With the development in technology, sublimation on canvas is an innovative technique in printing. From shirts to handbags and now also on pouches these unique designs are gaining popularity. This technique is becoming in high demand due to its colorful and attractive designs.
Do people mostly wonder what sublimation canvas is?
It is a process of printing. In this method, the ink converts into gas by going through intense heat. Also, the intensity of heat seals the ink on the required material.
Moreover, with the innovation in digital printing, the sublimation process has become more popular. This method of painting does not contain any liquid phase.
The heating process duplicates your chosen design on your desired material. This technique is very suitable for customized products.
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All You Need For Sublimation On Canvas
Sublimation on canvas is not an easy process. It requires specific materials and techniques. Besides this, you need to be more careful about the heating process. This method needs exact and perfect heating temperature while printing. Otherwise, it may destroy your design.
Following are the tools you need for the sublimation on canvas.
1. Printer
The printer is considered the most important tool for the sublimation process. The printer helps in converting the desired design to the material. Initially, the printers for sublimation were very high in price. With the development and increase in demand, now they are easily affordable.
Here is a guide to choosing a good sublimation printer in 2023
The printer as a tool makes the sublimation process very convenient. Also, these printers are also not as huge in size as any other commercial big-sized printer. They are roughly the size of a regular printer that everyone has at home.
But this is for casual sublimation printing which covers daily life print size. However, if you need to print bigger designs you will definitely need a big printer. You can opt for a sublimation printer that meets your print size criteria.
There are many size ranges available out there. However, most people go for 13×19 sublimation printers as they can fulfill their needs for big prints.
2. Sublimation Paper
Sublimation paper is a necessary part of this process. The printer brings its design to the paper as a result. Besides this, you can see the final result of the design on paper.
Furthermore, you can use any paper for this procedure. But sometimes it compromises the quality of the image. For a better and ideal result, it is recommended to use high-quality paper. This will help in carrying the sublimation ink. Make sure to use heavier paper for higher ink usage.
3. Sublimation Ink
Sublimation on canvas is not possible without ink. It’s ink that portrays the design of the material used for it. The sublimation ink is the dye used as a color in this method. Furthermore, the higher heat assures the perfect imprinting of dye on the material without cracking.
The sublimation ink comparatively lasts longer than normal ink. Moreover, this ink does not fade away easily from the fabric used. Also, sublimation ink does not smudge the material.
4. Canvas Material
In the sublimation procedure, polyester is the ideal material. It inherits the design immediately moreover keeps it for a longer time. Polyester also assures high and better quality as compared to other materials. Besides this, pure cotton material is not referred to for sublimation. The design does not last long on such fabric.
5. Designing Software
Due to the advancement in printing, different software is used for sublimation. The software helps in selecting and printing the design using the material. Mostly, this software is not free. The users need to purchase them to provide innovative ideas to their customers.
However, every software has a trial plan which usually ranges between 14-30 days.
6. Cutting Device
How you can make a design without cutting it into the required shape? So, cutting devices play a vital role in the sublimation method. The designer needs to cut the fabric or use the material for the final results. You can use different cutting devices for this purpose. Mostly, people use blades, scissors, cutters, and knives as per their requirements.
7. Heating Machine
When you finalize the design, you need heat to imprint it on the material. The heating machine transfers the design to the required material by using sublimation paper. Make sure that the heating machine is set to the required heat level. If the heating level is not appropriate, it will damage your design.
Furthermore, the heating process protects the design from fading. Every heat press machine has some unique features that enhance the beauty of your output.
The most important thing to consider is, that they are able to reach temperatures up to 550ºF and must have an alarm when the print is ready.
Fabric Sublimation
Sublimation on the canvas fabric is the ideal method for this process. Besides, this method requires more attention and care. You cannot use any fabric for this process. Sublimation is the fabric that works on a specified fabric material. Likewise, pure cotton is not suitable for this process.
