Dye Sublimation Polyester Fabrics

Look to Canwil Textiles for all your dye sublimation polyester needs.

The process of printing and customizing various products is a long standing business. While there are many different methods for printing onto something, one of the best methods is that of sublimation. This digital printing approach requires some knowledge on sublimation process itself which is what a substance goes through when it is transformed from a solid to a gas, bypassing a liquid state altogether

However, what is sublimation printing exactly, and how will it benefit your next project? At Canwil Textiles, we’ve laid out the framework on the ins and outs of sublimation printing and how it will work for you

What is Sublimation Printing?

The process of the sublimation printing system is quite simple. It involves a step by step process using sublimation ink, heat and pressure. These digital
printing solutions first use sublimation ink with a sublimation printer. The sublimation ink uses polyester ribbon for a full color technique that extends the length and width of the print itself.

This ribbon lays down each color onto the transfer paper. Once fully printed onto the sublimation printers, it’s placed onto the substrate, or the specially
coated item. These items can be anything from 100 polyester fabric, to sublimation papers for prints, or special ceramic mugs and such

The transfer paper’s placement onto the item relies on the help of heat presses. Through this process, the sublimation ink reacts with the substrate by conforming from a liquid to gas, allowing for the substrate to adhere to the ink. Once done, you have your finished product

Dye Sublimation Printing on Fabric

As stated, sublimation printing lends itself onto different mediums. One of these mediums is fabric. Textile printing isn’t uncommon and seen everywhere From banners to t-shirts, graphic printing, discover the possibilities of dye sublimation printing.

Our Tools

Did you know there’s more involved in dye sublimation than just the printer? Canwil Textiles uses the BEST current technology available today. Because we do everything from signage to decor, we use the following:

RIP and Computer Software: To manage our digital assets and print production, we need software that can deal with our business. Each software type is different, but these days there are many competitors on the market.

Cutting Device: Depending on the project, we use everything from a hot knife to a digital flatbed cutter. This allows us to make precision cuts in order to give you the best possible finish.

Sewing Machine: For dye sublimation polyester shirts and flexible signage, we have sewing devices that allow us to make hems. With this outstanding technology we can create custom apparel, banner pole pockets, SEG graphic edging, and custom upholstery. Nothing is outside of our abilities with our amazing tech investments.

Heat Press: For large format signs, we use a heat press to transfer digital images onto fabric and other materials. We have one large format and one small format press. The small format press print on everything from hats to mugs.

One of the more used fabrics for sublimation printing is heavy knit polyester This polyester is ready for the heat transfer process and works in different ways, like when placed direct to garment. It also comes in a flame retardant variety that is upheld by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and their 701 standard for flame retardant fabrics Heavy White. 63″ and 126″ Wide, Inherently Flame Retardant wrinkle resistant, passes NFPA 701

At Canwil Textiles, we offer a great selection of digital textile ready polyester in varying forms. Also used commonly is the Triple White polyester fabric. This wrinkle resistant fabric is also inherently flame retardant, which means it naturally repels flames without going through a chemical process. It is ideal for banners and large statement prints Triple White. 120″ Wide, Inherently Flame Retardant, wrinkle resistant, passes NFPA 701

Ultra White Blackout polyester is a well woven textile that is triple layered for optimal blackout options. This fabric is UV resistant, so it’s use extends outdoors. Like the triple white polyester, this fabric is also inherently flame retardant (IFR) Ultra White. 120″ Wide, Inherently Flame Retardant, wrinkle resistant, passes NFPA 701

Sublimation Printing vs. Traditional Screen Printing

Many typically know the process of traditional screen printing. Sublimation printing is a digital process, versus traditional screen printing which doesn’t require higher forms of technology. However, what are the true differences between the two?

Traditional Screen Printing Process:In a nutshell, screen printing requires a few things: the substrate (the item on which your printing will adhere to),
ink, a squeegee, and a fine mesh screen. Either performed manually or with a machine, screen printing comes to life. Each separated color lands onto the substrate and pushes through the screen with the squeegee. Once each color goes onto the substrate, it’s then dried to cure the ink.

Sublimation Printing Process: Sublimation printing as we know from above uses a special printer and sublimation ink to place each color onto the substrate, and then uses a heat press to adhere the ink

Know the Difference

Looking at the alternatives to sublimation printing helps answer the question: what is sublimation printing?

However, there are differences between each

Screen printing doesn’t limit itself to its material. Sublimation printing works on synthetic materials like polyester, but screen printing allows for printing
onto synthetic and natural materials alike, like cotton

Sublimation printing doesn’t do well with darker substrates. It’s printing works best with lighter colors, but screen printing works on any sort of color
spectrum

Sublimation printing is cost effective at variable order sizes, but screen printing obtains a better cost only when providing a higher volume order.

All in all, sublimation printing will be more cost effective over screen printing, and provides a new, digital approach

When to Use Sublimation Printing

Now that you know the ins and outs of sublimation printing, some great uses for it are:

Promotional Items for Your Business: Marketing giveaways are important for brand awareness. High-value items such as apparel make an impact on your prospective customer’s ability to remember your brand. Plus, when they wear or use one of your custom promotional items, they will be doing FREE advertising for you! You can’t put a price on that kind of reach.
Mugs: Do you have an interesting idea for a mug? We can print custom designs on mugs from one to 10,000! Bring your ideas to life with dye sublimation printing.
T-Shirt or Garment Making: T-shirts are big business these days. If you have an idea for an amazing custom shirt, contact Canwil Textiles. We’ll help you create a line of shirts for your next project.
Stickers: A simple promotional piece, stickers are a fun way to market your business or event.
Banners: Get noticed with our custom marketing banners. These can be used for your exhibit booth, farmer’s markets, outside of your brick-and-mortar business and more! There’s no end to the utility of our fabric banners.

And more! At Canwil Textiles, we provide excellent solutions for all of your sublimation printing needs.

Look to Canwil Textiles for All Your Custom Dye Sublimation Polyester Needs

We want your next project to be a success! Our fabric and dye sublimation experts are ready to assist you with whatever your needs are. We’ll also work with you on price, so you can stay within your budget.

Call 678.985.5434 x201 and our experts will help you get started today.