The design and color quality of sublimation prints on T-shirt boosts your confidence and looks. The colors of sublimation prints are affected by various reasons like sublimation temperature, time, and type of sublimation ink.
Sublimation printing fades when no proper care instructions are followed.
The sublimation prints can become brighter if we perform sublimation printing with great care. Control of sublimation time and temperature within the specified range enhances the color quality.
The second thing is to know about the nature of the fabric and its color. If you already have sublimation on dark shirt, the sublimation print will look faded.
Further valuable tips and a proper procedure will be discussed in detail in the following lines to have a brighter sublimation print.
But first, you should know the reason behind the fading and dullness of the sublimation color.
Why Are the Sublimation Colors Dull?
There are several reasons behind this issue. You can overcome this problem with the proper knowledge about the sublimation process, printers, and many other minor factors. So, let’s start discussing each aspect, due to which sublimation colors are dull.
Read more: Sublimation Print Faded After Washing
Using the Incorrect Side of Sublimation Paper
A sublimation paper or transfer paper has two sides usually. One is bright white, and the second is dull and has cross marks.
While printing, you must check that your sublimation design will be printed on the bright white side.
If you print on the wrong side of the sublimation paper, the final design of the subject will look faded and dull as the wrong side absorbs less amount of sublimation ink transferred on the project.
When the sublimation ink is absorbed on the right side of the paper, more than it will be absorbed, and a brighter print will be obtained on the project after complete sublimation.
Wrong Selection of Colors
Sublimation printing is similar to dying a material. The sublimation print will look faded if you already have a dark background.
For Example, what will happen to a dark chocolate fabric if your sublimation is bronze? Nothing.
So, it would be best if you kept a range of color contrast between the sublimation ink and the project. Like, if you sublimate a pink shirt with brown sublimation ink, it will look superb.
You are knowing the color before sublimation printing is not a tedious job. You can quickly sort out the issue before the start of sublimation.
Read more: Sublimation on dark shirts
Usage of Non-Polyester Materials
Polyester works very well with sublimation printing. The sublimation ink permeates quickly into polyester materials. While on other materials such as cotton, the sublimation, the ink doesn’t stick 100%. That’s why you will face issues sublimating a 100% cotton shirt.
Most of the experienced sublimation uses a blend of polyester and other fabrics. You will get dull and faded colors on materials with less polyester and vice versa.
Choose wisely the fabric material to enjoy better results and brighter colors on the garments. One more thing, choose a better-quality sublimation ink too.
Too Much Heat and Pressure
When working with the heat press, you must check the temperature range and pressure range. Each of the fabrics requires a specific amount of heat and pressure.
The chart or heat and pressure are readily available in the market for each kind of fabric.
When high pressure is applied than required, the sublimation ink will become a blur, and the sublimation print will look dull.
Similarly, with too much heating or pressing for a more considerable time, the sublimation print of black ink turns brown, while the light print looks yellow.
So, you must follow the proper care procedure and instructions for each sublimation project.
How to make my Sublimation Prints Brighter ?
Sublimation with the help of the right equipment and its supplies doesn’t produce better results. It would be best if you took care of other factors, such as sublimation time, temperature, and pressure.
When the guidelines are followed, better and brighter colors can be generated in sublimation prints. Generally, these guidelines are provided by manufacturers of sublimation equipment and supplies.
Now, let’s get through the possible parameters that can make the sublimation prints and color brighter.
Deep Awareness of Sublimation Temperature and Time
Sublimation time and temperature are two significant factors in sublimation printing. If both of them are controlled per the instructions, splendid prints can be generated with vibrant and brighter colors.
Sublimation Temperature varies from form material to material depending upon the nature. So, ensure that you apply the correct sublimation temperature for the required sublimation time to have better results without damaging the sublimation print.
Choosing the Right Sublimation Printer
This is the first and foremost factor that affects sublimation printing. You need to have the right sublimation printer to get the best results. Use the latest version of printers to avoid any cartridge and sublimation ink problems.
Each sublimation printer has its color section settings in color managers. But newbies need a more precise idea and almost work with the wrong colors. As a result, they have faded color sublimation designs.
Sublimation pressure on the sublimate
Pressure is another essential factor in sublimation printing. Heat will be absorbed at specific points when high pressure is applied, and there is a chance of burning the sublimation ink or garments.
So, apply the pressure, keeping in mind the nature of the garment and sublimation ink to have brighter prints and colors.
Choose Right Sublimation Ink
At the end of sublimation printing, brighter colors are not obtained and are shared. But after settling of sublimation ink, you will receive more brilliant prints.
You need to change the sublimation ink if you still need to get the required results even after waiting for the time necessary.
Always buy sublimation ink from trusted manufacturers which meet the international standards of ink manufacturing.
Choose Right Sublimation Paper
As discussed above, people need to correct their spelling on the wrong side of the sublimation paper. Always remember that use the coated side of sublimation paper for brighter colors and prints at the end.
Now, come to the quality of sublimation papers. High-quality sublimation papers are more capable of absorbing the sublimation ink than lower-quality papers. High-quality sublimation papers transfer the perfect sublimation design to the shirt and other garments.
Also, avoid using regular or simple copy paper, which wastes time and resources.
Choosing the Right Settings for Heat Press
For newbies, due to incorrect settings of the heat press, yellowish results may be generated. This will disappoint beginners. So, at the ironing stage, you must have to very careful.
Otherwise, the overheating may cause a brownish print.
Also, the faulty cartridge can give you pinky results. So, every factor must be optimized for brighter colors in sublimation prints.
What are the Limitations of making the Sublimation Prints Brighter?
The following are limitations faced while making the sublimation print brighter.
Conclusion
Sublimation printing is a digitally decorating process for shirts and other items of daily use. Suppose you have a proper setup of sublimation printing, such as sublimation printing equipment, ink, and high-quality sublimation paper. You will enjoy the journey and have brighter sublimation print colors in your garments.
You must follow the proper procedure for sublimation printing, guidelines, and care instructions. This will ensure brighter sublimation prints and vibrant colors in the end. Also, I developed a habit of studying sublimation printing and color selection while working with design software for sublimation prints.
This will help in the future with the customized sublimation designs on the t-shirts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make my sublimation brighter?
You can better and brighter color in your sublimation print if you increase the temperature and extend the time. Also, purchase the best quality sublimation ink and follow the care instructions to have long-lasting sublimation print on the garments.
Why is my sublimation not bright?
If you are not getting the required results in your sublimation printing, you may make some mistakes in your process parameters. You may use low-quality sublimation paper, the wrong side of sublimation paper, and an ineligible printer.
Why does my sublimation print look dull and fade?
At the start of your sublimation printing journey, you may have a fading color sublimation print. But with experience, you have more control over the process parameters, such as temperature and pressure, and you get better results.
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