What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist?
Hello. I am new to the world of sublimation. It is my understanding that you can only sublimate on white or light-colored t-shirts. Is this because there is no white sublimation ink? or is it because colors won't show on dark t-shirts?
If it is because there is no white sublimation ink, then I do not understand why nobody has created such an ink. I have seen Automatic Transfer, Inc. claiming to have created a "White Sublimation Laser Toner" back in January 2007. White Sublimation Laser Toner!
But if this was true, that would have changed the entire sublimation industry right?
If it is because colors won't show on dark t-shirts, then why does screen printing inks and direct to garment inks work just fine on black t-shirts?
Re: What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist?
The process of sublimation actually re-dyes the polyester fibers of the shirt, a black shirt is already dyed as dark as it can be, you cannot discharge the color from a polyester shirt and replace it with another color. You can only sublimate light colors darker.
Re: What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist?
I can supply white sublimation ink - it leaves your fabric exactly the same colour as it started (and smells like water).
I suppose you could have a bleach-type chemical that sublimates but it probably wouldn't be safe.
Re: What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist?
Quote:
Originally Posted by degaje
The process of sublimation actually re-dyes the polyester fibers of the shirt, a black shirt is already dyed as dark as it can be, you cannot discharge the color from a polyester shirt and replace it with another color. You can only sublimate light colors darker.
degaje thanks a lot for your quick response, now it all makes sense.
Re: What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist?
Quote:
Originally Posted by PositiveDave
I can supply white sublimation ink - it leaves your fabric exactly the same colour as it started (and smells like water).
I suppose you could have a bleach-type chemical that sublimates but it probably wouldn't be safe.
PositiveDave, could you supply me with more information about this white ink please? Thank you.
Re: What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist?
The white laser toner is a two step process. It is not like sublimation ink more of a laser toner i could be wrong. I know of some companies that are working on developing a white ink toner but like all new products it will take years befrore it reaches a passing grade. White ink is not opaque like screen printing.
Re: What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist?
polomac thanks for the response. I guess this "white toner" sounds too good to be true. By the way, can you sublimate using laser printers or does this work only on inkjets?
Re: What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist?
For sublimation ink i would use sagrass. If i remember sawgrass now supplies Roland with the inks that are used inthe Roland sublimation printers. Stay with inkjet for sublimation. With laser printers you can do heat transfers on dark and white 100% cotton shirts. If you own a laser printer see neenah image clip i used it and do like it. The image clip inkjet is also good.
Re: What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist?
There are two sublimation products that allow you to replicate white ink. They are both transfer mediums, whereby you print with sublimation ink onto the transfer medium, then apply the adhesive backed transfer medium to the garment with a heat press. One medium is a heavy vinyl effect and the other is a flock textured medium. They allow you to use cotton garments, but offer no real advantage over the better quality inkjet transfers.
As sublimation ink is essentially a dye, it would be physically impossible to dye a dark garment a lighter colour, hence no white sublimation ink. White ink used on cotton garments rests on the surface and unlike sublimation inks, it can be prone to cracking and flaking. Advances in white dtg inks will eventually have a significant impact on sublimation garment sales, due to their greater versatility.
Re: What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist?
Check out DSSI forum at dyesub. org which is mainly a sublimation forum.Yes laser sublimation is an option to look into.We have been using it for past 7 months and have not had one printing issue with it.Dont need to worry about clogs and head cleanings even if you dont print for a month.We got 750 pages printed before we had to replace yellow and magenta.Still had 72% of black and 38% of yellow left.System we have uses the OKI3200.You can even use regular everyday laser paper to print on if you want.So check out your options.
Re: What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist?
One reason you can only do whites or lights is the color merging of each other. Remember back in elementary school that if you take 2 crayons and make a different color with them (Red and yellow to make orange). Dye subing dark colors would be the same. A red shirt dye subbed white will just get you a lighter color red.
What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist? 
Re: What is the reason White Sublimation Ink does not exist? 
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