Beginner’s Guide to Sublimation Ink: Everything You Need to Know

If you are a newcomer to the world of printing and design, you’ve probably heard of sublimation ink. This particular kind of ink can be a game-changer in the world of custom printing, as it is for those who would like to create colorful, long-lasting prints for fabrics, mugs, phone cases and more. If you are an amateur enthusiast or are opening up an enterprise, knowing about sublimation is important.

In this guide for beginners we will explore in depth sublimation ink and how to use it, what types of ink are available on the market and how to use it best, especially to use it on Epson printers. Let’s get started.

What is Sublimation Ink?

Sublimation ink can be described as dye-based ink, which is converted to gas during the process of heating. It’s called sublimation. When ink is heated while being printed, it becomes one with either the material produced with polyester or the surface coated with polyester, instead of being a surface layer.

This produces long-term, fade-resistant, and deep prints that do not peel or crack. Sublimation, unlike regular printing, allows the ink to be incorporated in the surface ideal for high-end photo printing on various substrates.

How Sublimation Ink Works

Sublimation printing involves three major components:

• Sublimation Ink
• Sublimation Paper
• Heat Press Machine

In the beginning, the design is printed with sublimation ink on special transfer paper. Following that, using a press to press the paper against the final product, such as the mug or t-shirt. When heated and pressurized the ink changes into a gas before embedding it into the surface. When it cools and dried, the result is an unbreakable, full-color image.

Why Choose Sublimation Ink?

There are several reasons why sublimation ink is a favourite method of printing versus other methods:

• Excellent Vibrant Colours: The Sublimation Ink provides high-definition, brilliant colours.
• Permanence: Prints will not crack, peel or break or diminish over time.
• Versatility: The versatility of the material is that it can be printed on ceramics, clothes, plastics, metals (with the coating) and many others.
• Eco-friendly: Sublimation inks are water-based, non-toxic, and chemical-free.

Sublimation Ink for Epson Printers

The most used printer brands to work with in printing sublimation are Epson. There are many Epson inkjet printers, primarily models with EcoTank systems, that can work with sublimation-based inks. However, one needs to keep in mind that the printers must be new or very well cleaned prior to using sublimation inks so that the colour is not infected.

While selecting sublimation ink for Epson, make sure the ink has been designed exclusively for the model of the printer you are going to use. This will give you the highest precision in colour, as well as ink flow and print quality.

Epson models such as L130, L1800, L805 and L3110 are commonly used in sublimation printing. They are cost-effective printers and are very simple to convert for use in sublimation.

Types of Sublimation Ink

There are various types of sublimation inks in the market. The following is a summarized overview:

1. Sublimation Ink Dye

It is the most widely used one, and it possesses intense as well as vivid colours. Sublimation dye is quite suitable for soft Polyester materials and polymer-coated materials. It offers smooth colour transitions and is commonly used in photographs and design prints.

2. Sublimation Ink Black

Ink black is an important factor in print clarity. Sublimation ink must be rich, deep and even so that text and outline appear crisp. Some brands use high-density inks to minimise bleeding and maximise the overall crispness of print.

Tips on Using Sublimation Ink

Store it appropriately: Store ink bottles in a sealed manner and in a dry and cool location to maximize the shelf life of your ink bottles.

Utilize ICC Profiles: Colour control is extremely vital for sublimation. Make use of ICC profiles specific to the printer you are working with and your ink set so you can achieve accurate colours.

Maintenance is imperative: Run cleanings on your print head regularly and do test pages to avoid clogging your print head and maintain quality.

Avoid mixing inks: Don’t mix other brands or types of inks. Use one brand only and set it up so the outcome remains consistent.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Sublimation Ink

Being a beginner, it would seem like a daunting task to select the right sublimation ink. But if you care about high quality, consistency, and reliability, then selecting a reliable brand becomes extremely important. InkTec India is also well known globally for sublimation printing. Their inks are specially designed only for use on Epson printers and produce wonderful colours, a durable adhesion and permanent results. Looking for Epson sublimation ink or vivid sublimation ink dye, or high-quality sublimation ink black? InkTec India provides professional-grade performance every time.

Begin your journey towards sublimation by acquiring the proper information and the best tools and allow your creativity to surface with each print.