Are you tired of struggling to achieve the perfect sublimation transfer? Do your sublimation heat press settings constantly lead to blurry or faded images? The delicate balance of temperature, pressure, and time required for successful sublimation can be frustrating and overwhelming. But with the right guidance, you can master the art of sublimation and create stunning, high-quality transfers every time.
We have provided a detailed table with descriptions to help you overcome the challenges of sublimation heat press settings.
Sublimation Heat Press Settings Chart
| SUBSTRATE | TEMPERATURE | PRESSURE | PRESS TIME | NOTES |
| Polyester Fabric | 300 to 400 F | Light to Medium | 50 to 60 sec | Pre-press to eliminate moisture and use a vapor foam kit. |
| Polyester Blend Fabric | 375 to 390 F | Light to Medium | 55 to 65 sec | Pre-press to eliminate moisture and use a vapor foam kit. |
| Ceramic Mugs | 350 to 400 F | Medium | 150 to 210 sec. | Wrap it in butcher paper for pressing and cool it down after the paper is removed. |
| Hardboard | 360 to 400 F | Medium | 40 to 80 sec. | Cool it down for 10 minutes before peeling off the transfer paper |
| Metal/Aluminium (Unisub) | 380 to 400 F | Medium | 50 to 60 sec. | Remove the plastic coating before pressing. |
| Metal/Aluminium (Other Brands) | 380 to 400 F | Medium | 50 to 60 sec | Remove the plastic coating before pressing |
| Plywood | 390 to 410 F | Medium | 50 to 60 sec | Product face up with transfer paper |
| Ceramic Tiles or Glass | 390 to 400 F | Medium | 300 to 720 sec | Press tiles into the silicon pad and press them from the back. |
| Unisub Products | 380 to 410 F | Medium | 50 to 60 sec. | Remove the plastic coating before pressing. |
| Vapor Apparel | 380 to 390 F | Medium | 45 to 55 sec | Use a vapor foam kit to reduce press lines. |
| Fire Retardant Products | 380 to 400 F | Medium | 60 to 70 sec. | Remove the plastic coating before pressing. |
Conclusion
Figuring out the heat press setting is crucial for effective printing. The pressure and temperature settings of the heat press change depending on the substrate. It is essential to have a general idea about different surfaces and settings for them, and hopefully, the article has helped you in this regard.Â
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the temperature setting appropriate to heat press a t-shirt?
For polyester or polyester blend t-shirts, the temperature should be set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and pressed for 60 seconds for effective results.
What temperature is appropriate for heat press when using a toner?
If using toner, the starting temperature should be 380 degrees Fahrenheit for nearly all types of surfaces unless specified by the manufacturer.
Is pressure necessary for sublimation?
Yes, as pressure allows the heat to distribute evenly across the substrate. If pressure is not applied, the uneven distribution of heat can cause spots on the surface of the material you use for sublimation.
How to avoid the ineffective transfer of prints from the transfer paper?
The effective transfer of prints to substrate depends on various factors. Among them, the placing of sublimation paper and setting are important ones. The paper should be firmly planted on the substrate under appropriate temperature and pressure for effective print transfer.