A quite silly question always comes into my mind, Can I sublimate Twice? I am sure the majority of you are also interested to find the answer to this question. Then Why not find out the answer together?
As a beginner, before digging deep into the most commonly asked question Can You Reuse Sublimation Transfers?, you must understand What sublimation transfers are?
Sublimation transfer printing is a new digital printing technology that is gaining popularity. It prints your design using sublimation transfer paper and heat. Sublimation transfer paper is a type of speciality paper that is only used for sublimation printing. In general, it is made of a paper substrate that is similar to regular paper but has a special coating to resist heat. With this special coating, the dye sublimation inks are able to adhere to the paper. Sublimation paper provides a robust barrier against heat, allowing it to resist heat when used in a heat press machine.
Can You Reuse Sublimation Transfers?
Now get straight to the point, Sublimation transfer paper, regardless of the type, cannot be reused. Even if there is some ink left on the paper after printing with sublimation paper, it will not be enough to produce a good-quality print.
As a result of the heat from the iron melting the paper’s plastic lining (coating), the ink and coating are transferred from the paper to the cloth. It’d be impossible to reuse this.
Are there any other risks in reusing transfers?
Hold on! Still, If you plan on using sublimation transfer again, you should read about the end results: The ink embedded in your printing paper will not be reclaimed when you apply a new layer; if you do, you may pick up some colors from the previous print, or you may mix old and new colors very unclearly and unattractively.
What’s the best way to perform Sublimation transfers?
Application & Support for Sublimation Transfers is described as follow:
- The temperature should be 400 degrees Fahrenheit and the time should be 45-60 seconds.
- Use white copy paper or parchment paper for the filling of material to prevent bleeding.
- Placing the transfer face down on a Teflon sheet (with heat tape if needed).
- Place the material into a heat press.
- Immediately remove the transfer.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Sublimation Transfers
Benefits
- The color is permanently imprinted on the fabric.
- There is no liquid in the printing process, so it dries quickly.
- Exceptionally long-lasting and durable
- Even when used all over, the pattern is completely textureless.
- Can be used on poly-coated stiff goods.
- Prints in full color, which is ideal for pictures and variety.
- As a standard, inks are UV resistant.
- Weeding by itself (only transfers the ink to the fabric)
Drawbacks
- There is a need for a high poly content.
- Setup is more expensive than transfer.
- Dark color materials do not produce quality results.
Conclusion:
It is recommended you not reuse transfers unless you absolutely need to. High-quality inkjet transfer paper is considered best for starting a new setup or for better results. However, sublimation transfer is a wonderful way to give a personalized message to someone or decorate your apparel and materials according to your needs.