7 Usual Sublimation Issues & How to Fix Them
As you work toward ending up being a seasoned dye-sublimation printer and CUSTOM-MADE PATCHES maker, you might come across several challenges such as your transfer appearing blurry, dull or discolored. Don't obtain dissuaded! This is all part of the understanding procedure, as well as a lot of our new sublimation consumers go through an experimentation duration. We have actually put together some of one of the most constant issues connected with dye-sublimation printing in situation you ever before experience one.
Why aren't my transfers coming out vibrant?
There are a couple of reasons your transfers can be appearing much less vivid than expected. First, make certain that you are printing on the appropriate side of your sublimation paper, which is commonly intense white. The opposite side is usually beige. If you're publishing with a Sawgrass Superstar SG400 or SG800, the brilliant white side will fill face-down in the tray. Next off, guarantee that you are publishing with the appropriate color correction program.
Why is my photo ghosting?
If you are seeing a 2nd version of your transfer, like a shadow, slightly to the side of your picture, you are experiencing what is known as ghosting. Ghosting takes place when the sublimation transfer paper shifts during the sublimation process, such as when you open or close your warm press. For this reason, it is recommended that you tape down your custom patches difficult substrates to the sublimation paper making use of thermal tape. For fabrics, we advise a glue spray to avoid the paper from relocating. After pressing, ensure you remove the transfer paper instantly. For sublimation, we additionally suggest staying clear of utilizing an auto open press as these often tend to pop open too quickly, causing the paper to shift otherwise taped down all right.
Why is my substrate declining sublimation ink?
It is important to note that not all products accept sublimation ink. For dye-sublimation to function, your item empty demands to have a polyester finishing (or be constructed from a polyester material).
For fabrics, we recommend 100% white polyester for the best transfer. It is not possible to sublimate on 100% cotton-- as well as your transfer will certainly wash away in the first laundry cycle. You can sublimate on poly/cotton blends, but the transfer will certainly show up much less dynamic and also offer a vintage appearance. In general, the higher degree of polyester, the much better.
Why am I getting ink from a previously transferred photo onto a new blank transfer?
Sublimation ink has the tendency to bleed onto the bottom and leading platens of your press throughout warm transfer, which is why it is very important to shield your press with the appropriate material. To avoid ink from obtaining onto your leading or bottom platen, we recommend utilizing a Teflon wrap for every platen, along with a Teflon sheet. Teflon is entirely reusable, and all it takes is wiping away the excess ink after each press. You may additionally make use of silicone-treated sheets that can be thrown out after usage.
Why am I seeing little dots in my transfer?
If you're observing little dots on your completed item, this is likely due to excess wetness. We suggest pre-pressing most substrates to ensure you obtain all dampness out. After that, allow the substratum cool down, area your transfer on, and also press like typical.
Why are my transfers fuzzy?
If you notice blurring in your picture when you draw the transfer paper off, this might be since your substratum received too much time/temperature in the warm press, and currently the picture has started to hemorrhage out. If this takes place, we advise reducing your time and also trying once more.
Why are my pictures coming out discolored?
Photo fading is typically brought on by excessive time and temperature level, and/or stress. We recommend ascertaining the suggested setups from the company where you bought your sublimation spaces. Every heat press is different, which is something to keep in mind. One more tip is to double-check the temperature of the top platen on your press to ensure it lines up with the mentioned temperature; for this, we advise warmth strips.