Sublimation Printing Errors to Steer Clear Of and How to Correct Them

Sublimation printing is an excellent and widely used technique for producing wonderful, high-quality prints on a range of materialsparticularly fabrics and coated materials. Whether new to the world of sublimation printing or you've been using a dye sublimation printer for some time, it is all too easy to make mistakes that impact the quality of the final print.

In this blog, we'll take you through some of the most frequent sublimation printing errors and offer straightforward, applicable solutions to put you back on track. Whether it's how to select the proper sublimation papers or caring for your printer, knowing these details can make a huge difference in your printing success.

Using the Wrong Paper for Sublimation

One of the most frequent errors is the improper use of paper. Regular printer paper or even photo paper from an inkjet printer will not do for sublimation printing. Sublimation papers are specifically coated to retain and discharge sublimation ink well under heat press treatment.

Always print with high-quality sublimation paper that's specifically meant to be used with your sublimation printer and ink. Keep the paper in a dry place to prevent moisture absorption, which causes imbalanced transfers.

Incorrect Printer Settings

Your dye sublimation printer depends on certain color profiles and print settings to create proper results. Poor print resolution, color management options, or paper type choices can result in faded photos, color mismatches, or ghosting.

Double-check your printer software settings prior to every print job. Utilize ICC color profiles supported by your sublimation ink supplier. Make sure you're printing on the right side of the sublimation papergenerally the brighter or whiter side.

Inconsistent Heat Pressing

Another mistake is using the wrong temperature, pressure, or time during the heat pressing process. Over-pressing or under-pressing can result in smudgy designs, washed-out colors, or noneven transfer.

Correct:

Use the heat press settings suggested based on your substrate (e.g., polyester fabric, ceramic, or metal). For most textile uses, a standard rule of thumb is 180200C for 4560 seconds using medium pressure. Test always on a sample piece prior to doing large batches.

Moisture in Materials

Humidity in either the sublimation papers or fabric can produce steam during the process, resulting in blotchy or uneven prints. This typically occurs in humid climates or if materials aren't properly stored.

Fix:

Pre-press your fabric for 510 seconds prior to applying the transfer. This dries out any moisture and creases. Keep your sublimation paper and blanks in dry storage and refrain from touching the printed surface of the paper to minimize contamination.

Printer Neglect

A dye sublimation printer must be well-maintained to run smoothly. Clogged printheads, stale ink, or machine dust may cause streaks, banding, or washed-out images.

Solution:

Regular nozzle checks and printhead cleaning based on the manufacturer's specifications are a must. Always use sublimation ink suitable for your printer model. Keep your workspace also clean and dust-free to safeguard both the printer and paper.

Low Image Resolution

Sometimes, the problem isnt with the printer or materialsits with the image itself. Low-resolution files may look fine on your screen but become pixelated or blurry when enlarged and printed.

Fix:

Use high-resolution images (at least 300 DPI) for sublimation printing, especially for larger surfaces. Avoid stretching small images, and always preview your design before printing to check for quality.

Conclusion

Sublimation printing can yield truly great results if executed properly, but tiny mistakes in paper selection, printer settings, or pressing method can ruin your end product. Learning about these mistakes and how to steer clear of them will help you extract the best performance out of your sublimation printer and paper setup.

At True Colors, we're committed to arming businesses and creators with the proper tools and information to thrive. Need high-quality dye sublimation printers, trustworthy sublimation papers, or technical guidance? We're here to ensure you do it right the first time.

Want to take your sublimation to the next level? Let's discuss.