Printing Types
Infusible ink, sublimation and vinyl printing
Sublimation printing:
Polyester is a synthetic material that can hold and retain vibrant colors, making it ideal for sublimation printing. It is recommended to start with 100% polyester shirts for sublimation, but a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton can also be used. Sublimation printing uses heat to essentially bring ink and fabric together as one. First a design is printed onto special paper. The inks that are used turn into gas when brought under heat, then combine with the fabric and permanently print onto the fabric.
Infusible ink printing:
Infusible ink is a type of sublimation. You can purchase Infusible Ink Sheets that you cut out with your cutter. Infusible Ink works best on fabrics that have a high polyester count because the dyes in the sublimation ink can bond with polyester molecules, allowing you to transfer your designs with the highest quality. Infusible ink also works best on white or very light-coloured fabrics.
Heat transfer vinyl printing
Also referred to as Iron-on vinyl, T-shirt vinyl, or HTV, it is a material that is great for designing apparel. It forms a robust bond with compatible fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, and cotton blends to ensure lasting durability.
There is no fixed rule regarding the right type of vinyl for T-shirts. However, a general rule of thumb is that any surface that is soft and can withstand heat. This includes clothing, shoes, bags and more. So, for T-shirts, HTV is the way to go.
Types of Vinyl
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) – HTV is a speciality polyurethane with a heat activated adhesive (typically polyester based) that can be used on certain fabrics and materials to apply designs to promotional products, textiles, and apparel, such as t-shirts.
Adhesive vinyl – it is a thin, flexible, self-adhesive material (think durable sticker) that is used to create wall and window decals and business signage. Its durable and can also be waterproof which makes it very versatile.
Permanent adhesive vinyl – it is ideal for projects that need to weather the storm, from mailboxes to mugs, to outdoor signage and more. Its water resistant and UV resistant film with and adhesive that can last for up to 3 years.
Removable adhesive vinyl – this is for indoor projects like wall decals, indoor signs, stencils, and other temporary projects. This vinyl can hold on to average from 1 – 3 years. It is easy to peel off without causing damage.
Glow in the dark vinyl – you can add a luminous accent to your walls, accessories, seasonal décor, or whatever needs a little brightening up. The material lies flat for easy cutting, effortless weeding, and wow-worthy applications.
Colour-changing vinyl – Versatile uses, this vinyl is perfect for creating stickers and decals for assorted items such as tumblers, cups, windows, mugs, water bottles and craft projects.
Glitter vinyl – Glitter flex is a sparkling, fusible vinyl used for applique purposes. Can be used for designs that are computer cut and must be heat transferred to the fabric. It is washable and you can use it on many types of fabrics.
Pattern vinyl – from custom items like drink ware, tumblers, mugs to wood signs, keys chains, decals, t-shirts, totes and more, Both HTV and adhesive craft vinyl offer a wonderful way to personalise items.
Reflective vinyl – can be used in many applications such as car decals and signs, its weatherproof properties make it an ideal choice for outdoor applications. The front is reflective, and the back is a strong solvent adhesive which can be used outdoors.
Metallic vinyl – you get this in HTV and self-adhesive vinyl. HTV is suitable for transfers to textiles like cotton, mixture of polyester/cotton and polyester/acrylic. Can be used for lettering on t-shirts, sports & leisure wear, sports bags and promotional articles.