Sublimation InkJet Printing
I found this sublimation ink for inkjet printers. Sublimation ink for transferring printed designs onto canvas bags, polyester items, ceramic mugs, phone case, pillow case, metal plate, mouse pad, or T-shirts.
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Epson Inkwell Printer
This Hiipoo brand sublimation ink works with Epson EcoTank printers, I filled up the empty inkwells. At least for T-shirts, it's not as dark of a sublimation as professional printers, but the printer is 1/3 the cost. I like the pre-faded look for now, and will use vinyl if a design needs to be darker.
They do sell this sublimation paper for sublimation printing, but laser paper seems to work as well if I transfer to the t-shirt the same day.
Infusion Spray
The sublimation ink fuses best with polyester, but they have a pre-spray for cotton, blends, wood, and other surfaces.
Plain T-Shirts
Lighter color t-shirts work best, inkjet printers are unable to print white. The white t-shirts are a 50/50 polyester and cotton blend, the gray shirts are a 90/10 cotton/polyester blend - they bother get the pre-spray then are allowed to dry before pressing.
Cricut Design
I'm using this Cricut design software, but any word processor or graphics program that can print to the printer would work. The key would be to be able to Mirror the print job (because it will mirror back to normal when pressed onto the shirt from the paper).
The simple Hive logo and DIY Hub graphic is opened into the design software. After resizing to the 8" x 11" size paper, the 'Make it' button is clicked.
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After Mirroring the design, the 'Continue' button is clicked.
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The 'Send to Printer' button is clicked. The Epson printer is selected, the 'Add Bleed' option is untoggled, then the 'Print' button is clicked.
Design Printed
The Hive DIY Hub logo design is printed, the black border is cut from the paper.
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Heat Resistant Tape
With the t-shirt laid neatly and prepressed on the heat press mat. The design is taped face down on the shirt, with the top at the top and in the correct position - making note that the transfer will look correct when transfered to the shirt. This specialized tape is heat resistant and won't mark the clothing.
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The Heat Press
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Heat Pressing this ink Infusion onto the clothing at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 seconds, after the press preheats.
An additional t-shirt is placed on the inside of the t-shirt, incase of ink bleed through (there was none). A t-shirt is also laid across the top, to prevent overheating.
Heat Pressed Sublimation
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After a heavy heat pressing for 40 seconds, the cover t-shirt and sublimation paper is removed.
Second Heat Pressing
24 hours later, the t-shirts will be re-pressed (without the sublimation paper), to more permanently set the design. Regular wash and drying.
Sometimes it takes a little experimenting with the design colors, to find the ones that work with the chosen t-shirt colors. These new Hive, DIY Hub, and Canna-Curate t-shirts will work well as conversation starters.