How to Sublimate on Cotton Shirts in 4 Quick Steps
Cotton shirts are a great option for sublimation because they are lightweight and have a low environmental impact. They can be printed on both the front and back, making them versatile options for marketing and advertising. In addition, cotton shirts are easy to dye, so they can be used to promote a variety of different colors. Not only do they last longer than other types of clothing, but they’re also easy to sublimate. Learn How to Sublimate on Cotton Shirts in 4 steps.
What is T-Shirt Sublimation?
T-shirt sublimation is a printing process where a graphic design is transferred onto a T-shirt. The sublimation process creates an “image” on the shirt that can be seen when the shirt is displayed or worn. This image can be different colors, designs, or even text. T-shirt sublimation can be used to create unique and interesting t-shirts for your business or personal clothing collection.
How to Sublimate on Cotton Shirts? Step by Step
It is not as simple as pronouncing, but before doing so you need to learn about the whole process, what hurdles you can face during sublimation on cotton shirts, and also what are the techniques involved in the process.
This process is a bit different from other sublimation processes and you can check out our guide on How to Sublimate on Silk to get more information.
For the purpose of sublimation on cotton, you need to have the proper tools and materials required for the process.
The tools and the material are:
- Sublimation Printer
- Heat press
- Cricut/cutting machine
- Sublimation paper and fabric
- Cotton fabrics
- Parchment paper
- Lint roller
Here are the steps to follow in order to sublimate to cotton.
1. Creates a Design on Software
First of all, create a unique design on your computer or a laptop using a suitable program like Photoshop, Corel Draw, Paint.Net, etc. Create a design on the software which should be made of one or two colors only. It is better if you stick with 2-3 colors only because if you go with more then it might become difficult for you to sublimate to t-shirts.
No doubt, you can download PNG, JPG, and SVG formats from the internet to make your own unique designs.
Moreover, you can resize the design by using MS Word.
2: Use Sublimation Papers for the Design
Now, send the design to your best-performing sublimation printer as it is done.
This will help you print out your design in a specific size and you will not have to go through any hassle in that regard.
When you receive your printed sublimation paper from the printer, it is time to cut out the design from the paper.
Use a Cricut or a cutting machine for this purpose. Do not forget to mark the back of your design so that you can use the same design later.
3. Use Lint Roller to Remove Moisture
The next step is to take a lint roller to remove any moisture from the shirt and place the shirt on the heat press for a few seconds. By doing so, you will evaporate the moisture and get the smooth, wrinkle-free, and high-quality sublimation print on cotton.
If you don’t remove any dust and moisture from the fabric, it causes some imperfections in the design.
4. Transfers the Design on the Shirt
After all of these, you can transfer the design onto the shirt. In this stage, start pressing the shirt with a heat press at 150°C/400°F, and also set the time for 50 seconds which allows you to transfer the sublimation print onto the cotton fabric without making any mistakes.
As 50 seconds is over, remove the heat press and the sublimation paper from the shirt. But be careful and don’t rub or touch the shirt immediately because the sublimation print can be damaged and also, you can get burned by the hot air.
Now see the finished product. For the best vibrant and bold color, choose according to the picture.
Why do You need to Sublimate on Cotton Shirts?
Sublimating print on a cotton shirt is an excellent way to make a unique look for your wardrobe. This is a good option when you have a personal project that needs to be printed. It’s not only easy and cheap, but also it doesn’t require much time or effort. Sublimation is the process where heat transfers the ink into the fabric.
Cotton shirt production is one of the most important industries in the United States. The cotton content of a shirt helps create clothing that breathes. In addition, cotton shirts are more affordable than other textile products, and they provide comfort and style.
There are several reasons why you might want to sublimate on cotton shirts.
- Great for wearing in the summer.
- A natural product, which means that it doesn’t have any chemicals or toxins.
- Hypoallergenic, which means that it won’t irritate your skin.
- Cheaper than other types of shirts.
- Easy to wash soft and smooth.
- One of the most popular fabrics used in clothing.
- Comfortable to wear.
Quick Summary (How to Sublimate on Cotton Shirts in )
Now it’s time to wrap, finally, in this article, you have learned the most effective ways how to sublimate on cotton shirts. I hope that these methods will help you to sublimate to your next cotton shirt, and make your life easier.