If you’re just getting started with sublimation printing, you might be curious about the role fabric plays in the quality of your final product. The truth is, your choice of fabric is crucial. In this quick post, we’ll go over the best fabrics for sublimation printing, helping you achieve vibrant and enduring results.
Also be sure to check out our in-depth guide to sublimation printing for beginners that we recently did, it’s got lots of goodies in it!
Types of Fabric For Sublimation Printing and What’s Best
Polyester Is The Best Option For Sublimation
Why polyester is your best option
For sublimation printing, polyester is without a doubt the best choice. Its synthetic fibers excel at absorbing dye, resulting in vibrant images that last will last.
Guidelines for using polyester
Quality varies among polyester types. Stick with high-grade, tight-knit options for best results. And always run a test print when using unfamiliar or textured polyester fabrics.
Nylon: The Runner-Up
Nylon doesn’t quite match up to polyester, but it’s still a solid choice, offering good color vibrancy and durability.
Downsides to printing with nylon are that it can be challenging due to the fabric’s heat sensitivity, its potential for less vibrant colors, and higher costs.
Tips for printing on nylon
Nylon is heat-sensitive. Lower your heat settings to avoid problems like smudging or color bleed.
Blended Fabrics: The Compromise
Popular blends to consider
If you seek a softer feel, consider poly-cotton blends with a high polyester content. A 65% polyester and 35% cotton blend usually delivers satisfactory results in terms of performance and comfort.
When to use Blends
Blends are suitable when you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of vibrancy for more natural texture. Keep in mind, though, that the less polyester, the duller the print.
Fabric Weave and Texture: Subtle but Significant
Impact of weave on printing
A tight fabric weave makes for smoother, clearer prints. Aim for tightly woven materials for optimal outcomes.
Using textured fabrics to your advantage
Want a unique look? Textured polyester fabrics like twill and jersey can add depth but may slightly reduce print clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
To summarize, polyester fabrics are going to be your go-to choice when sublimation printing, however, you can achieve unique results by opting for blends that can really emphasize certain properties that you find important such as comfort, vibrancy, or durability.
I hope this little guide helped you decide on which are the best fabrics to use when going forward.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried sublimation printing on any of these fabrics? What was your experience? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Until next time folks!
Hi, I’m Carmine, the guy behind Helpful Tiger. Tired of crappy search results? Me too. That’s why I started this website. It’s a one-stop shop for simple tutorials and guides on a little bit of everything. Have questions? Reach out, and I’ll do my best to help!
