How To Sublimate T-Shirts

A sublimation converted inkjet printer
Sublimation paper
Heat resistant tape
Heat resistant gloves
Flat bed heat press
Craft Blade / Scissors

Optional:
Heat Press Pillow
PTFE Protection Sheet

Your T-Shirt or garment should be dry and clean.

Inspect it before pressing as you may find loose threads or stitching from manufacturing process.

Use a lint roller to remove any excess thread or to remove unwanted bobbling on the material.

Place the T-Shirt on to the rubber base of your heat press and adjust it to ensure it is as flat as possible.

It is advised to pre-press the T-Shirt by closing the heat press for 5-10 seconds.

This essentially irons the cover to flatten it and remove any creasing.

There are different thoughts and opinions on the best way to prepare the paper transfer print.

Ink Experts advise our customers to trim or cut every edge of the paper before pressing.

This because it is common for the edges of the paper to get caught by the printing head during printing.

As a result ink can remain on the papers edges which in turn will transfer onto your cushion cover.

Cutting the edges off the paper ensures a clean print.

We advise to pad the inside of the cover with a PTFE heat press pillow this prevent fading to the middle of the cover where the pressure can be decreased due to the thickness of the edges / seams.

Use heat tape to secure the paper transfer in position on the T-Shirt.

For our example we have used one a 100% polyester white sublimation T-Shirt. We recommend these are pressed at:

Temperature: 200c
Time: 50 seconds
Pressure: Medium
PTFE protection sheet: Yes

Not all sublimation T-Shirts use the same heat press temperature and time.
Ink Experts advise customers to contact the supplier of your T-Shirt blank to confirm their recommended heat press settings.

The temperature and time varies due to the GSM or weight of the fabric and the material type (100% polyester or a blended polycotton material)

• Turn on your heat press.
• Set the temperature and time.
• Allow it to come up to temperature.
• While the heat press is heating up you can prepare your T-Shirt.
• Remove the rubber base from your heat press and lay the T-Shirt on to it.
• Adjust the fabric to remove as many creases as possible.
• Once at temperature carefully place the rubber mat and T-Shirt on to the heat press base.
• Pre-press the T-Shirt for 5-10 seconds.
• Apply your paper transfer design and secure in place using heat resistant tape (its advised to tape each corner).
• If possible use a PTFE heat press pillow to pad the cover and prevent fading during the pressing process.
• Close your press and heat press for the desired time.
• When the timer expires open the press and carefully remove the paper transfer in one smooth motion.
• Remove the T-Shirt from your heat press and allow to cool.

Trimming the edges of the paper as mentioned above will ensure the paper is clean.

Where possible the edges can be carefully torn.

Doing this leaves a softer edge of the paper which reduces indented outline of the paper when heat pressing the T-Shirt.

Reduce the risk of scorching your fabric by using a PTFE protection sheet.
The PTFE protection sheet can be laid over the paper transfer and t-Shirt when heat pressing.