sublimation printing helps prevent any shifting or misalignment during the transfer process.
Q: When should bleed be turned on or off while printing in Cricut Design Space for sublimation projects?
A: Bleed should be turned off when printing in Cricut Design Space for sublimation projects to avoid unwanted color bleeding or smudging outside of the intended design.
Get your own AI Agent Today
Thousands of businesses worldwide are using Chaindesk Generative
AI platform.
Don't get left behind - start building your
own custom AI chatbot now!