I’m sharing some straightforward tips and techniques that have helped me prevent sublimation cracking and peeling in my projects. No drama, just practical advice to keep your work looking its best for as long as possible. So, let’s dive in and learn how I preserve the quality and integrity of my creations.
Key Takeaways
The three pillars to successful sublimation
To prevent sublimation cracking and peeling, it is important to ensure appropriate heat, pressure, and timing settings during the sublimation printing process.
What influences the three pillars?
The heat, pressure and timing settings will depend on several factors. These include the type of substrate material being used, the thickness of the material and even the presence of any pre-applied coatings.
Can I repair cracks?
It varies based on the severity of the cracks. Immediate cracking post-sublimation typically indicates an error in the process. It’s advisable to troubleshoot by conducting additional tests on the garment until the desired outcome is achieved. Refrain from selling compromised designs, as this can negatively impact both your reputation and business integrity.
Common Causes of Sublimation Cracking and Peeling
Cracking and peeling can be incredibly disheartening, especially when they mar a freshly pressed print, particularly on busy business days.
My first step in tackling this issue is always to identify the material I’m sublimating on. Different materials demand different settings, so I refer to a handy chart ↓ to establish my baseline settings. However, I’ve learned that adjustments may be necessary based on various factors, including conditions and environmental influences.
Proper Heat Press Settings
| Substrate | Press Time / s | Temp °F | Pressure / PSI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Mugs | 150 – 210 | 370 – 400 | 40 (medium) |
| Metals | 60 – 80 | 375 – 400 | 40 (medium) |
| Ceramic & Glass Tiles | 300 – 700 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) |
| Polyester Fabric | 45 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) |
| Sequin Pillow | 45 – 55 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) |
| Soft T-Shirts | 35 – 40 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) |
| Vapor Apparel | 45 – 55 | 380 – 390 | 40 (medium) |
| UNISUB Products | 60 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) |
| FR Plastics | 45 – 90 | 380 – 400 | 40 (medium) |
Peeling and cracking often occur when the perfect balance of temperature, pressure, and time isn’t achieved.
Did you know?
Environmental conditions such as humidity levels can also influence the effectiveness of heat press machines and even sublimation printers. This too can lead to premature cracking and peeling.
To ensure I nail this crucial combination, I occasionally sacrifice an actual substrate for testing purposes. This allows me to closely inspect the results and, if necessary, make adjustments to the temperature, pressure, and time until the desired outcome is achieved.
Choosing the Right Sublimation Materials
Preparing the Substrate for Sublimation
Watch this video: Sublimation Temperature & Settings
Troubleshooting Sublimation Issues
Preventing Cracking and Peeling
Tips for Achieving Long-Lasting Sublimated Prints
Reviving Cracked or Peeling Sublimated Items
I have created a dedicated article on how to repair cracked prints at home, so feel free to check it out for more in-depth guidance!
However, truth be told, there’s usually limited recourse once cracks and peels have set in. Your best chance lies in catching small cracks early for potential remedies. Yet, it’s only a matter of time before additional cracks may emerge.