Home-based businesses are in great demand; if you come across a skill that can make you a source of income while staying at home, nothing can be better. Sublimation printing is a fun learning skill and can become an ideal home-based business that allows you to create demanding prints on different blanks for your customer. Rather, at various festivals, you can present your customized sublimated items as gifts to your loved ones.
Getting started with the sublimation printing business, some basic things needed to start sublimation. The types of equipment mentioned here are from Reliable sources, and you can choose the best things to suit your work requirements. This detailed post will comprehensively introduce every piece of equipment required to start a sublimation business.
Before approaching equipment details, let me introduce sublimation printing and how it works.
What is Sublimation Printing, and how does it work?
Sublimation is a process that refers to a physical change of form from a solid to a gas state without developing liquid. Using a Heat press machine, Heat, and pressure are applied to print the desired designs on various substrates, such as mugs, Tumblers, glass, garments, and phone cases. One of my articles elaborated on what is sublimation printing here, You will find thorough information on sublimation to help you understand the whole process.
What can you sublimate on?
Sublimation is a simple skill we can learn and make a living from while having fun. It can be done on multiple sublimation quoted blanks like T-shirts, Tumblers, Glass, Mugs, Polyester Mouse Mats, aluminium, Ceramic tiles, and many more. Just spending a little amount, you can start a home-based business right from the comfort of your home.
Things Needed to Start Sublimation
- Sublimation Printer
- Sublimation Paper
- Sublimation Ink
- Heat Press Machine
- Sublimation Blanks
- Computer and Design Software
- Heat resistant Tape
- Butcher Paper
- Heat Resistant Gloves
- Sublimation Spary
- Other Tools and Accessories
Sublimation Printer
The main equipment in the sublimation material list is a sublimation printer. Regular inkjet printers cannot do sublimation; only sublimation printers that use micro piezo printing technology convert the sublimation ink from solid to gas form without liquefying and are very strongly adsorbed to the surface of an object. As a result, there is a vibrant and long-lasting print on top of the blank. When choosing a sublimation printer, ensure it has excellent colour reproduction, high resolution, and compatibility with sublimation inks. Sublimation printer costs can start from $150 to $1000, but choosing and finding the best sublimation printer for your business depends on you.
For brilliant prints output I will recommend these sublimation printers and their best use for specific blanks
Sawgrass SG-500 sublimation printer for t-shirts,
Epson Expression Photo HD-XP 15000 Best for occasional use
EPSON ECOTANK ET-15000 Sublimation Printer for Heat Transfer
Epson Workforce WF-7710 A sublimation printer is best for sublimating mugs.
You can jump to these Buyer Guides for detailed information and choose the most suitable printers for your printing needs.
sublimation printer for heat transfer
Sublimation printer for T-shirts
Sublimation Ink
Sublimation inks are special dye-based inks designed for sublimation printing. The inks come in four colour cartridges CMYK Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These Inks print colourful, vibrant images with sublimation printers; you transfer these designs on many sublimation-friendly blanks. Any ordinary ink can not be used in the sublimation printer. Using sublimation inks compatible with your printer model is important for optimal results.
My recommended sublimation inks are Printers Jack Sublimation ink and Hippo Sublimation ink.
Why did I choose them? Because of their brilliant and sharp color accuracy, the result ultimately gives us Bright and life-like prints.
Please visit this post on the topic of the best sublimation inks.
Sublimation Paper
Sublimation paper acts like transfer paper, first holding the ink and then release when the heat transfer process begins. It’s a medium to transfer the design from the sublimation printer to the substrate. Look for high-quality sublimation paper with excellent colour retention, fast drying, and minimal bleeding.
I suggest A SUB Sublimation Paper and Printers Jack Sublimation Paper. because of their ability to produce exceptional image quality and vibrant colors. When using these sublimation papers for sublimation it enables the ink to penetrate the fibers of the material. resulting in stunning and lifelike reproductions of images. For more detailed information read this post on the Best sublimation paper.
Heat Press Machine
It is also a necessary item for sublimation printing. It applies Heat and pressure to the sublimation paper and substrate, allowing the ink to transfer seamlessly. When selecting a heat press machine, consider its size, temperature control capabilities, and Heat and pressure distribution.
