Can you sublimate on nylon and polyester? We have to explain this in detail in the coming lines of the article. But first of all, we need to explain what sublimation printing is and how it takes place. This is important because only then will you be able to sublimate on nylon.
Sublimation shirt printing or sublimating printing is a specific printing process in the first phase; you have to print the design on a particular type of sheet paper and then print that image or design onto the object (shirt, mug, or anything else) that you want to print on.
Sublimation is quiet these days. It has changed the dimensions of designing attractive images on the surface of different objects.
Sublimation printing is one of the easiest ways to transfer your design from one surface to another. The technique is straightforward. First, you make a design on a special paper and then convert it to any surface(in our case, it is nylon) you want.
Printing a design directly on a surface like nylon spandex, bags may be costly sometimes. There is a fair chance of losing the cloth if something goes wrong. That is why designers draw the design on a special sheet first and then transfer it to nylon or any other object.
We have three types of fabrics, and all of them show different characteristics when it comes to sublimation. Nylon is a type of fabric that does not show great results in sublimating it. Let’s discuss the types of fabrics.
The best option for sublimation in fabrics is cotton. It does not offer any resistance while sublimating it. These are soft, breathable, and attractive when someone wears them.
Sublimation of Polyesters
It is a different type of fabric. This is the fabric that is well-known for dye-sublimation. Whenever a polyester is subjected to heat, it opens up. This opening of the fabric allows the dye to penetrate through the open pores.
When the fabric cold down, the dye becomes more permanent. If you are looking for dye-sublimation material, 40% polyester will be a good choice.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic fiber, and other synthetic fibers are available in the market. But nylon is one of the standout products for dye-sublimation. Though it is not the preferable choice but still, it is durable and more tended to be dye-sublimated.
Things to know about sublimation on nylon
It is better to sublimate nylon at low temperatures. The low temperature allows dye sublimation to make a strong bond for better results. Some nylon products are dye-absorption chemicals treated. So, it becomes difficult to use them for dye-sublimation.
The most common nylon products are nylon 6 and nylon 7. Both of them have high melting points. The latter one melts at 265 celsius. While nylon 6 melts at 225 celsius.
Which one is Good for dye-sublimation (Polyester or Nylon)
Both are good when it comes to dye-sublimating them. But I give nylon a slight edge. Because polyester offers resistance to water absorption. On the other hand, nylon does the opposite of polyester.
It absorbs water and remains wet for longer, which makes it breathable. It becomes softer when it dries out. So, these are the reasons why designers love to prefer nylon over the best polyester material.
What About the Results
There is a mixed type of results of sublimating nylon. Some say the color after sublimation fades quickly, and some have totally different thoughts.
They think the dye-sublimation of nylon does not fade after washing. Some printers assume that color oxidization will eventually occur if it is exposed to the sun for longer.
Conclusion
It is essential to know about the query “Can You Sublimate on Nylon and Polyester.” If you do not have proper knowledge, you might do something wrong. There are cotton, polyester, and nylon that can be dye-sublimated.
Cotton is the best choice for sublimation, while nylon also shows good bonding with colors. Nylon is preferred over polyester due to its unique characteristics, as it absorbs more water and becomes softer when dried. In short, you can sublimate nylon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can you not sublimate on?
You can’t sublimate on the following materials; 1. Ceramic 2. Metal 3. Plastic
Can I heat press on nylon?
Nylon is a heat-sensitive material. It is good practice to heat test before pressing on nylon.
Mark Bryant is a highly experienced and knowledgeable printer review expert, with an impressive track record of accurately evaluating the performance of printing products. He is passionate about understanding the nuances between models and brands, so that his readers can make informed purchasing decisions.
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