Is there a difference between dye sublimation and sublimation?

30, Dec. 2024

 

Know The Difference Between Dye Ink And Sublimation Ink

Dye and sublimation inks are commonly used in inkjet printing. Contrary to what many people believe, there's a great difference between the two inks.

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Here is a look at the main features of dye and sublimation inks:

Dye Ink

Before we get to the advantage and disadvantages of using dye ink, it's important to talk about what dye ink actually is.

Dye ink is the standard ink used in inkjet printers. It is made from water and colorant. The colorant gives the ink 'color.'

Pros and cons

Dye inks typically come in a variety of colors, which makes them suitable for decorative or artistic use. The ink can easily stick to textile fabrics, print paper or any other appropriate medium.

Due to its small molecular size (1.5'4 nanometers), dye ink can produce vibrant colors. Another advantage of using dye ink is that it's more economical than other inks, such as pigment ink.

On the other hand, the biggest downside of dye ink is that water or excessive heat can ruin the quality of printed products. When you are using dye inks for printing, be very careful that the final product does not come into contact with water. A few drops of water can make the ink flow across the paper.

When should you use it

Dye ink is a good option if you need to print documents and photographs. It is much more economical than pigment ink.

Dye Sublimation Ink

Dye sublimation ink is a dye that is printed onto specific items, such as t-shirts, mugs, plaques, coasters, and more, via heat and pressure. Heat and pressure help convert the dye into a gas state, without turning into liquid.

Pros and cons

Dye sublimation ink is high quality, water-proof ink. The ink does not smudge because of high temperature. In addition, dye sublimation ink lasts longer than other inks.

As the imprints are dye-based rather than ink-based, the dye becomes part of the product. Dye sublimation ink has greater print accuracy and performance and delivers stunning results. Sublimated products will not crack, peel off or wash off.

Sublimation ink is used for textile printing or personalized or promotional items. However, the ink can be used on specific materials, such as polyester and polyester-coated substrates. Other materials like cotton will not withstand the heat during printing.

When should you use it

Dye sublimation is the perfect ink for transferring graphics onto pre-coated ceramics, metals, plastic or polyester t-shirt printing. Interested in buying premium quality dye sublimation ink? Look no further.

Sublimation Printing 101 | What is Dye Sublimation Printing?

Welcome to the first of, what I hope, is a long series of learning along with me!  After reading and stalking anything and everyone with a sublimation setup, I've decided to dive into the printing process in my own studio space.  Each time I share what I've made using dye sub processes, I get asked about what sublimation is, how it works, and what you need to do it yourself.  So here I am!

I'd like to preface this by saying that I'm learning along with you!  Everything I talk about on here is practically being discovered in real time, the same as you.  I don't claim to be an expert.  I'm simply a person full of curiosity and excitement about a new medium for making!  Let's learn together, shall we?

WHAT IS DYE SUBLIMATION PRINTING?

I'm so glad you asked!  Because it's all about science!

The word 'sublimate' is defined as 'the passing directly from the solid to the vapor state'.  So what does that mean in terms of what we are doing?

Dye sublimation printing is a digital printing technology, that allows you to print full color artwork on polyester (and polyester-coated!) substrates.  It's taking a printed design (the solid) and by applying even heat and pressure, it turns to a gas (through an endothermic reaction) and never hits the liquid phase.  There's no ink needing to dry during the transfer process, it's all an infusion on the molecular level.

Basically magic.  Except it's science!

The version of sublimation printing we are going to be discussing is focused on the process of using sublimation dyes that are printed directly to a transfer sheet, and then heat pressed to the substrate.  The ink is deposited on some high-release speciality papers and the chemical process happens while your heat press does all the work for you.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HTV + DYE SUB?

Heat Transfer Vinyl (or HTV), is incredibly popular in the crafting and creative world.  Most likely you, or a friend of yours, has a Cricut or Silhouette die-cutting machine and has had some version of experience with HTV.  The vinyl is a polyurethane material that allows any apparel decorator to create a design, cut and weed it out, and heat apply it onto a garment.

With HTV you are printing 'on' the fabric.  You can feel the design if you run your hand over it.  Over time, the design can crack or peel due to wear and tear.  But for most purposes, it is AWESOME and absolutely worth having in your creative arsenal.  Plus it will bond to cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends and various other fabric types that can handle the heat application process.  It comes in many colors, sometimes even patterns and specialty prints, and you can use it on dark and light colors ' even layer the prints for multi-colors on a single design!

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Dye Sublimation is a chemical reaction, as explained already.  There's no printing 'on' the fabric.  You're bonding 'to' the fabric.  You can stretch it as much as you'd like, you can wash it a million times, and your design will remain the same as the day you first applied it.  You are limited to lighter colored fabrics, so your design will be able to show.  And the fabric type is stricter as well: polyester, polyester, polyester.

Each printing type has it's own strengths and weaknesses.  It just depends on what you're looking to do!

WHAT CAN I DYE SUBLIMATE PRINT ON?

SO. MANY. THINGS!  But'within a certain range of substrate.

Also.  I keep using the word 'substrate'.  Let's quickly define that.  In chemistry, a substrate is typically the chemical species being observed in a chemical reaction, which reacts with a reagent to generate a product.  Whew.  Lots of big words.  In dye sublimation, the substrate is polyester.  Polyester is the 'species', the special sub ink is the 'reagent' and the product is your beautiful make.

Polyester is a man-made, synthetic resin.  It comes in so many forms'but the most thought of version is fabric.  Thanks to the 's polyester suits trend, polyester fabrics don't always have the greatest reputation.  But as of late, polyester is making a comeback in the form of DBP'or Double Brushed Poly.

DBP is everywhere in the sewing world lately!  It sublimates beautifully, and I've made a few totally awesome (honking my own horn here) clothing items already using it.  It's not the only fabric out there that can handle the dye sub process, but it's the easiest to get your hands on and so far has given me some of the best results.

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I've also had incredible luck with a woven fabric that I've been dye subbing my little heart out for some fun items.  Mostly masks (thank you ), however I see it as a gateway to so much more creative making!

 

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What about non-fabric items?  Oh gosh!  There are endless amounts of sublimation blanks, that you can find all over the place.

Here are a few types of blanks you can find: Boards, Business Cards, Drinkware, Clocks, Coasters, ID Tags, iPad / iPhone Cases, Jewelry, Keychains, Can Coolers, License Plates, Magnets, Mouse Pads, Mugs, Name Badges, Ornaments, Pet Tags, Photo Frames, Plaques, Puzzles, Tiles''and then some!

I'm less experienced in the sub blanks than I am with fabric so far.  But like I said, I'm ready to explore along with you!  I've already had incredible success with these keychains!  I honestly was blown away with the vibrant colors.  And am ready to take on as many items as you're ready to take on with me.

 

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WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?

It might feel like a big list, but I promise we will break it down even further in the coming weeks.

  • PRINTER (Converted to Sublimation Ink + Printing)
  • SUBLIMATION PAPER
  • SUBLIMATION INK
  • HEAT RESISTANT TAPE
  • HEAT PRESS / IRON
  • DESIGN SOFTWARE

Please follow me at Wild + Wanderful Blog on Facebook / Wild + Wanderful Blog Facebook Group / Wild + Wanderful on Instagram so you know when the newest posts come out.  They'll all make their way to my new resource page on the blog: Sublimation.

Until then, here is a quick look at my current setup.

Epson Ecotank ET- | A-Sub Sublimation Paper ' 8.5 x 14 | 15×15 Clamshell Heat Press | Printers Jack Sublimation Ink

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