You can consider Slendor 5 in 1 heat press machine. It comes with different attachments and can be used for multi-purpose like T-shirts, Mugs, hats, plates, and caps sublimation. These attachments are connected with this heat press according to your sublimation need. If you want to sublimate a mug, you will have to connect the mug press attachment with the press, so you will do the same by connecting different attachments and sublimating other blanks. You can get this heat press for $176. However, Prices may fluctuate over time
Mug press and Tumbler Press Machine
Mug press and tumbler press can also be purchased separately. Many brands allow us to buy a heat press machine to sublimate mugs and tumblers if you want to start a mugs and tumbler printing business. My experience with EENOUR Mug and Tumbler press machine. This machine works well with 16 oz, 20 oz, and 30 oz skinny tumblers. 11oz to 16 oz ceramic and coffee mugs can be sublimated quickly. If you are planning for a home-based business, spending $299 in one go can benefit you in the long run.
Sublimation Blanks
Sublimation blanks are different items onto which you can transfer your designs. These can include garments like t-shirts, hoodies, and caps, as well as mugs, keychains, phone cases, and more. You can sublimate only on sublimation-coated blanks but not on any ordinary items.
My comprehensive blog post on best sublimation blanks. Go there and grab the information.
Design Software
You’ll need a computer or laptop with design software to create and edit your designs. Popular design software options include Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and PROCREATE. You can edit and create images online on Canva and other programs to complete your sublimation tasks. Familiarize yourself with these programs to unleash creativity and produce stunning sublimation prints.
This post will enable you to learn how to use all the different design tools. How to Make Sublimation Designs on Different Applications.
Other Related Accessories
Miscellaneous accessories can enhance your sublimation printing experience in addition to the core equipment. These may include heat-resistant tape, spray for sublimation, lint rollers, and heat-resistant pads. You can achieve precise and professional results while ensuring the longevity of your equipment with these tools.
Time And Temperature For Different Sublimation Blanks
| Sublimation Blank | Estimated Time | Estimated Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Mug | 2-4 minutes | 360°F (182°C) |
| Polyester T-Shirt | 45-60 seconds | 380-400°F (193°C-199°C) |
| Aluminum Photo Panel | 60-90 seconds | 385-400°F (204°C) |
| Mouse Pad | 45-60 seconds | 390°F (199°C) |
| Ceramic Tiles | 5-6 minutes | 400°F (204°C) |
| Phone Case | 60-70 seconds | 375°F (191°C) |
| Puzzle | 60-90 seconds | 400°F (204°C) |
| Keychain | 45-60 seconds | 375°F (191°C) |
Conclusion
Picking up the right pieces of equipment when you start a sublimation printing business journey is essential, and choosing the right items at the beginner’s level can save you a lot of future hassles and financial woes. I tried to educate you on how to start a successful sublimation business and gave you sublimation business ideas. It is up to you to learn this skill, take it gracefully, and grow your business. Good Luck!
FAQS
How do I start sublimation at home?
Create your favorite design using design software, and take print in a sublimation printer. To transfer this image to the desired blank, apply heat and pressure with a heat press machine for a specific time and temperature. Your sublimated blank is ready to use.
How much does it cost to start a sublimation business?
Starting a home business will cost around $1500 to $1800, which may be low. All production material costs will be added.
Do I need a computer for sublimation?
Yes, you will need a Computer or a laptop where you will create the design using design software. Buying a costly PC or laptop is unnecessary because you have to run software that runs smoothly without any interruptions.
Can I sublimate with any printer?
No, you can not sublimate with any ordinary printer but need a special sublimation printer or a converted inkjet printer into sublimation. You must know how to convert an inkjet printer into a sublimation printer.
What’s the best material for sublimation?
Polyester, nylon, spandex and all poly-coated materials are considered the best blanks for sublimation because the result is very durable and long-lasting.
Is sublimation long-lasting?
The best thing about sublimation printing is that it is considered durable because the sublimation ink not only sits fronted on the object’s surface but is absorbed permanently into the object’s fibres and printed very well, which lasts for a long time.
