Customisation and Printing Options

Welcome to our FAQ page!

We understand that choosing the right customisation option can be a bit daunting, especially with so many eco-friendly and sustainable choices available. We’re here to help guide you through the process with clear, friendly, and informative answers to your most common questions. Let’s dive in!

1.  What is sublimation, and why might I choose it over other options?

Sublimation is a printing technique where the design is infused directly into the fabric or surface, resulting in vibrant and detailed prints. It works best on light-coloured, high-polyester fabrics and certain hard surfaces like mugs and tumblers. If you’re looking for a print that becomes part of the fabric and won’t fade or peel, sublimation is an excellent choice. However, it may not be suitable for dark or cotton fabrics. To maximise its eco-friendly benefits, consider choosing products made from recycled polyester.                                            

2. Can sublimation printing be used on dark fabrics?

No, sublimation is not suitable for dark fabrics. This process relies on the base colour of the fabric to create white areas in the design, making it ideal for light-coloured materials only. If you need to print on dark fabrics, consider alternatives like Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) or Direct to Fabric (DTF) printing.

3. Is sublimation printing environmentally friendly?

Sublimation is considered eco-friendly because it produces minimal waste and requires less water and energy compared to traditional dye-based printing methods. Choosing polyester products made from recycled materials can enhance the sustainability of your sublimation prints. Learn about our eco-friendly practices.

4. What fabrics are best suited for sublimation?

Sublimation works best on fabrics with a high polyester content, typically 65% or more. Light-coloured garments ensure the most vibrant results. If you’re interested in eco-friendly options, look for garments made from recycled polyester.

5. Can sublimation designs be altered after printing?

Once a design is sublimated, it becomes a permanent part of the fabric and cannot be altered. This permanence is part of what makes sublimation appealing for long-lasting, vibrant prints. This method’s durability makes them a great choice for sustainable, long-lasting products.

6. Are there specific care instructions for sublimated items?

Sublimated items generally require less maintenance but should still be washed at cooler temperatures and air-dried, avoiding direct sunlight, to preserve the vibrancy of the print.

7. What are the options of Heat Transfer Vinyl in terms of design?

 Vinyl options include, but are not limited to the following options:

• Gloss
• Matte
• Reflective
• Glitter
• Shimmer
• Holographic
• Reflective
• Block-out
• Sports-flex
• 3D Puff
• Chameleon
• Patterned
  
• Glow-in-the-dark
  
• Colour-changing
• Neon
• Foil
• Metallic
• Textured
• Flock/Velvet
• 3D Silicon

Most HTV options can be layered or sliced so that multi-coloured/multi-dimensional designs can be created.

8. What are the pros and cons of using Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)?

HTV is versatile and works on various fabrics, including cotton and polyester.  HTV is limited to solid colours unless using printable HTV.  Solid, large (10cm+) designs may feel thick and can crack or peel over time with frequent washing. Choosing quality vinyl which is right for your design, and following the washing guidance, will prolong the integrity of HTV decoration. HTV printing for intricate, complex and multi-layered designs often requires more production time and therefore can be more costly. However, its variety in finishes allows for creative expression.  For eco-conscious users, be mindful of the material waste HTV can generate.

9. Can Heat Transfer Vinyl be considered sustainable?

While HTV offers versatility, it’s important to note that it can generate more waste due to the nature of vinyl materials. To make more sustainable choices, opt for HTV made from recycled materials when possible and follow proper washing instructions to extend the life of your designs.

11. How does the texture of HTV compare to other methods?

HTV can feel thicker or stiffer than other methods, especially with layered designs. If you prefer a softer feel, consider DTF or sublimation as the print integrates into the fabric itself.

12. What is Direct to Fabric (DTF) and when is this a better printing option?

Direct to Fabric (DTF) is arguably the most frequently used printing method for customising print-on-demand clothing, teamwear and branded workwear.  The method involves printing a digitised image/text onto a carrier material using specialised printers and inks.

  

The image is then applied to fabrics using appropriate temperatures and pressures.  The introduction of DTF revolutionised the industry for smaller businesses, allowing them to produce vibrant, detailed and durable prints that only heavy, industrial-sized suppliers could previously supply.  With DTF, the sky's the limit when it comes to design options.  

Logos, text, photographs, illustrations, clipart, memes, emojis, screenshots, AI imagery.... there are pretty much no limitations, as long as the design is of a good quality with high resolution (which we can help with if it's not!)

 

13. What should I consider when choosing between these options for eco-friendly projects?

Consider the material waste, energy consumption, and longevity of the design. Sublimation uses less water and energy, and designs are embedded into the fabric so will last as long as the garment itself.  HTV offers versatility but may produce more waste. DTF is widely considered as being the compromise between sublimation and HTV as there are minimal restrictions in terms of design, it offers industry-accepted durability and produces less wastage than HTV from the production and printing processes.  Each method has its own eco-friendly benefits depending on your priorities.

14. How does each method impact the feel of the fabric?

Sublimation leaves the fabric feeling soft and unchanged, and DTF and HTV can add thickness as both sit on top of the fabric.  DTF tends to be the thinner, more flexible of the two. Choosing the right method depends on the fabric being used. and desired feel and look of your final product.

We hope these FAQs help you make informed and sustainable choices for your customisation needs.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further guidance!