How to Sublimate on Canvas? (Expert Guide 2024)

Do you want to have an attractive piece of art? You can have it easily if you are not aware of it. Just like sublimation printing on leather, air fresheners and shirts you can create a classic art on the canvas. It’s a bit tricky, however, you will be amazed by the results.

In this article we will discuss how to sublimate on canvas. So, are you ready to get started?

Let’s move on.  

How to Do Sublimation on Canvas (Step By Step)

If you have chosen to do sublimation on canvas you have to follow the guidelines as discussed below.

Materials Required to Sublimate on Canvas

Before moving to the sublimation process, you have to arrange the following supplies form trusted sellers.

  • Sublimation printer
  • Sublimation design
  • Heat press
  • Sublimation ink and paper
  • Heat resistant tape
  • Heat gloves
  • Sublimation blank (CANVAS)
  • Sublimation coating spray

Step – 1: Creating Outstanding Design

This is always the first step in all sublimation printing processes. You have to create a desired design using design software such as illustrator, photoshop, Corel Draw. As it is a time taking process and need graphic skills you can hire an expert for this purpose as well.

Now a days, another free online designing software is available – The CANVA. If you have the size measurements of the canvas blanks then you can easily produce an image.

Keep in mind that the image must be of high resolution with correct aspect ratio. Otherwise, you will end up having a dull and fade sublimation print on the canvas.     

Step – 2: Print the Design on Sublimation Paper

When the image is ready for print, place the sublimation paper in the printer tray. Check that printer is working properly. Generally, experts advise to use Epson printers for sublimation on canvas to get the bright and clear print.  

Step – 3: Use Coating Spray

Remove the canvas from frame so that heat press can set easily to stop image ghosting. Now grab the bottle of best sublimation spray for canvas and sprig it properly on the area to be used for sublimation printing.

Heat it in the heat press for 15 seconds and let it dry.

If the coat is not tough enough, start second coat and repeat the above step. We want to have enough strength in area to be sublimated. 

Step – 4: Set Sublimation Paper onto Coated Canvas

When the coating process is complete then place the sublimation paper having the desired design on the coated area. Fix all the sides and corners with heat resistant tape to avoid any movement.

Step – 5: Press with the Heat Press

This is the last step and you have to place the canvas on the heat press. Set the sublimation on canvas temperature of 365-degree Fahrenheit and time of 45 seconds.

When the time is up you can take the sublimation printed canvas out of the heat press. Remove the heat resistant tape and sublimation paper after cooling. Now you can reveal the sublimation print on canvas.

Further Tips for Sublimation Print on Canvas

Till now you gained a lot of knowledge of sublimation printing on the canvas. Let’s look into some tips to have more better results.

  • Try to use high resolution images or go for vector graphics.
  • Use the sublimation ink after purchasing from the trusted sellers.
  • Make sure that the printhead is clean otherwise take dummy print first.
  • Fix the sublimation paper having the desired design with heat resistant tape. 
  • Set the ideal sublimation on canvas temperature to avoid any burning effect.

All of them are minor things, but they play a vital role in getting gorgeous results.

Read more: Why Is My Sublimation Print Faded After Washing? (Solved!)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you put sublimation on canvas shoes and bags?

Yes. You can do sublimation printing on the shoes and bags if you have the required supplies.

What temperature do I sublimate on canvas?

For fabric canvas the ideal sublimation temperature for canvas printing is 365oF. But people are using more than that like up to 390oF.

What type of canvas is used for sublimation?

Polyester. It is highly recommended fabric blank which provides high quality designs. 

Can you sublimate on a canvas frame?

Yes, with the help of best sublimation spray for canvas you perform sublimation printing on canvas frame as well.

Can I sublimate on canvas without laminate?

Absolutely Yes.  You can do sublimation printing without lamination step but you have to make ready cotton blank for sublimation printing like by coating with polyester.

Can you sublimate on 100 cotton canvas?

Yes you can sublimate 100 cotton canvas but you’ll need to go through the step of preparing the cotton for sublimation.

Can you sublimate on a canvas tote bag?

Off course Yes. Such bags can be sublimation printed if they have a polyester coating on the surface.  

How long do you sublimate on canvas?

You can sublimate the canvas for about 40 to 45 seconds. It is better to apply the guidelines provided by the sublimation blank manufacturer. 

Conclusion

Till now, you have the good knowledge of sublimation printing on the canvas. All the required steps have been elaborated in easy and clear way. You just have to follow the given step by step guide to have the best results.

Keep one thing in mind that use of heat tape is necessary to hold the sublimation paper on the canvas blank.

For safety purpose use a pair of heat resistant gloves to avoid any touching of body directly to heat press.

So, its time to start sublimation on canvas. Let’s move forward!  

To Learn more watch the video:

Sublimation on Canvas

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