As an increasingly popular custom printing method, sublimation printing is capturing the attention of entrepreneurs in the creative industry. With its ability to produce long-lasting, vibrant designs on various materials, this technique has become a go-to solution for customized apparel, home goods, and accessories. If you're considering launching your own sublimation printing business, you'll need to invest in the right equipment and materials to ensure success. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deep into the essential tools and supplies that will lay the foundation for your sublimation printing enterprise.
What is sublimation?
First, let's break down the fundamentals to understand the true essence of sublimation.
Sublimation is a process that uses high temperatures to embed a design permanently onto a specially treated sublimation item.
The designs become enduring when applied to the appropriate sublimation blanks. Unlike Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), which involves cutting with vinyl cutters and pressing with an iron, sublimated products boast full-color designs, with the only limitation being your own creativity.
What sublimation can do with your business?
Sublimation in business offers numerous advantages, including high-quality, vibrant prints with long-lasting color, versatile application on various substrates, and customization opportunities for niche markets. This environmentally friendly printing method minimizes waste and uses water-based inks free from harsh chemicals. With low production costs and the ability to easily create short runs or unique items without additional expenses, sublimation enhances profitability and sets your business apart from competitors.
LIST OF EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL TO START SUBLIMATION
Sublimation printer
First and foremost, you'll need a high-quality sublimation printer. This essential piece of equipment will allow you to transfer your digital designs onto sublimation paper, which is then pressed onto your chosen substrate. When selecting a printer, consider factors such as print size, print speed, and ink compatibility.
Printers like Epson, Sawgrass, and Roland are equipped with this type of print head. It is able to print your transfer. It is important to know that there are other printers with the Piezo Print Head but there are no sublimation inks for them.
You could transform your Epson printer for sublimation or buy one already set as a Sublimation printer.
To decide which printer to purchase, you can check our recommended sublimation printers. and see the differences between them.
Sublimation ink
Once you've got your printer sorted, you'll need to purchase sublimation ink. This specialized ink is what turns into gas under heat and pressure, allowing it to penetrate the fibers of your substrate and create a permanent print. Make sure to choose high-quality sublimation ink that is compatible with your printer to achieve the best results.
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink transfer printing ink refills for Stylus C88 C88+ EcoTank ET-2720 ET-2760 ET-2800 ET-2803 ET-2830 ET-2850 ET-15000 ET-3760 ET-4800 ET-4700 ET-3830 ET-3850 ET-8550 ET-2710 ET-3710 ET-4760 ET-16600 ET-16650 printer; WorkForce WF3620 WF3640 WF7620 WF3540 WF3520 WF7010 WF7110 WF7210 WF7510 WF7520 WF7610 WF7710 WF7720 printer ect
Heat transfer ink provides vibrant, customizable colors. This water-based dye is ideal for heat press printers, ensuring high transfer rates, vivid hues, and smooth, clog-free printing.
The printer's Jack sublimation ink offers vibrant colors and smooth textures, preventing clogs. Ideal for realistic prints and lasting color retention.
Sublimation Paper
Sublimation paper is a special type of paper used in dye-sublimation printing, a technique that transfers colorful designs onto various materials like fabric, ceramic, and metal. This paper carries the dye and helps create high-quality, durable prints that won't crack, fade, or peel. It's versatile, working with many different materials, and efficient for mass production.
Here are a few options for sublimation paper that you can easily find on Amazon.
Hiipoo Sublimation Paper
Printers Jack Sublimation Paper
A-SUB Sublimation Paper Heat Transfer
Heat Source
The transfer of sublimation ink to your sublimation blank necessitates a heat source. This could be a Heat Press, Mug Press, Tumbler Press, or even a Convection Oven.
The sublimation process involves converting the sublimation ink into gas using a high heat source (over 350°F). This is how it sticks to your sublimation blank. The choice of heat source is dependent on the kind of sublimated products you're planning to produce and your budget considerations.
The tumbler mug heat press is with a 10.6in(27cm) length detachable heating attachment, and the diameter range is 2.65-3.4 inches. The tumbler mug press is widely suitable for 12-30oz straight skinny sublimation tumblers, 16-30oz glasses, 11-16oz can coolers, mugs, and many other straight water bottles.
This innovative tool empowers you to imprint your unique designs onto 11-30oz mugs, straight skinny tumblers, and glass jars. Whether you're advertising your brand or crafting a personalized gift, this heat press is your perfect partner for customizing your tumblers with any image, picture, or logo you desire.
This tumbler press sublimation machine stands out due to its thicker silicone heater, ensuring superior heat resistance and durability. The design allows for even and consistent heating across the entire tumbler, leading to vibrant, long-lasting patterns that resist flaking.
The Teflon-coated heat press boasts a generous 15"x 12" platen, ensuring stability and a non-stick surface. Uniquely designed to transfer patterns flawlessly onto clothing, it promises vivid colors and long-lasting designs that resist rubbing off, making it a stellar choice for professional use.
