How to wash sublimation shirts
how to wash sublimation shirts
If you are new to the world of bespoke shirts, you may be wondering where to begin. Sublimation printing is a great way of producing a personalised design that will last a lifetime. The most popular type of shirt to sublimate is the classic white shirt. Sublimating a white shirt is an easy way to personalise your wardrobe.
There are many benefits to sublimation printing. Not only do you get to choose the design, but you can take any shortcoming such as a poor-fitting shirt and turn it into a design masterpiece. If you are considering sublimation printing, take the time to read about the process and see how far you can take it.
Get Everything You Need In Advance
There are many pitfalls that someone new to the field of sublimation printing can fall into. One of the most common is not having the right equipment or the right know-how. To ensure that your sublimation project goes smoothly, it is important to have everything in advance. In particular, you will need a garment bag or a tote to carry your clothing for the big day. This will help you keep everything organised and tidy. Another important piece of gear is a heat press. A heat press will ensure that your shirts look superb no matter how many times you wash them. The best way to describe a heat press is as a combination between a washing machine and an iron. You will be able to use it to fix any style of shirts that are slightly rumpled or wrinkled. Without a heat press, it is extremely difficult to achieve that perfect ironing effect. Finally, make sure to take your time prepping your station for the big day. It is a good idea to do some research on the most efficient way of doing things. Sometimes, it can be helpful to have experts come and teach you the tricks of the trade. Even then, you may need to experiment a little bit to get the best results. The last thing you want is to rush the process and end up damaging your clothing.
Be Careful With Wool And Cotton
The best fabric to sublimate is 100% cotton or very loosely woven wool. The reason for this is that a loosely woven fabric is more prone to wrinkling. Be careful not to use any other type of fabric, especially thick cotton or wool trousers. They will wrinkle easily and the print will come off easily. The best way to avoid this is by using satin fabrics instead or double and triple washing cycles on your clothing. A 100% cotton or very loosely woven shirt will look best after being sublimated. If you are unsure about what type of shirt to use, go for 100% cotton or very loosely woven wool. You will not be disappointed with the results. If you overuse other materials, your print will start to come off the clothing.
Do Not Overuse The Steam Setting
When you wash your shirts with the steam setting on your washing machine, you are basically pre-treating them. This means that you are subjecting your clothing to moisture which can cause the print to come off easily. The best way of avoiding this is by hand-washing your shirts or by using a non-steam laundry setting. If you are hand-washing your shirts, pat them dry immediately after washing to preserve the print. For large-scale batch washing, using the lowest water setting possible is the key to preserving the print on your shirts. If you are using a washing machine, make sure that your clothing is wet before you start the wash cycle. This will make it easier to remove any sweat stains afterward. Once the wash cycle is complete, turn off your machine and wait a few minutes for the clothes to dry before you lay them in your closet.
Know The Different Types Of Prints
There are many different types of print that you can make on your clothing. Some are more suited to specific types of shirts, while others are better for certain types of pants. Knowing which print is best for your clothing is essential to getting the best results. Once you know which one, you can pick the closest pattern that suits you. While the options are endless, the number of suitable patterns dwindles quickly. This is why it is important to do some research before you start printing. You can use any type of pattern that you find suitable for your clothing and shoes. However, if you are using a heat press, the glossy effect will be lost on your shirts unless you use a specific type of print. In this case, make sure to use a reverse print as this will help keep the integrity of the original design.
The above tips will give you a good headstart in the world of sublimation printing. Make sure to try out some of the suggestions. You may find that they are helpful for your personal wardrobe.