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Today, clothing brands prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable approaches. From the choice of fabrics to production methods and printing techniques, brands are increasingly opting for materials and practices that are less harmful to the environment.
Among the various printing methods, sublimation printing is gaining popularity. In this blog post, we will mainly focus on the best and most durable eco-friendly apparel printing technique — sublimation printing and will cover the fabric selection criteria for this printing method.
Moreover, we’ll explore the key reasons why it is a favored choice in the fashion apparel industry and which fabric is considered ideal for this printing technique.
Let’s dive in!
What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is a chemical process that requires pressing or transferring a design via a specialized sublimation printer onto fabric using heat.
It is an excellent way to apply an image, pattern, or design on any garment. This heat transfer method produces a clear, vibrant image that resists fading and showcases colors beautifully.
This widely used printing technique may sound a bit technical, but due to advancements in digital technology, it's much more accessible and user-friendly than you might imagine.
How Does Sublimation Printing Work?
The term 'sublimate' means 'to change the form of something.' In the context of sublimation printing, this refers to converting solid dye into gas during the printing process.
In this printing technique, the heat transfer method is used with temperatures around 180-200°C, followed by a certain pressure, which transforms the dye into gas. This gas penetrates the fabric, creating high-definition, durable print patterns with remarkable detail.
Usually, clothing producers utilize water-based dye sublimation inks that are more environmentally friendly compared to other inks used in fabric printing. These specialized inks are printed onto sublimation paper, creating a mirror image on the paper.
The printer precisely aligns the transfer with the fabric before applying heat, causing the solid ink to convert into gas.
Once heat is applied, the gas is absorbed into the fabric. It bonds with the fabric fibers and embeds itself into the material, resulting in a long-lasting print.
In this printing method, 100% of the dye ink is absorbed with no dye left behind.
It’s a simple and cost-effective heat printing method and an excellent option for creating custom designs on different apparel.
Best Fabric Options for Sublimation Printing
Working in the apparel industry necessitates a bit of scientific knowledge, especially when dealing with different types of textiles. As previously mentioned, this printing method requires heat application on the fabric.
The minimum required temperature is 180°C, and although the time spent at that temperature is less than a minute, some materials may shrink when exposed to this temperature.
For this reason, polyester and polyester-blend fabrics are considered ideal options, as they are resistant to heat-induced shrinkage.
Here are some other good fabric options for printing techniques that employ heat transfer:
Polyester - high quality
Poly-blends - containing at least 40% polyester
Lycra
Nylon
Spandex
These fabric options provide a wide range of possibilities, allowing you to create garments such as sweaters, hoodies, dresses, t-shirts, shirts, or even socks, as long as you select materials capable of withstanding some heat.
When selecting this printing method, steer clear of natural fabrics like cotton and silk. Unfortunately, these materials do not absorb ink dye as effectively as polyester and other synthetic blends. This can lead to designs staying on the fabric surface, resulting in potential peeling, fading, or cracking over time. For natural fabrics, digital printing is the preferred choice.
Recycled Polyester and Sublimation Printing
Both recycled and virgin polyester yield the best results when subjected to sublimation. Heat causes the fiber pores to open, allowing the ink to be absorbed thoroughly. The ink strongly bonds with the fibers, making it impossible to wash away.
Recycled polyester is a strong and high-quality material that is well-suited for sublimation printing. This fabric shares the same characteristics as regular polyester, including moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and wrinkle resistance, but it also provides the added advantage of being eco-friendly.
The process of sublimation printing on recycled polyester consists of the same three steps as it does on conventional polyester. The first step involves creating a design with graphic design software or through manual methods. Next, the design is printed on transfer paper using sublimation ink. Finally, the design is applied to the fabric with a heat press.
Utilizing this printing technique on recycled polyester allows both clothing manufacturers and businesses to lessen their environmental footprint and produce sustainable goods.
Is Sublimation Printing Eco-Friendly?
The process in itself is completely eco-friendly. It has the potential to replace conventional dyeing processes that waste significant amounts of water. This means that rather than utilizing hundreds of liters of water to dye a single t-shirt, only 5ml of sublimation ink will achieve the same outcome.
Furthermore, the inks used are water-based and free from harmful chemicals. The only waste produced from this process is sublimation paper, which is entirely recyclable.
To enhance the eco-friendly aspect of sublimation, it’s advisable to request that your clothing manufacturers utilize unbleached polyester yarns to avoid bleaching. Remember, that the white shades in your design might appear slightly different in the final product. However, as long as large areas of white are not used, the difference will likely be minimal and should be fine.
Conclusion
As the demand for sustainable apparel grows, adopting innovative techniques like sublimation printing on eco-friendly fabrics can set your brand apart, offering custom designs while maintaining an environmentally conscious approach.
Incorporating recycled polyester into your production process boosts
this effort, allowing you to meet the rising expectations of today’s eco-aware consumers.
If you’re looking for premium printing solutions for your apparel collection, we’ve got you covered. Lydia Design Studio, an expert clothing producer in Atlanta, specializes in exceptional fabric printing with a commitment to quality and innovation. Contact us today to bring your designs to life with premium sublimation printing!
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