Hey hi,
I know you know that sublimation is the best work on light or white-coloured and 100% polyester material or material with at least 65% polyester content or polyester-coated materials. Right! But what about the cotton material? What about the dark colour material? Is sublimation not possible on cotton material? No! It is not like that. In that case, the vinyl will come into the picture. And now I’m going to introduce a method by which you can sublimate on any material and rainbow colour. So let’s get started to know how to use sublimation on vinyl.
What are the types of Vinyl?
You know, there are so many types of vinyl available in the market. But for you it is must to use the only vinyl which is suitable for sublimation. The sublimation suitable vinyl are:
1) Clear Sublimation HTV
2) White Sublimation HTV
3) White Glitter HTV
4) Holographic HTV
5) Glow-in-the-dark HTV
Well! I’ve tried all types of HTV which I mentioned above. But my favourites are Clear Sublimation HTV and Holographic HTV. I have done and done many sublimation projects with these two and every time it just surprised me with the bright, clear and popping colour. I just fell in love with it.
Also, one question rings in your mind. And the question is:
What kind of vinyl can I sublimate on?
You can sublimate on both types of vinyl. On HTV and on the Adhesive vinyl too. But while selecting the vinyl always use permanent vinyl and not the removable vinyl. Also, the vinyl must be either white or clear. It should be matt or glossy, not make a difference but it is a must to use permanent vinyl. As it provides longevity to the design. Some of the good brands of vinyl which are tried and tested are:
- StarCraft HD
- A very HP 750 Permanent
- HOMSUN HTV
- HTVRONT clear HTV
- Sunbird White HTV
But with vinyl, you also are in need of other materials. The list of the materials used for the vinyl sublimation is given below.
You may also check – Sublimation on Metal
The list of materials used for sublimation on vinyl
- Sublimation Paper
- Sublimation Printer (If you don’t have the printer then you can buy the pre-printed sublimation designs).
- Computer and design software
- Avery Permanent Vinyl in Clear
- Parchment Paper
- Water Spray bottle
- Heat Resistant Tape
- Heat Press
- Sublimation Design
- Substrate/ Sublimation Blank/Blank to put it on
You may also check – Sublimation on Acrylic
Why sublimation and not printing?
Yeah! This is my favourite question. Hundreds of emails bombarded my inbox daily and just asked why sublimation and not printing. Also, many emails convinced that the adhesive vinyl looks just like printable vinyl or you can say that a sticker. Then why are you making that much effort for the sublimation?
And my answer to the question is yeah! You are right. But the sublimation on vinyl is waterproof. After sublimation, I don’t have to bother about the colour and fading. And the stickers, they don’t fulfil my expectations. So for me, sublimation is the best choice. And I urge you to go with the sublimation rather than the stickers.
You may also check – Sublimation on Glass
The Step by step guide on sublimation on vinyl:
Step #1) Designing:
Please be ready with your design. What if you don’t have your own design ready? Don’t worry. You can download it from my website which is free.
Step #2) Printing:
It’s time to print your design. But while printing be careful. Please print your design in inverted form. Otherwise the sublimation will be in an inverted position.
Step #3) Vinyl:
Cut out the vinyl roughly. You can cut it in the oval, rectangular or in any other shape but just quite bigger than your design.
Step #4) Make a sandwich:
Make a sandwich of the parchment paper at the base and then the vinyl
Step #5) It’s time to Heat Press:
Preheat your heat press machine for 5 sec.
Put the sandwich into a heat press and press it at 3500F or 1770C for 25 seconds.
Step #6) Let it be cool.
After cooling for 5 minutes, remove the transfer. Cut out the extra vinyl.
My inbox flooded many times asking what if the little bit of the sublimation transfer paper is stuck to the vinyl? In that case, just spray a little water on the stuck paper area so that it will mist and rub with the towel or your fingers. The paper will be dissolved and rubbed away. Trim away the excess vinyl.
Step #7) Sublimation:
Apply the sublimated vinyl to the desired surface. Heat press the vinyl and the substrate.
Step #8) After Sublimation:
Give some time to cool down or you can remove the vinyl immediately after the press. Remove the vinyl and your sublimation art rocks on your substrate.
You may also check – Sublimation on Mug
Conclusion:
So with my proper guidance from this blog and your dedication to the designing and art will do the sublimation rocking. So just follow each and every step properly and do your sublimation great.