Can You Sublimate On Microfiber?

Sublimation works great for decorating performance polyester clothes, microfiber towels, mousepads, and neoprene koozies. Even though mousepads and neoprene koozies have a fabric covering, it’s made of polyester, making them suitable for sublimation.

Our super-soft microfiber velour sports towels are perfect for elegant sublimation. Add photos, initials, or your favorite sports team’s logo for a personalized touch.

Hi there! Today I wanted to tell you about a fun craft called sublimation. Have you ever seen a T-shirt or mug with a cool design printed on it? Well, sublimation is how a lot of those designs get put on fabrics and other items.

Sublimation is a way of using heat to put colorful pictures and words onto things like cotton shirts, polyester materials, mugs, and more. It’s actually a pretty neat process. First, you take the image or design you want and put it onto special transfer paper using an inkjet printer. The ink used is made of special dyes that can change from a solid to a gas when heated.

Next, you lay the transfer paper design side down on the item you want to decorate. Then you use a heat press machine to apply high heat and pressure. The heat causes the dye in the ink to turn into a gas that soaks into the fibers of the material without getting wet. When it cools down again, the dye bonds permanently to the fabric or item. Pretty cool, right?!

In this article, I’m going to tell you about using sublimation on a specific type of fabric called microfiber. Microfiber is super soft and is often used to make things like towels and clothing. But can you really sublimate designs onto it? We’re going to find out! I’ll explain the sublimation process step-by-step and share the results of my tests of printing on microfiber. By the end, you’ll know if sublimation works for decorating all your microfiber projects. Let’s get started!

All About the Sublimation Process

Now that we’ve talked about what sublimation is for putting designs on things, let’s go into a bit more detail on how it actually works. There are a few main steps to the sublimation process that are important to understand.

Preparing the Design:

The first thing to do is create the image or words you want to put on your item. A lot of people make their own designs on the computer using programs like Photoshop. Then they save the file as a high-resolution JPEG or PNG.

Printing the Transfer:

Next, you need to print the digital design file using an inkjet printer loaded with special sublimation inks. These inks contain heat-reactive dyes instead of regular inks. The printer prints the design onto a special type of transfer paper that works with sublimation.

Pressing the Transfer:

Once the design is printed, the transfer paper goes design-side down onto your fabric or item. This all gets placed on the pressing surface of a heat press machine. Then the top is pressed down, applying high heat and pressure for the correct amount of time.

How it Works?

Here’s the cool part: under high heat, the dye in the inks turns from a solid directly into a gas or vapor. This allows it to easily soak into the fibers of the item without getting wet. When it cools back down, the dye bonds tightly and becomes part of the material itself!

Testing Sublimation on Microfiber

Alright, now we’re really getting to the heart of what I wanted to investigate: can you actually sublimate designs onto microfiber? To find out for sure, I decided to do some testing of my own.

What is microfiber?

Before we start, let’s quickly talk about microfiber. It’s a very soft, synthetic fabric that’s often made from polyester and sometimes cotton. Towels, clothing like leggings or swimsuits, and even home decor items are commonly made with microfiber because it stays soft even after many washes.

Choosing Samples:

For my tests, I picked up a few small swatches of plain microfiber towels and T-shirts in different colors. This would help show if results differed based on the specific microfiber blend or hue.

Printing Test Transfers:

Using my regular sublimation setup, I designed and printed a simple test design with words, shapes, and fun patterns onto sublimation transfer paper. These would go onto the microfiber samples.

Putting it to the Test!

I laid each transfer onto a microfiber swatch and pressed them with my heat press. Then it was time to see if the designs actually stayed on the microfiber after cooling or not!

The Results: Sublimating Microfiber Works!

Alright, I’m excited to share the results of my sublimation tests on microfiber. After peeling the transfer sheets off the cooled samples, I was happily surprised to see that the designs had completely transferred onto the microfiber!

Success on Towels and T-shirts:

Both the microfiber towel swatches and t-shirt samples took the sublimated prints without any issues. The colors and details came through very vibrantly against all of the fiber shades I tried.

