How to Sublimate Poly Cotton Blends

Sublimation dying brings bright colors to T-shirts fabrics.

Sublimation is the process of turning a solid into a gaseous state. When we talk about sublimating fabrics, it is usually in relation to dying fabrics. Sublimation dying is a process that involves taking ink particles in a solid state and through heat and pressure converting them to a gas which binds to the fibers of the fabric, creating bright and brilliant colors. Sublimation dying involves expensive machinery that should only be used by a trained professional.

Things You'll Need

• Poly cotton fabric
• Digital imaging system

Instructions

1. Choose the right fabric. The fabric you choose must have a much higher content of polyester than cotton. The heat from the sublimation process could scorch the fabric if the cotton content is too high.

2. Prepare a digital version of the image you wish to have dyed to your fabric. The digital image should have a resolution of at least 75 dpi (dots per inch). Higher resolutions will produce brighter colors and more defined images.

3. Contact a local printing company with sublimation dying equipment. Let the printer know the fabric you wish to dye contains a small amount of cotton fiber.

4. Give the printer a sample of the poly cotton fabric and a copy of the digital image. Have the printer print a test sample. Examine the sample and discuss any changes you wish to make before you have the final copy printed.

References

• Stella Color: "Dye Sublimation"
• T-Shirt.com; "What is Dye Sublimation?"; 2008