Heat Press Sublimation yields unparalleled results when it is used on its intended fabric.
The process and the very word, “sublimation,” remind me of a game that I used to play when I was younger. Everyone sits in a circle. Then someone will start by whispering a sentence to the person on their left. Then they will whisper it to the person on their left, then they to their left and so on. Eventually the whisper comes back to the original person, who in turn, announces what the sentence started as and what it has become. Usually the sentence slightly resembles the original, but differs far more drastically.
This to me is Sublimation.
Whether you pronounce it: Sublimation, Sublamination, Subliminal or Dye Sub. People will say…. I am looking for this process called sublimation.
When directed towards me, this sentence triggers an almost scripted follow up question. “Are you really looking for sublimation or are you looking for “one” ultimate method for doing t-shirts?”
Before they can answer, I state this -
News Flash –
The process of sublimation will only work on light colored garments.
The process of sublimation requires a blank garment that is high in polyester content to work properly (approximately 65% polyester).
The process of sublimation requires special sublimation ink and a compatible printer.
The puzzled look always says it all.
The business man or woman has heard of sublimation at some point throughout the “whispering circle” and it has become something that it is not, the sole answer or “one” ultimate method for decorating t-shirts. The disappointed confusion is unfortunate for all parties involved.
Here’s why…
Wouldn’t we all like to have that “one” method for doing any type of t-shirt.
I know I would. Sales would skyrocket and customers would be ecstatic!
Unfortunately this “one” method does not exist, and the buzz around the process of sublimation needs to be tempered in order to prevent customers from thinking of it as the “one” process. Making misinformed decisions under false pretenses give the customer a sense of dissatisfaction which won’t give the sublimation process a fair chance. Moreover, any decoration method would falter with these increased expectations. My point is this, while sublimation, is an easy target to link to this sort of false pretense, these expectations exist with any technology. With this in mind, it is vital, that as a community, we continually communicate more effectively within the circle, so that everyone may understand the limitations of a process. This will in turn create an atmosphere that will better serve the customer and dealer.
After all you started reading this article thinking the process was called sublamination.
Didn’t you?
For accurate info on the benefits of sublimation visit the leader in sublimation – Sawgrass Website: http://www.sublimation.com
Tags: heat press process, sublimation