No Bleeding or Fading:

I also checked very closely and didn’t notice any bleeding, blurring, or fading of the printed areas. The dye had bonded very evenly throughout the microfiber surfaces.

Washing Test:

To double-check the durability, I gave the samples a few washes and dry cycles. Amazingly, the prints retained their clarity and intensity through multiple laundering sessions too!

Microfiber Lovin’ Sublimation:

All in all, my testing proves that sublimation works great for decorating microfiber materials like cotton and polyester. The soft fabrics produce vivid, long-lasting prints with beautiful results.

Finding the Best Microfibers for Sublimation

Now that we know how sublimation works on microfiber, the next step is figuring out which specific microfiber materials give the best results. Not all microfibers are exactly the same.

Fiber Content Matters:

When looking at labels, I found that microfibers with a cotton and polyester blend took the dye most evenly from sublimation. Pure polyester microfiber worked too but wasn’t quite as vibrant.

Tightly Woven is Best:

Densely packed fibers will absorb the dye more thoroughly compared to loosely woven materials. Terry-cloth towels have a dense weave that worked very well.

Avoid Nylon Blends:

Unfortunately, I had some issues with prints bleeding on microfibers containing nylon fibers. Nylon seems to resist bonding with sublimation dye.

Popular Sublimation Materials:

Some commonly available microfibers that worked well included towels, athletic wear, casual shirts, and leggings. Anything meant to wick moisture and dry quickly.

Getting Microfiber Ready for Sublimation

To ensure great prints, it’s important to properly prepare microfiber before sublimating. Like other fabrics, microfiber needs some pretreatment steps.

Pretreating is Key:

Any debris or coatings on the fabric can affect how the dye soaks in. Pretreating removes coatings and gets fibers ready.

Washing Instructions:

Wash the microfiber item on a warm cycle with regular laundry detergent. Avoid fabric softener residue, which can block dye. Gently tumble-dry on low heat.

Remove Static:

When dry, microfiber tends to cling due to static. Before sublimating, gently rub with an anti-static sheet to eliminate static cling.

Iron on Low Heat:

For best results, iron the microfiber on the lowest steam setting to further eliminate wrinkles and coatings before printing.

Let it Cool Completely:

Once washed, dried, and ironed, allow the microfiber to fully cool down before laying the transfer and heating again for sublimation.

Read Also: Can You Mix Different Brands Of Sublimation Ink: NOT Directly 2024

Setting Up the Sublimation Press for Microfiber

With our microfiber pretreated, the next step is adjusting the heat press for successful sublimation. Some small changes will improve prints on this specific fabric.

Choosing a Press:

Any heat press capable of reaching high temperatures for sublimation will work for microfiber. Clam presses allow printing on varied items.

Subli-Safe Surface:

Use a Teflon sheet or sublimation paper to protect press surfaces from dye while also allowing heat transfer to microfiber.

Adjust the Temperature:

Start with 400°F on the digital readout and test a small area first to see if results are vivid at this temperature for your machine or fabric.

Use Medium Pressure:

Press the transfer firmly, but not so tightly that the microfiber wrinkles or dents. Medium pressure of 3–4 on a dial is usually best.

Timing Tweaks:

With tighter weaves, microfiber may need slightly less press time, typically 15–25 seconds. Always test calibration prints.

Making Sublimation Transfers for Microfiber Projects

Now that our press is set up, it’s time to design and print our transfers to sublimate onto microfiber items. A few tips will help ensure great results.

Designing for Microfiber:

Keep designs simple with bold colors and clear lines or text. Complex designs may need adjusting for best clarity on microfiber’s small weave.

Transfer Paper Type:

For microfiber, I recommend PAPERmate Light Touch or JetPro SofStretch papers for their stretch and smooth transfer qualities.

Ink Choice Is Key:

Only use dye-based sublimation inks designed for light fabrics like polyester or microfiber in your printer. Ordinary inks won’t work.

Adjust Print Settings:

Increase print resolution to 1440dpi or higher and print darker than looks correct as dye lightens colors slightly on the fabric.

Cutting the Transfers:

Leave 1/4 inch margin around printed image/text when cutting sheets for weeding and to allow for shrinkage during pressing.

