Sublimating a well-bleached T-shirt provides highlighted artwork. If a shirt has stains of sublimation ink, it is the best blank for bleaching and showing some sublimation creativity.
In a bleached shirt, we have a Clear white background with a sublimation print over the surface. The white background highlights the color and makes them brighter and more vibrant.
The best way is to use cotton or linen t-shirts. If the t-shirt with black or dark color is employed for bleaching, it will give vivid prints without losing fabric and design.
What Materials Are Required for Bleaching A Shirt for Sublimation
Tip: Do not use splash-less bleach, as it has a thicker consistency and does not do well with bleaching tees.
Bleaching the T-Shirt for Sublimation
(Step-by-Step)
First of all, arrange the required design and get it printed. The bleached area’s size must equal the size of the print. Then using the things mentioned above, you can start bleaching by following the given steps below.
Place the Cardboard in the Shirt
Take a cardboard and clean it with a cotton cloth piece. Place the cardboard inside the shirt and remove the wrinkles from the shirt’s surface. You can also iron the shirt, setting it at a low temperature.
Marking the Area on the Surface to Bleach
Now, place the printed design over the shirt and mark lines at the edges of the print. You can use a brush and the flour to locate the area to be bleached.
If you want to bleach small parts, use tape and locate the areas.
Applying the Bleach Solution
Now, it’s time to bleach the t-shirt. A paintbrush or spray bottle can be used. A spray bottle can evenly apply the bleach solution over the shirt. But there is a chance of corrosion in the spray bottle, so you may need to purchase it new every time.
While in the case of a paintbrush, you can use it multiple times. The paintbrush can be rinsed with water and can reuse. So, the paintbrush is long-lasting and helps in saving money as well.
Drying the Bleached Shirt
After completing the above step, hand the shirt under sunlight to get it dried. If you directly wash the shirt, bleach will spread all over the shirt and damage the other parts of the shirt.
Stopping the Bleaching Process
Using hydrogen peroxide solution, you can quickly stop the bleaching process. It will surely spread outside the marked area if you continue the process.
Washing the Bleached Shirt
When the bleaching process of the t-shirt is complete, let them dry in the open air or wash them in the washing machine to remove extra bleach. Use a bit of detergent and warm water as the warm water stops the bleaching process.
After washing the sublimation shirts, let them dry in the shade; otherwise, sunlight may damage them and make the color of the shirt fade.
Once you are done washing them, throw them in the dryer. Finally, you could successfully bleach a shirt for sublimation.
Conclusion
You have gained a lot of knowledge about bleaching t-shirts for sublimation. If you follow all the above steps correctly, you can get the required results.
Also, try to bleach the shirt in the open air to avoid heating chemicals that may cause a fire.
So, are you ready to bleach a shirt for sublimation?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What will happen if you breach shirts after sublimation printing?
Color fading.
If you bleach a t-shirt after sublimation printing, the upper surface will dissolve in the bleaching solution. This will make the color dull and messy.
Can you bleach a shirt with a logo?
Yes.
The logo and other designs will not be affected.
Can you bleach a white shirt?
Yes, of course.
But you must be careful in bleaching the white t-shirt as the shine may fade due to over-bleaching.
How long does it take to bleach a shirt?
It all depends upon the fabric and color of the shirt. The usual time is 20 minutes.
Related Article: Why Is My Sublimation Print Faded After Washing?