by Longforte Team

19 Apr 2024

Today we're unlocking the insider secrets of sublimation pros to help you achieve flawless prints every time. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, we've compiled a list of the top 10 expert tips to elevate your sublimation game.

1. Get the Right Equipment: Investing in the right equipment will save you time, money and stress! We recommend Sawgrass printers and ink systems, which have a user-friendly interface perfect for beginners, or upgrade to the Epson F570 for larger printing capabilities. Invest in the best heat press you can afford to ensure consistent & professional results.

2. Have Essential Accessories: Elevate your workflow with essential accessories like heat gloves for safety, thermal tape for securing your designs, and spray adhesive for garments and fabrics. Protect your equipment with Teflon and silicone sheets, and ensure precise transfers with heat transfer pillows.

3. Plan Ahead and Stay Stocked: Anticipate your needs by planning ahead and keeping your inventory stocked with a variety of sublimation blanks. Whether it's for a special order or unexpected demand, having a well-stocked supply ensures you're always ready to meet your customers' needs. Where possible order blanks in bulk to keep stocked and also save money.

4. Know Your Design Software: Familiarise yourself with design software like Adobe Photoshop or Corel Draw to unleash your creativity. If you're new to graphic design, platforms like Sawgrass CreativeStudio offer intuitive tools tailored to the needs of sublimation printers. You can also use Photopea which is a free online alternative to Photoshop.

5. Watch and Learn: Stay informed about the latest sublimation techniques and trends by watching tutorials, reading industry blogs, and following experienced professionals. Learning from others' experiences can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own projects.

6. Master Heat, Pressure & Moisture: Achieving perfect transfers requires careful attention to heat, pressure, and moisture levels. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal combination for your specific substrates and equipment, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting results. Keep detailed notes so that you are never having to double-guess. We have all settings on each of product pages.

7. Test, Test, Test: Don't leave anything to chance—always conduct test prints to fine-tune your process before moving on to final production.  Testing allows you to identify potential issues and make adjustments to achieve the best possible outcome for your customers. We recommend keeping some spare polyester fabric or metal sheets to help you do this in a cost effective way.

With these expert tips and a commitment to excellence, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any sublimation project with confidence and creativity!

If you ever need any other tips or advice please email us at info@longforte.com

Kind regards,

The Longforte Team