29
Sep
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We all love sublimation printed shirts because of their vibrant colors and eye-catching designs. Although sublimation prints are durable, special care is needed to enjoy the prints over a long time. If you do not follow the recommended steps and guidelines, your favorite sublimation printed T-shirt can lose its color sharpness. This article will serve as a complete guide on washing, drying, ironing, and storing your sublimation shirts and help you wear them long-term.
Sublimation is a process in which heat and pressure are applied to a solid substance that turns into a gas without becoming liquid. Sublimation printing is used to customize items and fabrics. With the rise in demand for customized products, many businessmen have adopted sublimation printing because it is easy to set up and use. Sublimation printing is more eco-friendly than other printing methods. The prints it produces are high-resolution, durable, and vibrant.
Sublimation printing is an easy process that typically takes two simple steps. In the first step, a design is printed on a special sublimation paper with the help of a printer. The printed sublimation paper is placed on the receiving material. After this, the fabric and the paper are put under a heat press to transfer the print from the paper to the substrate.
The heat and pressure cause the solid ink on the sublimation paper to transform into a gas. The gaseous ink molecules penetrate the material’s surface and become one with it.
Everybody gets hesitant when it comes to washing a printed T-shirt. We are scared that the prints might crack or fade making our beloved t-shirts useless. However, if you learn the right method to wash them, the prints will remain sharp for a long period.
To keep your sublimated shirts new for at least 100 washes, follow the below-listed steps:
Before washing your shirts, turn them inside out. This protects the printed designs from damage.
Ensure that you wash the sublimation shirts separately from other colored clothes, this will help you avoid any color transfer and keep your designs intact.
Before washing, look for any stains on your shirts. If you find any, spray a mixture of peroxide and water on the stains and then wipe with a clean cloth. This step will remove your stains gently without damaging your prints.
Always use a mild detergent when working with printed T-shirts to avoid damage to your shirts. Never use detergents that have Phosphorus in them because they are harmful. Moreover, avoid using detergent in excessive quantities as it can potentially damage your prints. A mild detergent will increase the longevity of your printed shirts.
Ensure that you use cold water to wash your sublimation shirts as hot water can damage the prints and fabric of your shirt. Cold water doesn’t let the polyester pores open up and helps to set the dye in your shirt. This helps in maintaining the quality of your printed T-shirts for longer.
Adopt a simple approach when washing your sublimation T-shirts. If you’re using a washing machine, run a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. A higher setting will treat your shirt harshly and induce damage to the print and fabric.
If you can afford the time, it is best to hand wash your T-shirts separately, remember to use cold water and a mild detergent in this case too.
Bleach or other agents can cause color fades and distortion in your designs so avoid them at all costs.
Always hang dry your shirts instead of using a heat dryer. Air drying is the safest method for sublimation T-shirts because it prevents damage from heat and sunlight. Sunlight can fade your prints and discolor your fabric.
Avoid hanging your shirts on metallic wire or hangers because they can stain them with rust and other stains. Use plastic or wooden hangers as they are gentle with your clothes.
Using a Dryer
Try your best to avoid using a heat dryer for your T-shirts, but if you’re short on time and must use a dryer, be careful to set it on air-only or low heat. High temperatures can distort the sublimation prints and damage the polyester fabric.
Ironing a sublimation T-shirt needs special precaution and care. Sublimation prints are very sensitive to heat so always use a cool iron setting. Always iron the garment inside out because direct heat from the iron might make the sublimation ink unstable.
A vital tip is to iron the shirts when they are slightly wet, it will help the pattern to set in nicely and remove wrinkles. Moreover, place a cloth in between your iron and your shirt to prevent direct heat transfer from the iron.
Store sublimation shirts away from direct sunlight. Save your shirts from extreme temperatures to avoid fading.
Instead of folding printed shirts, hang them on a hanger or roll them up to avoid creases.
For storing a sublimated shirt long-term, keep it in an airtight bag so it doesn’t get damaged by moisture and dust.
Sublimation-printed T-shirts are getting popular day by day. The prints on them are vibrant, sharp, and long-lasting. To enjoy these shirts in the long run, take special care when washing them. Cold water with a mild detergent will preserve your shirt's newness even after multiple washes. Save your shirts from heat and sunlight to ensure your prints don’t fade or distort. If you take good care of your shirts, they’ll take good care of you.
