Introduction
Are you having sublimation tumblers problems? Issues with pressing? Are your projects turning out horrible? Allright, I am here to help! I am sharing with you the sublimation issues that I see most often from people and what the problem may be. In this comprehensive blog post sublimation problems yourself so you can start sublimating like a pro! Whether you’re a novice looking to start your own sublimation tumbler business or a seasoned professional seeking to enhance your product quality, So read on to learn how to troubleshoot and solve your sublimation issues!
Fading or Dull Colors
One of the most frustrating issues sublimation enthusiasts encounter is fading or dull colors on their tumblers. This problem can make your creations look unappealing and can negatively impact customer satisfaction.
To combat this issue, invest in high-quality sublimation inks. Low-quality inks may not transfer well onto the tumbler’s surface, resulting in dull or faded colors. Ensure that you’re using the right type of ink for your specific tumbler material, whether it’s stainless steel tumblers, plastic cups, or ceramic mugs.
I have lines going through my sublimation ink. How do I fix this?
This phenomenon is referred to as “banding.” To prevent it, ensure that you select “best” or “high” print quality settings and avoid using “draft” or “high-speed” options. If you encounter a “high-speed” setting in your print options, remember to disable it. If the problem persists, perform print quality tests on your printer until your ink is producing satisfactory results.
What's behind the loss of clarity in my sublimation design once it's been pressed?
This phenomenon, commonly referred to as “ghosting,” is often a result of the sublimation print shifting during the transfer. To prevent ghosting, it’s crucial to secure your project with heat-resistant tape along all four sides of your print.
In addition, managing moisture is essential to avoid a blurry, uneven, or faded appearance. Prior to pressing, ensure that you pre-heat your surface for 5-10 seconds to eliminate excess moisture. When pressing, use butcher paper on top of your sublimation print, as it serves the dual purpose of safeguarding your press and absorbing moisture. Avoid using a Teflon sheet, which can inadvertently trap moisture.
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Why am I seeing small dots in my sublimation print?
If you notice small dots on your sublimation blank after pressing, it’s likely due to moisture, which can be detrimental to sublimation. To counteract this, it’s advisable to perform a pre-press on most blanks. When working with fabric blanks, I consistently apply heat for a few seconds before placing my sublimation print. Following the pre-press, you can affix the sublimation print, secure it with tape, and proceed to press it at the recommended time and temperature. While all fabrics contain some degree of moisture, this issue can also arise with materials like slate. Whenever you encounter pre-press instructions for a blank, it’s essential to follow them diligently. In the case of fabric surfaces, I recommend pre-pressing, even if the instructions do not explicitly specify it.
Dust and Lint
The dots and spots you’re likely seeing are probably caused by the presence of dust or lint that has adhered to your substrate or the printed transfer image. The intense heat from your press can result in the transfer of lint color onto your substrate. To address this issue, prior to pressing, make use of a lint roller for soft fabrics and clean hard surfaces with a lint-free cloth.
The sublimation transfer needs to be reversed; you should mirror your image just once.
It might sound obvious, but it’s crucial to mirror your image before printing to ensure it appears correctly on your substrate during the transfer. However, in my case, I made the mistake of double-reversing my image. In Photoshop, there are two locations to reverse an image. The first is within the printer settings, where it’s labeled as “Emulsion Down.”
The second is in the printer settings, and is labeled “Mirror Image.”
Having both of these settings enabled essentially nullified each other.
The solution here is to check just one of those boxes and verify that your image appears reversed when you print it. If it’s still legible, then return to mirror your image and print it once more.
Conclusion
Okay, I know that’s a lot of stuff that can go wrong! But I hope you found these tips helpful. If you are having a sublimation on glass problem that’s not listed here, let me know in the comments! I’ll be happy to troubleshoot for you, By investing in quality materials, equipment, and design skills, you’ll be well on your way to producing sublimation tumblers that captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression. Remember, with each problem comes an opportunity to learn and improve, ultimately ensuring your blank sublimation tumblers business’s success.