If you want a vivid design with vibrant colors on a fabric or material, sublimation printing is a great way to achieve it. It results in a high-quality print which does not fade, crease, or get ruined with time. There is a special type of paper as well as ink required for this process. This special ink used in sublimation printing is known as sublimation ink. If you want to try your hands at sublimation printing, you must know about sublimation ink. In this article, you will learn everything about sublimation ink and how it works in depth.
What is Sublimation Ink and How Does it Work?
The process of dye-sublimation printing uses a special type of ink which is referred to as sublimation ink. Dye sublimation printing is a method of incorporating high-quality images and designs onto a fabric or item. During this process, the sublimation ink undergoes a chemical reaction called sublimation which makes it change its state from solid to gas without ever becoming liquid. Due to its exceptional durability and color reproduction, sublimation ink is widely used in the textile printing and fine art industry.
When it comes to achieving impeccable and long-lasting design prints, sublimation ink has a major role to play in dye sublimation printing. This entire process starts with printing the digital design onto the sublimation paper with sublimation ink. The transfer paper is then kept in close contact with the fabric where the design needs to be printed. Generally polyester material or polyester coated items can be printed using sublimation printing.
Once it is subjected to heat, the sublimation ink transforms into a gaseous state and penetrates the material’s surface. After this the ink solidifies creating a permanent bond with the fibers of the material. The result is a high-quality print which lasts long without peeling, cracking, or fading.
The composition of this sublimation ink is particularly formulated to make sure that high transfer efficiency and color accuracy is achieved. Typically it has a combination of pigments, dyes, and carrier fluid, that aid in the process of sublimation. These inks are specifically created to work with sublimation printers that have heating components which transform the ink from solid to gaseous state.
Types of Sublimation Ink
Based on the color, work, and price, there are three main types of sublimation inks.
1. Dye-Based Sublimation Ink
This type of sublimation ink fuses into the textile fabric during the sublimation process. They are the best option when you want to print a design onto silk, linen, or wool fabric.
2. Pigment-Based Sublimation Ink
Pigment-based inks have small color particles that bond to the fabric’s surface when subjected to heat during the sublimation process. If you want to print a design on a polyester or nylon fabric, you can go with pigment-based sublimation ink.
3. Disperse Dye Sublimation Ink
Such dyes are a type of non-migrating dyes that permanently bond to fabric fibers without changing its appearance or texture. They are great for screen, thermal transfer, and pad printing.
Applications of Sublimation Ink
Although sublimation inks are used in several industries, their main application can be seen in the following industries.
1. Cosmetics Industry
Sublimation ink is used in the cosmetic industry in the form of unique designs on makeup product packaging like perfume bottles, lipstick cases, powder boxes, etc. Sublimation printing technology is used in this industry to incorporate vibrant designs, which have a direct effect on boosting the sales.
2. Textile Industry
Textile industry is one of the top industries to use sublimation ink as a part of the sublimation process. Items like t-shirts are printed with logos, patterns, and images with the help of sublimation printing. Sublimation printing allows design printing directly on the fabric without the need for any other special chemicals or equipment.
3. Garment Industry
Another similar industry where sublimation inks find their application is the garment industry. They are used here due to the vibrant and bright colors they impart. When properly cared for, garments printed with sublimation ink can last pretty long without changing their appearance.
Can Sublimation Ink be Used for Regular Printing?
This entirely depends on your requirement. Sublimation printers are specifically designed for printing images and designs on polyester fabric; only sublimation ink is compatible with such a printer. However, most of the printers can work with sublimation ink but you will need to try out multiple ways to get the best outcome.
If you are creating a custom design on a t-shirt, you will need to use sublimation ink with a sublimation printer only. Alternatively, if you want to create monochrome image prints you can use the sublimation ink with a laser or inkjet printer as well. Although you can do sublimation printing with any type of printer, the quality of the end product may not be as desired.
What is the Best Sublimation Ink?
There are plenty of sublimation inks in the market and the best depends on personal requirements. Our personal picks when it comes to sublimation inks are given below.
1. Printers Jack Sublimation Ink
This sublimation ink by Printers Jack is best when using an inkjet printer for sublimation printing. This sublimation ink is completely waterproof so you do not have to worry about the prints getting washed off or faded when subjected to water. It prints smoothly and does not clog. This ink is perfect for polyester fabrics or coated materials.
2. Hiipoo Sublimation Ink
Hiipoo sublimation ink is a very versatile ink which is compatible with almost every type of printer for the process of sublimation printing. It offers a vibrant color which is high in intensity. This is a water-based sublimation ink which ensures a smooth coating with fine texture. This high-quality sublimation ink does not clog the print-head when used making it one of the best options.
3. Koala Black Sublimation Ink
Black inks generally get over sooner when compared to the colored sublimation inks. This is why Koala black sublimation inks are a must have. This black sublimation ink is of high quality and comes in refillable packs. The transfer effect offered by this sublimation ink is absolutely perfect. It can be used to personalise your mouse pads, t-shirts, mugs, and more.
4. E-Zink Sublimation Ink
This ink has been specifically formulated for printers that use heat transfer as a part of the printing process. This sublimation ink by EZink provides smooth design prints with no clogs. The printed design generally lasts very long without creasing. It comes with an accessory kit, making installing it in the printer easier.
What Factors to Consider Before Buying Sublimation Ink?
You can assess the sublimation inks with respect to the below parameters.
1. Color Accuracy
While printing, consistent and accurate colors are an absolute must. This is why you need to ensure that the sublimation ink you choose must have good color accuracy.
2. Compatibility
It is very crucial that the sublimation ink you pick must be compatible with the type of printer you are planning to use for sublimation printing. Every sublimation ink won’t be compatible with every other printer.
3. Durability
The most important benefit of sublimation printing is that the design prints on the fabric are long lasting. To ensure this, the sublimation ink you choose must be resistant to water, cracking, peeling, and fading.
4. Print Quality
The quality of sublimation ink directly affects the print quality of the design you incorporate onto a material using sublimation printing.
5. Price
The sublimation ink you pick must be within your price range but you should not compromise on the quality of the sublimation ink at the same time.
Sublimation Ink- FAQs
Ans: Sublimation ink can be used only in sublimation printers and a few select inkjet printers. However, regular ink can be used in any type of inkjet printer. Regular ink stays on the top layer of the material while sublimation ink bonds into the fabric fibers and becomes a part of it. Sublimation ink is also more durable when compared to regular ink which gets easily damaged when subjected to water. Since sublimation inks are superior in quality and performance, naturally they are more expensive than regular ink.
Ans: No, you cannot use sublimation ink in any printer you like. They are not compatible with inkjet printers which have thermal printing heads. You can use sublimation ink only in those inkjet printers that come with a micro piezo printing head.
Ans: Yes, sublimation ink is waterproof and they can withstand high temperatures. They do not fade easily and remain vibrant for a long time.
Ans: You can remove sublimation ink from tumblers using white vinegar.
Conclusion
Sublimation inks are a very important part of the sublimation printing process. They stand out among other regular inks due to their outstanding qualities like durability, color-retention, versatility, and longevity. They are perfect for designing mugs, t-shirts, personalized merchandise, art pieces, and so many others. When you use sublimation inks, the quality of your prints get elevated automatically.