Convection ovens
Convection ovens are commonly used for baking and roasting, but they can also be used for sublimating coffee mugs and tumblers. The convection oven's even heat distribution and consistent temperature make it an excellent choice for this process. Additionally, convection ovens have the ability to accommodate different types of materials, including ceramics, glass, and metal, making them a versatile option for sublimation.
Sublimation requires a consistent temperature, so it's important to choose an oven that can maintain steady heat.
Hamilton Beach 31190C
Sublimation blanks
Sublimation blanks are essential to the sublimation printing process as they provide the surface onto which the image or text is printed. The blanks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed to work with specific sublimation printing applications.
It's important to choose the right sublimation blank for your project to ensure a high-quality print.
YOUKE OLA 24 Pack Sublimation Tumblers Straight Skinny Blanks 20oz for Heat Transfer
YOUKE OLA 10 Pack Sublimation Tumblers Bulk Straight Skinny Tumbler Blanks 20oz for Heat Transfer
Sublimation Design
You have the option to either create a design from scratch, purchase pre-made designs, or acquire design components to incorporate into a design for sublimation purposes. It is recommended to only download designs from reputable and trustworthy websites.
Tumbler Wrap Design is a reliable source for obtaining graphic designs that are suitable for use in your sublimation projects.
We offer complimentary sublimation patterns available for download, which you can utilize for your sublimation projects. Explore our selection by clicking here.
Various Items
These are not really tools, but they're some of the basic things you need to get started with sublimation.
Butcher Paper for Sublimation Heat Press
The sublimation butcher paper is sized at 8.3 x 9.4 inches, and it's appropriate for printing on 20 oz sublimation tumblers using a tumbler press machine.
Bulman A50018 All Steel, Rubber Feet, 18" Paper Cutter
A handy holder and dispenser for your butcher paper.
Heat Resistant Tapes for Sublimation
Heat-resistant tape endures extreme heat, ideal for heavy-duty heat press usage. It's versatile, used on various items like t-shirts, mugs, and ornaments, stays put during movement, and is perfect for vinyl and sublimation projects.
Royal Imports Desktop Tape Dispenser Adhesive Roll Holder
The desktop tape dispenser, featuring a high-quality blade, swiftly and neatly cuts the tape to the desired length and is durable.
Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive, Multipurpose, and Repositionable
Heavy-Duty Adhesive Spray: dries permanently, repositionable, non-yellowing, photo safe. Comfort nozzle for even application.
Heat Resistant Gloves for Sublimation
These gloves are both heat-resistant and flexible, providing protection from burns. The soft material and uniform thickness ensure comfort. With silicone bumps for better grip, you can securely hold items without worrying about them slipping.
Taylor 5932 Large Dial Kitchen Cooking Oven Thermometer
When using a convection oven, it's essential to have an oven thermometer as the built-in temperature gauges are unreliable. Ensure proper temperature for sublimating tumblers and mugs by using an oven thermometer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING FUNDAMENTAL SUBLIMATION MATERIALS
What do I need for sublimation printing?
To perform sublimation printing, the required items include a dedicated sublimation printer, specialized sublimation ink, paper designed for the sublimation process, items for sublimation (blanks), a heat press machine, heat tape or adhesive spray, heat-resistant gloves, and butcher paper.
Is it possible to use a standard printer for sublimation purposes?
You have the option to use a printer specifically designed for sublimation or convert an existing printer for the purpose.
What are the essential materials required for sublimation printing?
Once you have acquired the fundamental equipment like the sublimation printer and heat press, additional materials required are specialty sublimation paper, items for sublimation (blanks), design software, butcher paper, heat tape or adhesive spray, and heat-resistant gloves.
Is it possible to use a convection oven for sublimating mugs and tumblers?
Indeed, you can utilize a convection oven for sublimation on mugs and tumblers. It serves as an effective alternative to a specialized mug and tumbler press. However, it's crucial to ensure that the convection oven is not simultaneously used for food preparation.
We've made it easier for you to start creating personalized gifts or begin a small business at home with our Basic List of What You Need to Start Sublimation. The toughest part is deciding which equipment brand to pick and how much money you're willing to spend. When it comes to the price of sublimation tools, going for the cheapest one is not always the best idea because it's important that the equipment is of good quality. You need to make sure the equipment you're buying will last longer than a few weeks, has a warranty from the company that made it, and you can reach out for technical help if needed.
TAKEAWAY
In summary, starting to work with sublimation is a big step that needs you to be ready with the right tools and supplies. We've gone through a list that includes a special printer, the right kind of ink, a heat press machine, blank items to print on, heat-resistant tape, and software for creating designs.
Setting up a sublimation business or even doing it just for fun lets you show your creativity in a new way. It's a fun process where you can make your own custom designs on things like mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, and items for the home. With the right tools in hand, you're all set to make something unique and personal.
