I'm trying sublimation for the first time, aving previosuly specialised in pressing cut vinyl.
I have purchased subliation paper and t-shirts from xpres. Earlier research gave me the impression that I could use my Epson Injet printer, however my first attempt is not very convincing. I printed a full colour image and it looked ok, put it face down on the t-shirt and pressed at 200 degress C for 50 seconds wit medium pressure. When I removed the paper, the image was still on the paper and not on the t-shirt. Only a yellow ghostly image seems to have transfered.
Were my findings regarding printing with Epson durabrite inks incorrect? Do I have to buy a new printer with bulk feed and sublimation inks? Or is there anything more elementary that anyone can suggest?
This is my first experiment with this process, but I have an order waiting, and would like to try and minimse waste, so if anyone as any insight on this problem I'd be very grateful.
you have to use sublimation inks. try and get them bulk for home use. I have been using them for nearly two years and so far great. They work out cheaper in the long run, but setting up is pricey.
You can use the durabright ink for heat transfer. Buy heat transfer paper. For sublimation you have to use special sublimation ink and it's pretty expensive.
Sorry Alan... but they are correct...you need sublimation paper AND sublimation ink in a printer that will accept it...today that is C88+ ..now out of production, Epson 1280..also out of production and current models 1400, 1800 and the wide format 4800 series. The replacement for the C88+ is the C120 and sublimation systems are either just out or will be out soon. Also bear in mind when you use sublimation ink, whether sublijet, artainium, rotech or TOG, you will need to use a specific ICC profile for your ink and printer..
Thanks for the advice everyone. Looks like I'll be investing in a new printer and some ink a little sooner than I intended, but I suppose it's just good incentive to develop that side of the business.
dennis is correct...or you can use most anty 100% polyester...you can get a faded look by using a blend as sublimation ink does not stay on cotton fabric strands
Quick question, someone mentioned that I would be able to produce heat transfers with my current printer, however will these work on the vapor apparel sublimation tees I have already bought? They are the type with cotton feel on the inside and polyester on the outside.
You should be able to press onto the polyester....depending on your paper...I would check with your paper vendor to see if it will work on that material
Cheers - Dorotape claim that their D print transfer paper is suitable for application to polyester so I have ordered a packet. There might be light at the end of the tunnel yet.
I think I will still endeavour to get a better printer with sublimation bulk ink system as I do want to make the best quality product I can, however for this order I think I can make do with transfers as they are just t-shirts to be worn by the cast of a play.
whether he can use the Epson depends on the model AND the availability of the sublimation ink for that model. there is just a limited number of Epsons that you can get sublimation ink for..
So Alan..what model do you have..if it is C88+ (or equivalent), 1400, 1800, 4800 series, the older 1280 you are good to go and I think there is ink out now for the C120 which replaced the C88
You could save your vapor apparel for when you get the sub dye setup and purchase some additional (much less expensive) Tees for the heat transfer. Heat transfer is good with cotton and 50/50 blends. You can get Tees for 1.50 or so. I'm sure your paying much more for the Vapor. I get the Vapor stuff local but I still pay at least 3 bucks more for it. The JPSS paper comes out really nice for heat transfers on light color shirts. Also less expensive if you mess up a few.
would that do the job if I replaced the ink? At under £30 it seems a bit good to be true.
Alan
Quote:
Originally Posted by charles95405
whether he can use the Epson depends on the model AND the availability of the sublimation ink for that model. there is just a limited number of Epsons that you can get sublimation ink for..
So Alan..what model do you have..if it is C88+ (or equivalent), 1400, 1800, 4800 series, the older 1280 you are good to go and I think there is ink out now for the C120 which replaced the C88
Alan that system is not for sublimation inks. Contact Kevin at subli-nation.co.uk for advice on a bulk system and have a look on the xpres site as well for bulk systems.
I get my transfer paper from xpres and i can't fault it.
Lee
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trying to help, sometimes i don't!
t-shirt sublimation - help please 
Re: t-shirt sublimation - help please 
Re: t-shirt sublimation - help please 
