Sublimation printing is a popular technique used to print designs onto various fabrics, including dark clothing. However, sublimation printing on dark fabrics can present some challenges and requires different techniques than printing on light fabrics. In this blog, we’ll explore tips and tricks for sublimation printing on dark clothing to achieve high-quality results.
- Use a white base layer
When printing on dark clothing, it’s important to use a white base layer to ensure that the colors in your design appear vibrant and true to their original form. The white base layer will create a barrier between the dark fabric and the dye, allowing the colors to stand out. You can use white sublimation paper or a white underbase ink to create the base layer.
- Choose the right fabric
Not all fabrics are suitable for sublimation printing, especially when printing on dark clothing. To ensure that your print looks sharp and vibrant, choose a fabric that is made of at least 50% polyester. Polyester is the best fabric for sublimation printing because it has a high melting point and can withstand the heat and pressure required to transfer the ink onto the fabric.
- Adjust the color saturation
When printing on dark clothing, you may need to adjust the color saturation in your design to ensure that the colors appear vibrant and true to their original form. Colors can appear muted or dull when printed on dark fabrics, so increasing the color saturation can help to counteract this effect.
- Increase the heat and pressure
Printing on dark clothing requires more heat and pressure than printing on light fabrics. This is because the dark fabric absorbs more heat than light fabrics, making it more difficult for the ink to transfer. To achieve a successful print, you’ll need to increase the heat and pressure settings on your sublimation printer.
- Use a heat press
A heat press is a necessary tool for sublimation printing on dark clothing. Unlike a regular iron, a heat press provides consistent heat and pressure, which is essential for transferring the ink onto the fabric. When using a heat press, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for temperature, pressure, and time.
- Test your design on a small area first
As with any sublimation printing project, it’s always a good idea to test your design on a small area of fabric first. This will allow you to see how the colors and design will appear on the fabric, and make any necessary adjustments before committing to a larger print. Testing your design on a small area can also help you determine the appropriate heat and pressure settings for your specific fabric and printer.
- Choose the right ink
When printing on dark clothing, it’s important to use sublimation ink that is specially formulated for dark fabrics. This ink is designed to provide a white base layer, which is essential for creating vibrant and true-to-color prints. Using regular sublimation ink on dark fabrics will result in muted and dull colors.
In conclusion, sublimation printing on dark clothing requires some special considerations and techniques, but it’s definitely possible to achieve high-quality results. By following these tips and tricks, you can create vibrant and eye-catching designs that will look great on any dark fabric. Remember to choose the right fabric, use a white base layer, adjust the color saturation, increase the heat and pressure, use a heat press, test your design on a small area first, and choose the right ink. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating stunning sublimation prints on dark clothing.
