This is one of the topics that we had mentioned before, and today we decided to delve deeper, the different materials that allow you to do sublimation and transfer images on different surfaces, there are an infinity of materials and these can vary by brand, so we want to show you the ones that we have used, and how they work. Remember not to limit yourself to what you read in this post. Let's start by defining the types.
We have the most basic, the sublimation sheets , there are different types of these sheets, there are the ones that say "textprint" on one side, the ones with a pink face, the ones that are white on both sides, and so the list goes on, the The main difference between these is the level of sublimation ink they absorb and how much of it passes to the final material. We always recommend quality sheets so that your work looks as good as possible. Sublimation sheets have a permanent result, and work exclusively with sublimation ink. You must remember that these only work with materials that have polyester content, or cups, plates, caps, etc. with special coatings.
Then we have the sheets of transfer paper , for dark, light or cotton fabrics, they can be used for both inkjet and laser printers, these sheets offer a higher gloss finish, they allow you to work on surfaces of any color and any material, in the area textile, the disadvantage is that as it is an external material that is placed on clothing, it does not have great durability, and the material can degrade over time and with washing. How to identify them? those with blue checks are for dark fabrics, those with red checks are for light fabrics and those with cotton are for yellow checks.
We also have subliflex sheets, this material requires a Sawgrass brand sublimation printer to make the print, then it is cut with a cutting plotter, and finally it is ironed on the fabric, its finish has a texture similar to those of transfer paper, but with greater durability. In the case of this material, to obtain different finishes, it must be ironed several times with silicone or Teflon paper.
And finally, the textile vinyl , there is the printable textile vinyl, the cut textile vinyl, everything depends on the need of your project. The cut textile vinyl consists of a vinyl that is cut and then proceeds to adhere to the clothes, depending on the brand, different finishes and textures can be obtained, some are almost imperceptible, while others are quite thick, there is also the textile vinyl printable which uses eco-solvent ink, after cutting and proceeding to sublimate. And so the list of materials continues.
Now, as we always mention, do not limit yourself to the options that we present to you, always look for new techniques that are convenient for you, and since we want to open that part of curiosity, we will comment on more types of existing papers:
- Sublicottom film : It consists of a fabric that is placed on the cotton and sublimated, to then sublimate the normal sublimation sheets on top of the cotton fabric. This process allows direct sublimation, because the fabric that was placed in the first sublimation process is to give a touch of polyester to the cotton fibers to transfer the image.
- I-Transfer (Neenah TECHIPRINT, among other brands) : This is a paper to transfer images on rigid surfaces, that is, on colored mugs, woodblocks, etc. It works exclusively with laser prints. And since it is a completely external process, the completion is felt and along with the transfer it degrades over time.
- Forever Multitrans Foil : This paper works mainly in cups, to give drawings and designs a glossy finish, the results are obtained in a single color, and to work the prints must be made on a laser printer.
As we have commented several times, these are some of the options that we present to you, but there are many options to transfer images on different surfaces, so we recommend that you keep investigating so that you can give the best qualities in your projects. And remember "If it's in your mind, you can make it real", so if it's in your mind, there is a material to create it.