Top 5 Sublimation Supplies That You Didn't Know You Needed

Sublimation printing has opened a world of customization and personalization which can be availed on almost anything. This process has made the marketing world alive, allowing them to push their limits, try something new and unthinkable and get the best results possible. Sublimation process can be done on almost any surface or material which includes a range of commercial products.

Marketing has become a key component in the success of any business. If you have marketed your products right and made it possible to reach the right audience then there is nothing that can stop your brand to grow exponentially. This is only possible when you are able to slap your brand's name on every nook and cranny in the same style, colors, fonts and sizes. Sublimation process allows you to do just that!

What is the Sublimation Process?

Sublimation is a scientific term which means turning solid into gas without it becoming a liquid first. Sublimation printing is a process where you lay your design first on the shirt, then use pressure and heat to transfer the solid ink from the sublimation sheet to turn into a gas and transfer onto the garment or whichever surface you want.

The dye sublimation process is basically a 2 part process where you mainly need a few sublimation supplies to get the best results- a high-resolution, large format printer, transfer paper, heat press and sublimation printing ink. With these sublimation supplies the sky’s your limit and you can print graphics which are vibrant, vivid, visually amazing and crowd pulling!

Sublimation crafting is something that grows on to you, once you start seeing the results. There are a lot of supplies and vinyl tools that one needs in order to make the crafting easier and quicker but not all of these sublimation supplies are needed from the start.

In this article, I will be guiding you about the supplies that are a must-have when doing sublimation crafting and also guide you about some supplies that are nice to have in your arsenal in order to really enjoy the process and make it easy for you, so let’s get started!

Need-to-Have Sublimation Supplies

1.Sublimation Printer

Sublimation printer is the first thing you need to acquire once you have decided to do sublimation crafting. The printer handles the most work in the crafting process so you must invest a good chunk of your investment in getting the best quality printer according to your scale of work. When looking for a good sublimation printer always opt for a brand that specializes in this department like PrefectCut Vinyl.

Sublimation printers come with different functions, sizes and features so in order to make the best and most informed decision you must fully know what you are looking for. Large format printing is the main aspect to look out for, other than that you also need to pay heed to the materials the printer can print on. Pro Tip-Don’t opt for a printer that only prints on paper!

2.Software for Printing

A printer attaches to a computer and the computer works when proper software is installed in it, right? Once you have the sublimation printer, the next step is to get a computer that is powerful enough to be compatible with your printer.

The software should also be the latest in order to get the best and the most innovative designs. Most of the printers come with the sublimation printing programs but if you don’t want run-of-the-mill designs, you can always opt for third party printing softwares.

3.Sublimation Ink and Paper

Every printer needs ink and paper supplies in order to work. If you want to get the best color payoff and the luc=xury of getting any color printed, go for the full set of ink colors. For paper, keep ample supply so that you don’t run out at any crucial time.

4.Heat Press

Heat press is just as pivotal as the printer in the sublimation process. Please don’t skim on this component and get the best heat press for your sublimation process. Heat press is the tool that will take the solid print to the gas stage so it needs to be hot enough as well as large enough to fit in the large font printed craft. The better quality heat press you will have, the more efficiently you will be churning out new designs.

5.Sublimation Blanks

Gone are the days when sublimation printing could only be done on paper, nowadays the world is your oyster and the sky’s your blank canvas. Advanced level printers can print on multiple surfaces like clothes, mugs, tumblers, pillows, plates, cushions and so much more. Ideally the surface must be black and made of polyester when it comes to clothes.

Nice-to-Have Sublimation Supplies

1.Heat-Resistant gloves

When dealing with a heat press you should always have your hands secured. Put on your heat resistant gloves when putting the print under the heat press and also when removing and transferring it from one place to another.

2.Heat-Resistant Tape or Spray

You can choose a tape or spray as per your liking but having any of these two on hand can make your work very easy and fuss free. Once you have printed a crafting project and placed it on the heat press, you need to make sure that it stays exactly where you have placed it. This is where the heat resistant tape or spray comes in. it will fix the print on the pace you settled for.

3.Lint Roller

Lint roller is something that will take your project from rookie to professional. Just run the lint roller once over the entire surface of your project and save it from dust particles, lint and other things that can settle on it in the long run!

Summary

And there you have it, these are all the must-have and nice-to-have sublimation supplies and vinyl tools you should invest in once you decide that you want to explore the world of sublimation printing. Best of Luck!!