Sublimation Blanks: What Works and What Doesn't

Wondering what can be sublimated? Here are the factors to keep in mind:

- Quality: High-quality blanks absorb ink more efficiently and handle heat and pressure better.

- Size and shape: Be sure that the image you want to print fits your blank.

- Price: Though pricier, premium blanks usually deliver better end results.

Here are a few things to avoid:

- Fabrics that aren’t polyester or polyester blends.

- Dark-color blanks.

What are sublimation blanks?  

Before you start researching “What can I sublimate on,” let’s learn about the sublimation process.

Blanks or sublimation blanks are items specifically made for sublimation printing, a process where heat and pressure are used to transfer designs onto a material. They are often made from materials like polyester that help the ink bond to the surface.

Sublimation blanks are best known for creating customized items, including apparel items like t-shirts for adults, teens, and babies; sublimation sweatshirts for adults and youth sublimation shirts; women and baby girl’s tops; infant and women’s dresses; baby rompers and onesies, and more! 

Here are some helpful tips for working with sublimation blanks:

Color: Light or white-colored blanks work best because sublimation ink is transparent, so the colors pop against a white base.

Equipment: To use sublimation blanks, you’ll need a sublimation printer, sublimation inks, transfer paper, and a heat press.

Which sublimation surfaces will work?  

Sublimation printing is super versatile and can be done on all sorts of surfaces, including fabrics such as polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, and acrylic.

Essentially, when you’re sublimating, a heat press transfers your design onto the blank. The time it takes depends on how heat-friendly the material is. For example, for a polyester t-shirt, top, or any type of apparel, you need only about 35–45 seconds for sublimation.

Let’s look at some more surfaces that you can do sublimation on:

- Polyester, including neoprene, oxford, and crepe

- A blend of polyester and cotton (the polyester ratio should be at least 65%)

- Other fabric surfaces like bamboo, linen, canvas, or modal   

Out of all these options, the best material for sublimation is high-quality polyester, which you can easily find on Bubbakins Blanks. We have a wide variety of blank apparels for men, women, youth, babies, and even infants!

What Doesn't Work: Blanks to Avoid  

Now that you know all about what do you mean by sublimation and what all can you customize using this process, let’s look at some don’t’s. 

Here are some types of blanks you must avoid:

- Natural fabrics: Cotton and silk don’t bond well with sublimation dye, so the design may fade, peel, or crack. But with a polyester surface coating or treated transfer paper, you can sublimate on cotton.

- Dark shades: Sublimation works best on white or light pastel colors. Darker fabrics will hide the design.

White ink: Dye-sub printers can’t print white, so designs need a white or light-colored background.

Remember that synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex are your best bet for vibrant, long-lasting prints. Explore Bubbakins Blanks made of 100% polyester for the best results!

Factors to Consider When Choosing Sublimation Blanks

When considering “what can I sublimate on,” keep these key points in mind:

- Material: Polyester or blends with at least 65% polyester deliver optimal outcomes. Natural fabrics like cotton and silk absorb dye poorly, leading to short-lived prints.

- Shade: Choose white or light-colored shirts for the brightest, most striking results.

- Sturdiness: The shirts for sublimation should withstand the sublimation process without losing quality, which is why Bubbakins Blanks provides top-notch options.

- Comfort: Make sure the piece of clothing is lightweight and soft to the touch, making it comfy for everyday wear!

Conclusion 

If you’re still wondering what is a sublimation blank, it refers to anything that’s specially designed for sublimation printing, which uses heat and pressure to transfer designs onto surfaces. High-quality blanks, typically made of polyester or polyester blends, ensure vibrant, long-lasting prints. Avoid using natural fabrics like cotton and silk, as well as dark-colored items, which can hide designs. The best choices are light-colored polyester fabrics, which you can get in your desired quantities from Bubbakins Blanks! For customization, you can consider products such as t-shirts. Always use proper equipment, including sublimation printers, inks, and heat presses, to achieve optimal results. Remember, sturdy and comfortable materials are key for successful sublimation projects!