Canvas sublimation is highly suitable for polyester and synthetic fabric. This type of fabric helps in keeping the dye longer. Furthermore, the color does not fade away from this fabric material.
In addition, different temperature level is needed for different fabric materials. Make sure to set the required heating level for desired results. Moreover, the time duration also counts for heating temperature. The ideal time for a high temperature is one minute.
People mostly demand customized T-shirts in sublimation printing. The multi-color shirts give fun to the look.
Besides shirts, trousers are also in demand under sublimation printing designs. The vibrant designs of sublimation on the canvas fabric process attract more. They are high in demand in the fashion industry. People provide personalized designs for fabric sublimation.
Related: Acrylic Sublimation Complete Guide
How to Improve Fabric Sublimation
Following are the tips for improving fabric sublimation.
- Use advanced technology in machines and software
- Always prefer to use high-quality dye
- High-quality sublimation paper delivers better results
- Always check the heating temperature before printing
- Adjust the design according to the abstract
- Make the design random from the edges for the perfect look
Bags with Sublimated Designs
Besides clothes, bags with sublimation designs are also in demand. They are customized bag designs. People provide the desired design and needed information for this process. The designer imprints the exact design on the bags.
Mostly, polyester is used for bags. But fabric with synthetic material is preferred. This helps in keeping the design and colors for a longer time duration. The tote bags are very famous for sublimation on canvas bags. The attractive, as well as colorful design, ranks them high in demand.
For sublimation on bags, it is required to sock them in warm water. After that, the desired design is imprinted on it with canvas.
The level of temperature and moisture is very important during this process. The canvas paper transfers the design to the bag with foil and paper. Lastly, a coating spray of sublimation is used for shining effects.
The sublimated tote bags with vibrant colors and customized designs are more in fashion. They are made of polyester material. Due to this, they are high in quality and provide a long-lasting resilient experience to the users.
Sublimation Printing VS Traditional Printing
A few years back, traditional methods were used for printing designs on different fabrics. These methods are more time-consuming and deliver the faded look of designs. Furthermore, the colors of traditional printing do not last long.
With the development in technology, printing methods also get advanced. Sublimation printing methods are one of them. This method imprints the desired prints on fabric and other materials with the help of heat. Besides, sublimation on canvas is trending in the fashion industry.
Additionally, in the traditional process, the ink remains at the top of the fabric. On the other hand in sublimation, the ink bonds itself within the fabric. It gives better and long-lasting results in quality.
Furthermore, this process can imprint personalized designs as per customers’ requirements. This method is not restricted to fabric only. It is also suitable for glass, ceramic, banners, plastic, and wood.
FAQ’s
Can you use sublimation on canvas?
Sublimation is not typically used on regular canvas because it requires a material that can absorb the ink. However, specially coated sublimation canvas is available, allowing you to transfer vibrant designs using the sublimation process.
What temperature do you sublimate on canvas?
The recommended sublimation temperature for canvas is generally around 380 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (193 to 204 degrees Celsius). It’s crucial to check the specific guidelines provided by your sublimation ink and canvas manufacturer for the best results
How do you laminate canvas for sublimation?
To laminate canvas for sublimation, apply a sublimation coating spray or use pre-coated sublimation canvas. Ensure an even and thin coat, let it dry thoroughly, and then proceed with the sublimation process following the recommended temperature and time settings.
Final Thoughts
The growing demand for customized items is increasing rapidly. The innovative technology of sublimation on canvas helps in increasing the businesses and their margins.
Besides, this method of printing provides long-lasting fascinating personalized designs to the customers. This makes it more desirable and increases its demand. Whether it’s fabric or bags canvas sublimation is becoming trending for its printing designs.
Emily loves making things special.
She’s also a mom and a wife who enjoys crafting and runs a small business from her home. She knows that the little things can make a house feel like a warm and loving home. This belief has led her to explore the exciting world of sublimation, a crafty way to add a personal touch to just about anything. Her website shares valuable information about sublimation, her crafty ideas, and tips.
