Sublimation Transfer System And Sublimation Printing
What is the definition of dye sublimation transfer inks? Sublimation printing describes the process of a solid substance changing directly into a gas or vapor, without first passing through the intermediary liquid state. The sublimation inks mean the dye colorant is activated by heat that changes into a gas when heated and has the property to bond with polyester or acrylic surfaces. Sublimated images are extremely durable against wash; scratch resistant because the image is protected within the surface.
Sublimation printing
Why do we think sublimation transfer is different from transfer papers? Heat transfers created with color ink jet or wax thermal printers use a polymer coated transfer paper to fuse ordinary ink particles onto the surface of a substrate. The result is a "decal-like" transfer that can peel, crack, fade, and discolor over time. Sublimation transfers instead rely on special transfer inks or toners to transfer below the surface of a substrate. The result is a "tattoo-like" transfer that will not peel, crack, or fade and lasts for many years. Sublimation inks transfer well to synthetic surfaces such as polyester and acrylic. They do not transfer to natural surfaces such as cotton, or dark colored surfaces. Over long periods of time, sublimation inks have limited color-fastness when exposed to direct sunlight.
Sublimation transfer paper
Last but not least, sublimation transfer paper can not be transferred on the 100% cotton fabric in theory, that is why somebody uses 50 % polyester mixed or polyester resin sprayed T-shirts at least.