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SUBLIMATION TRANSFERS

Welcome to your go-to hub for premium sublimation transfers that breathe life into your creative visions. 

Why choose us? At Direct Transfers Canada, we stand out for our unwavering commitment to excellence in both product and service. Our sublimation transfers are meticulously crafted using state-of-the-art printing technology, guaranteeing vibrant colors, crisp details, and enduring results on a diverse array of surfaces.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter, a budding entrepreneur, or simply exploring the realm of personalized merchandise, our transfers are tailored to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. From t-shirts to mugs, phone cases to mousepads, our transfers seamlessly adhere to a wide range of materials, ensuring professional-grade outcomes every time.

But it's not just about the quality of our transfers; it's also about your convenience and peace of mind. We understand the importance of swift turnaround times and hassle-free processes, which is why we offer same day/next day pickup and shipping options, along with an intuitive online platform for easy ordering and customization.

Join the ranks of our satisfied customers who rely on us for all their sublimation transfer needs. Unleash your creativity and transform ordinary items into extraordinary works of art with us today!

Order SUBLIMATION Transfers 1 of 3 Ways

We make Ordering Custom sublimation Transfers Easy

Upload Gang Sheet

Design Gang Sheet

Order Individual Prints

printing and pressing sublimation transfers is easy

Anyone can master heat pressing sublimation transfers in minutes!

Place

Pre-press the product and then position the transfer where you want to print it on the item. DO NOT skip this step!

Press

Press the transfers onto the substrate at 380-400 degrees with low tomedium pressure for 50-60 seconds

View Application Instructions

faq

What is Sublimation?

Sublimation is a fascinating process that allows for the transformation of a solid directly into a gas without passing through the liquid state. In the context of printing, sublimation refers to a method where special inks are used to create designs that are then transferred onto a substrate (such as fabric or ceramics) using heat and pressure. Here's a breakdown of the sublimation process:

1. **Design Creation**: The process begins with the creation or selection of a digital design. This design can be created using graphic design software or obtained from various sources such as stock images or clipart.

2. **Printing onto Transfer Paper**: The design is then printed onto a special type of transfer paper using sublimation ink. Unlike traditional inkjet printing, sublimation ink is formulated to sublimate, meaning it can transition directly from a solid to a gas under heat and pressure without first becoming a liquid.

3. **Preparation of Substrate**: The substrate, which could be a fabric, ceramic, metal, or other compatible material, is prepared for sublimation. This often involves ensuring the surface is clean and free from any contaminants that could interfere with the transfer process.

4. **Transfer Process**: The printed transfer paper is placed face-down onto the substrate, ensuring that the design is in direct contact with the surface. The substrate and transfer paper are then sandwiched together using a heat press machine.

5. **Application of Heat and Pressure**: The heat press machine applies high temperature and pressure to the substrate and transfer paper. This causes the sublimation ink on the transfer paper to sublimate, turning into a gas.

6. **Ink Penetration and Bonding**: The gas molecules from the sublimated ink penetrate the pores of the substrate and bond with its fibers or coating. As the temperature drops, the gas reverts to a solid state, permanently embedding the design into the substrate.

7. **Cooling and Removal**: After the designated time and temperature have been reached, the heat press machine is opened, and the substrate with the transfer paper is allowed to cool down. Once cooled, the transfer paper is carefully peeled away, leaving behind the vibrant, durable, and fully integrated design on the substrate.

This process allows for the creation of high-quality, long-lasting prints with excellent color reproduction and detail, making sublimation a popular choice for custom apparel, promotional items, personalized gifts, and more.

How does Sublimation compare to DTF transfer technology?

Sublimation and Direct-to-Film (DTF) are two distinct printing methods used in apparel decoration, each with its own unique characteristics and process. Here's a comparison of the two:

1. **Printing Method**:
   - Sublimation: Sublimation involves printing a design onto transfer paper using sublimation ink, which then transfers the design onto the fabric or substrate using heat and pressure. The ink sublimates, meaning it transitions from a solid to a gas without becoming a liquid.
   - DTF: Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing involves printing a design directly onto a special film using a compatible printer and ink. The printed film is then transferred onto the fabric or substrate using heat and pressure, similar to sublimation.

2. **Ink Type**:
   - Sublimation: Sublimation ink is specially formulated to sublimate, meaning it can transition directly from a solid to a gas under heat and pressure without first becoming a liquid. This allows the ink to penetrate the surface of the substrate and create vibrant, long-lasting prints.
   - DTF: DTF printing typically uses a different type of ink compared to sublimation. DTF inks are designed to adhere to the film and transfer onto the substrate when heat and pressure are applied. These inks may offer different characteristics such as opacity and flexibility compared to sublimation inks.

3. **Color Reproduction**:
   - Sublimation: Sublimation printing offers excellent color reproduction and detail, producing vibrant and fade-resistant prints. The sublimation process allows the ink to penetrate the surface of the substrate, resulting in colors that are integrated into the fabric or coating.
   - DTF: DTF printing can also achieve high-quality color reproduction, but the final result may vary depending on factors such as ink type, film quality, and substrate. Some DTF prints may have a slightly different texture compared to sublimation prints due to the nature of the ink and film.

4. **Compatibility**:
   - Sublimation: Sublimation is typically suitable for polyester fabrics and polyester-coated substrates. It may not work well on natural fabrics such as cotton unless they are treated with a special coating.
   - DTF: DTF printing can be used on a wider range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends. This versatility makes DTF a preferred option for printing on natural fibers.

5. **Process Complexity**:
   - Sublimation: Sublimation printing involves multiple steps, including printing the design onto transfer paper, preparing the substrate, and using a heat press to transfer the design. However, once the process is set up, it can be relatively straightforward.
   - DTF: DTF printing also requires several steps, including printing the design onto the film, preparing the substrate, and using a heat press for transfer. Additionally, DTF printers may require periodic maintenance and calibration for optimal performance.

In summary, while both sublimation and DTF printing are used for apparel decoration, they differ in their printing method, ink type, color reproduction, compatibility, and process complexity. The choice between the two depends on factors such as substrate type, desired print quality, and production requirements.

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