The most significant step in sublimation is selecting the appropriate base material. The special printing technique converts ink into a gas, enabling it to bond with the fabric. When you choose the wrong cloth, the design may appear dull or, worse still, it may be washed away by a single rinse.
Many individuals in Singapore prefer vibrant, clear prints on their school uniforms and team attire. Understanding the behaviour of various materials when heated will help you achieve optimal results in your project.
In this guide, we will discuss the printing method of selecting the ideal blanks for your custom order.
We will also explain why polyester is a much better choice than cotton for this specific method. By the end, you will know how to make your custom gear look professional and sharp.
1. Mix High Polyester for Bright Designs
In a sublimation process, only polyester fibres can be bonded, which is why fabric type is so important. For this reason, you must seek out fabrics with at least 65% polyester in the blend.
When the amount of polyester is too low, the picture will tend to look duller or worse. T-shirts made of 100% polyester will show the best possible colour combinations. This large number allows the dye to be absorbed into the substance, producing a bright appearance.
Polyester is so tough and does not shrink upon washing. It suits sportswear and active wear that are frequently worn. This printing process can only be successful when the fabric withstands a lot of heat without fusing or losing its shape.
As a result, your designs remain crisp and good after countless wears. In contrast to screen printing, which is applied to the cloth, the design is built into the fabric through sublimation.
Our team at MonsterPrints always checks the fabric labels to ensure your sublimation printing stays bright and beautiful for a long time.
2. Choose Light Blanks for True Colours
Since sublimation is not done in white ink, the shirt’s bottom colour determines how the design looks. Optimal results are provided using white or very light blanks.
Black shirt printing will make the design unreadable, as the dark fabric will cover the print. The design stands out against the white base, which serves as a blank canvas.
On the other hand, you can use very pale grey or soft cream colours for a different look. Just remember that the shirt colour will mix with your sublimation ink colours in the process.
For example, a blueprint on a yellow shirt might look slightly green once it is finished. Selecting a pure white blank is the best way to keep your logos accurate and bright. This is a key part of any professional printing service that cares about quality.
Our services include helping you pick the right base colour so your brand marks look exactly the way they should.
3. Find Flat Surfaces for Clear Details
The texture of the fabric will determine the clarity and sharpness of the design. Smooth fabrics like microfibre can be recommended for it, especially for high-resolution details and small-format text.
The ink does not spread because of the tight weave. The lines will appear jagged or broken if the material is rough or bumpy. A flat surface ensures that whatever tiny detail of your image is brought out.
Moreover, smooth fabrics feel much nicer against the skin in the Singapore heat. They are often “dry-fit” materials that help pull sweat away from the body during the day. This makes them very popular for corporate events and outdoor fun.
Choosing a high-quality t-shirt printing blank means your team stays comfortable while they look great. Even when you use a sublimation printer, the cloth must be able to sublimate the gas for it to work correctly.
MonsterPrints offers a wide range of smooth blanks that are perfect for holding fine details and sharp edges.
4. Pick Strong Materials for a Perfect Finish
Sublimation printing involves the use of heat and pressure. Thus, when using a heat press, you are recommended to use blanks that can withstand 200°C (or higher).
Low-quality or thin fabrics may become shiny due to heat and pressure. The quality blanks are made to withstand this heat while maintaining shape and integrity.
This ensures the final apparel looks like a high-end item you would buy in a store.
The appropriate thickness makes sure that the ink is evenly spread across the fibres. A heavy blanket does not distort or bend under the pressure of the press. This is why professionals choose a specific sublimation t-shirt for their most important work.
When the material is heat-ready, the print’s durability is much higher. This is a common goal in high-quality gift printing where quality is the top priority.
Our staff uses the best heat-press tools to make sure your custom items come out flat and perfect every time.
5. Get Good Blanks for a Long Life
Picking a good blank is a smart way to get more value for your money. To start the process, a printer puts the ink onto a special sheet called transfer paper.
This sublimation transfer is then pressed onto the shirt to move the art over. Even after several months of wear, premium shirts will not be subject to pilling or tearing. This means your personalised apparel will not become obsolete in a few weeks. When you customise your order with the right fabric, you save money in the long run.
In addition to being tough, these fabrics are also easy to clean. Unlike a standard inkjet printer or a regular home printer, a sublimation printer uses heat to lock the colour in permanently.
The heat transfer is permanent and does not fade when you hang it in the sun. This long-lasting quality makes it a favourite for local sports clubs. For a bulk order, the cost of the sublimation paper and ink is a great deal at a top shop.
MonsterPrints provides the right materials to make your project a success, whether you need jerseys or bags.
Final Thoughts
The right fabric will undoubtedly result in achieving great sublimation results at all times. By choosing high polyester and light colours, you ensure your designs really pop. This method uses heat to turn ink into a permanent gas that becomes part of the shirt. The rest of the process is significantly simplified with the right transfer paper and a stable heat press.
Ready to make custom shirts that do not fade or peel? Do not compromise on the quality of fabrics which fail after the initial wash. Contact us at MonsterPrints today and find the proper blanks for your new order. Our team will be happy to assist you in producing fantastic, lasting custom-made products.