⚠️ SUBLIMATION: 27 Things NOT to Do | Maker Academy Weekend 2023 Tool Class

Updated: November 20, 2024

Jennifer Maker


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.


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.

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