Sublimating on Cotton and Dark Fabrics with Siser EasySubli

Siser and Sawgrass Introduce Solution for Sublimating Full Color Images onto Cotton and Dark Fabrics

Thanks to the efforts of Siser^® and Sawgrass^®, there is finally a solution for sublimating full color photographic images onto cotton and dark colored fabrics! While Siser^® recommends using EasySubli inks, we've achieved fantastic results using the SubliJet^® HD inks.

This means, there is no need to change out your existing ink system, although adding an additional Sawgrass SG500 or SG1000 with EasySubli™ inks would be a great addition to any shop!

The two sublimation printers we offer with configurations for EasySubli vinyl are the Sawgrass SG500 and the Sawgrass SG1000. You'll see the ink options in the drop down menu on either of those printers.

There are a few different ways to use this innovative new process, each yielding great results, and we have outlined the methods for you below. Before using your EasySubli™ vinyl, we recommend you watch the video below and to contact tech support to set you up with the best profiles based on your computer, printer, and software.

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Siser EasySubli Informational Video

Method 1: Printing to Vinyl

1. Load your vinyl into your printer shiny side face up.

2. Using your graphics software, set up your registration marks and print your image un-mirrored onto your EasySubli™ vinyl.

3. Place your printed vinyl (image face up) under a hot, open heat press for at least 60 seconds. This will allow the ink to dry to prevent smearing.

4. Load your printed vinyl into your cutter and cut based on your cutter’s settings.

5. Weed out the excess vinyl from your image.

6. If necessary, mask your image by removing it from the backing sheet to ready it for application. (Masking is not always necessary if your design is in one piece that can be easily lifted from the backing sheet.)

7. Prepress your garment, covered with protective paper, for 5 to 10 seconds to preshrink and release any excess moisture.

8. Align your vinyl onto your garment and press at 311° for 15 seconds with medium pressure. If no mask was used, cover with protective paper.

9. If mask was used, peel off while still warm.

10. Wait 24 hours before washing. Wash with cool water, tumble dry low.

Method 2: Printing to Sublimation Paper

1. Load your vinyl into your cutter and cut unmirrored based on your cutter’s settings.

2. Weed out the excess vinyl from your image.

3. If necessary, mask your image removing it from the backing sheet to ready it for application. (Masking is not always necessary if your design is in one piece that can be easily lifted from the backing sheet as shown in the image below.)

4. Print your image mirrored onto sublimation paper.

5. Prepress your garment, covered with protective paper, for 5 to 10 seconds to preshrink and release any excess moisture.

6. Cut out your image and set aside. Before sublimating tack your vinyl to your garment for 5-10 seconds. If no mask was used, cover with protective paper.

7. If mask was used, peel off while still warm.

8. Align your printed sublimation paper to the vinyl and tack using Pro-Spray or heat tape.

9. Press at 375° for 45 seconds using medium pressure, covered with protective paper.

10. Wait 24 hours before washing. Wash with cool water, tumble dry low.

Color Variances on Vinyl

Each method and ink system produces great results, however, there are noticable color variances between them.

Color Variances on Metal

EasySubli™ inks are not exclusive to the vinyl alone! You can use the inks as you would on any sublimatable surface with varying results. The graphic below shows the difference in printing on metal using the EasySubli™ Inks printed through Virtuoso Print Manager, the SubliJet® HD Inks printed through Virtuoso Print Manager, and finally the SubliJet® HD Inks printed through Condé Systems SpectraFusion color manager.

Whichever method you chose, EasySubli™ is a game changer in the digital decorating industry.

Here we see EasySubli printed with Virtuoso

Here we see Sublijet hd printed with Virtuoso

Here we see Sublijet hd printed with SpectraFusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EasySubli™ Heat Transfer Vinyl?
Like Siser® Glitter HTV, EasySubli™ is heat transfer vinyl that can be sublimated. This matte version allows sublimation ink to permanently adhere producing a more vibrant color than can be obtained by inkjet printers.

What role does Sawgrass EasySubli™ ink play?
Sawgrass created EasySubli™ inks to be used in conjunction with the EasySubli™ HTV. The inks can be used in both the SG400 and SG800 printers. Sublijet HD can also be used.

Must I use a sublimation Printer in order to use EasySubli™ Heat Transfer Vinyl?
Absolutely. EasySubli™ was designed to be used ONLY with sublimation inks and printers

What materials can EasySubl™ Heat Transfer Vinyl be applied to?
One of the most valuable assets of EasySubli™ is its ability to be applied to 100% Cotton, Poly/Cotton Blends, and 100% Polyester materials. You MUST wait at least 24 hours before the first wash and be sure to always wash cold with mild detergent

How important is it to wait for the ink to dry before pressing?
Extremely. To prevent the ink from smearing we recommend placing print face up under an open heat press for 1-2 minutes before use.

Recap

For a quick refresher of what was taught in this article, please review both of the infographics provided. We hope you are able to take the learning materials provided and use them to make your business more successful!

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