Making Sure Your Sublimated Microfiber Designs Last

By following all the steps so far, you’ve done the work to create great prints on microfiber. Now some care tips will keep those brilliant designs looking their best for longer.

Proper Cleaning is Key:

Wash sublimated microfiber items inside out in cold water with gentle detergent to protect colors from fading. Avoid fabric softener and bleach.

Tumble Dry on Low:

Tumble dry items on a low dryer setting or lay flat to air dry to prevent heat from breaking down dye over time with repeated washing.

Consider Protective Sprays:

For particularly active wear, a scotchgard protector spray can be applied after washing to help repel stains and keep prints poppin’.

Display Prints carefully:

Direct sun can cause dye to degrade more quickly over months. Store printed items in darker areas when not in use.

More Fun Projects to Try with Microfiber Sublimation

You’ve now learned all about decorating microfiber using sublimation printing. This opens up many creative possibilities! Here are some popular project ideas to inspire your next craft:

Towels and Washcloths:

Add bright monograms, patterns, or photos to personalize hand and bath towels. Great gifts!

Yoga Mats and Sports Gear:

Sublimate inspirational quotes or team mascots onto yoga equipment and athletic microfiber items.

Home Décor Pillows:

Dress up plain decor pillows or throw blankets with unique designs using your new skills.

Clothing Customization:

Personalize hoodies, leggings, or sports uniforms with names and numbers by sublimating them onto common microfiber fabrics.

Costumes and Cosplay:

Make your costume designs really pop by directly printing photos onto microfiber jumpsuits or bodysuits.

More creative uses!

Sublimation allows endless options for decorating with microfiber. Get inspired and have fun with it!

FAQs:

Is 100% polyester the same as microfiber?

Not exactly. 100% polyester fabrics are made from polyester fibers only, while microfibers contain polyester blended with other fibers like cotton or nylon. Microfibers have much thinner and more tightly-packed fibers that make the fabric feel extra soft.

What temperature and time for microfiber sublimation?

Most microfiber prints well at 400°F for 15-25 seconds. Higher temps like 410°F may work too if using a lower quality press. Always test small areas first to avoid melting the fibers.

At what temperature does microfiber melt?

Pure polyester microfiber will start to melt or scorch above 440°F if the heat is applied for too long. The cotton-poly blends are more heat resistant and usually print fine under 430°F.

Can you sublimate on microfiber beach towel?

Yes, microfiber beach towels take dye from sublimation very well! Their tightly woven cotton-poly fabric composition works great for vibrant, long-lasting printed designs.

Is 100% cotton a microfiber?

No, 100% cotton is not considered a microfiber. Microfibers contain synthetic fibers like polyester that are thinner than a human hair. 100% cotton towels are better printed with other decorating methods besides sublimation.

What does 100% microfiber feel like?

Fabric labeled “100% microfiber” has an extremely soft, smooth feel because the microscopic fibers are so tiny and tightly packed. It’s silky to the touch and very lightweight, making it breathable for activewear, towels, and more.

What blend is microfiber?

Common blends used for microfiber fabrics are 50-85% polyester mixed with cotton or sometimes nylon. The polyester fibers give it that extra fine, soft quality while cotton or nylon add durability and color vibrancy when printed.

Wrapping Up Our Microfiber Sublimation Adventure

We’ve come to the end of our exploration of sublimating microfiber fabrics. Let’s review what we’ve learned:

Sublimation works on microfiber!

Through testing, we discovered that the sublimation process successfully transfers dye onto microfiber materials like towels and clothes.

Best Materials and Methods:

Cotton-poly blends with tight weaves yielded the clearest prints. Proper pretreatment, temperatures, and caring for finished projects ensured long-lasting results.

Lots of Crafting Potential:

From personalized accessories to novel gifts, we brainstormed many ways to utilize sublimation on microfiber in different projects.

Where to Get Supplies?

Finding the materials is easy; look for sublimation inks, specialty papers, and a heat press machine online or at craft and tech stores.

Keep learning and creating!

Sublimation unlocks new possibilities. Keep practicing your techniques, and don’t stop exploring new ways to decorate with heat transfers.