Using T-shirt sublimation printers is one of the best ways to get the highest quality T-shirts, and every business owner in the industry knows this. People today use sublimation printers for various reasons, but most importantly because they are highly trusted and have been the most convenient and efficient for producing great t-shirt designs.
This article will look at why people should use a T-shirt sublimation printer and what the top trending designs are for the industry. There will also be an exploration of what kind of business equipment is needed for a T-shirt sublimation and what type of T-shirt or apparel can be used for sublimation printing. Even for the newest person, this article will get them all prepared to open their own t-shirt printing business!
By the end of this article, people will have a clear idea of what exactly sublimation printing and tails are and whether or not it would be a good idea for them to start their own sublimation printing business for T-shirts. But first, let's understand why people should use a sublimation printer and what value it offers people.
Why Should People Use a T-Shirt Sublimation Printer?
When making t-shirts, one of the most traditional and trusted formats is using a sublimation printer. People use these machines for various reasons, but mostly because they are among the most high-quality devices.
They are also highly convenient for people who have businesses that print items on demand. Here is a list of the reasons why people choose to use a t-shirt sublimation printer:
Only a Simple Heat Transfer
The primary reason why people should consider using this type of printer for their t-shirts is that it is one of the most straightforward processes. If people find a high-quality machine, they can create t-shirts in mere minutes and from the comfort of their homes.
No Fade, No Problem
Another reason why people should consider using a sublimation printer is because they typically have a higher-quality image. In addition, the print will not fade as quickly as with other types of t-shirt printing because this type of printing will transfer the item directly to the t-shirt. That makes for vibrant designs and strong integrity of the t-shirt over time.
Infinite Colors and Designs to Choose From
With other types of sublimation printing, people have to adhere to a specific set of colors or designs. Still, the world is one's oyster if they have a sublimation printer. Due to the high-quality, straightforward process, this machine offers business owners and at-home side hustles. In addition, there are few restrictions and more options.
An Inexpensive T-Shirt Production Method
Business owners spend hundreds—if not thousands—on machines to make their t-shirts. However, all people need is a high-quality sublimation printer that they purchase once, and then they will have something reliable for years to come. This makes for an inexpensive method and one that offers more value, even as a depreciating asset of the business.
Fast, Convenient, and Most Trusted
With all of the various options people have for their t-shirt production, this happens to be the fastest, most convenient, and among the most trusted. More business owners use heat presses like the sublimation machine than others.
More importantly, this offers people on-demand potential that they cannot get with every other t-shirt printing machine. In many cases, the t-shirts can be made on the same day or in the same hour of the order being placed!
Eco-Friendly Method for T-Shirt Printing
Other printing methods happen to use plenty of energy while harming the environment. However, the sublimation process is the most eco-friendly for those concerned with sustainability and environmental protection.
This is also a significant selling point for people searching for items within the store. They may fall in love with the design but love it even more than they find out they are helping the planet.
What Designs Are Trending Now?
Now that it is clear that sublimation printers are probably the best choice for t-shirt printing companies, it's time to look at some of the trends in the market today. It is essential to recognize that business owners must take the existing trends and their clients' requests to heart. Otherwise, they might not sell as many items. Here are the top trends today in the market.
Halloween and Holiday Themed Designs
It's that time of year again! Business owners will likely see many more holiday designs and logos printed now. Of course, this season, it's all about fall and Halloween. But business owners ahead of the curve are likely getting ready for Christmas.
Faith and Religious Designs
Globally, one of the most popular designs is those associated with one's religion or spirituality. These can be as simple as Bible quotes or as detailed as nature or other religious-associated figures. These might be perfect for specific demographics or could otherwise be created and sold around Easter and Christmas as well.
Funny and Humorous Designs
People always love a good chuckle, and that's why funny or humorous jokes on t-shirts will always be a big sell. It doesn't matter if it is summer, fall, winter, or spring. It could even be around the holidays. People are likely able to sell more of these than other designs just because of their versatility.
Nature and Animal Designs
People always love to show off their love for their pets, outdoor activities, and more. That's why this is a trending topic: people are always looking for these designs for friends and family. This could include trade shirts, natural scenery, or even hand-drawn designs from artists from which business owners might purchase plans.
Custom Logo Designs
Finally, the last trending item that must be explored is custom logos, which can pertain to the business owner's business or potentially be related to custom orders from others. Either way, these will always be in demand, and they could produce much revenue over time if the business owner continues to expand their business.
The T-Shirt Printing Business Equipment Needed for Sublimation
With the right design and the knowledge of why sublimation is a great choice for t-shirt production, it’s time to look into what is needed to create this business. Here are the top machines and items required to develop optimal designs and make the process as smooth as possible for the t-shirt printing business.
Heat Press Sublimation Machine
This one is a prominent but required item. There are plenty of machines to choose from, which can vary in pricing. If the business starts, buying expensive, brand-new models might not be possible. However, opting for a cheaper one and then upgrading is always a good idea, so keep that in mind for the business!
Sublimation Ink
Contrary to popular belief, there is a type of sublimation ink that is required for sublimation printing. There are loads of colors, and even though it's a particular type, there are plenty of options for business owners looking to create fantastic sublimation prints for their customers. Do the proper research, find a few sublimation inks needed for the business, and then continue expanding as required.
Transfer Tape
Another essential item that many people forget is transfer tape. This is highly valuable within the sublimation process because this is typically used to help ensure that the design is centered, appropriately sized, and transferred from the design print to the T-shirt. Without transfer tape, there's no telling whether or not the plan will turn out the way it is supposed to.
T-Shirt of Choice
Finally, the last and arguably the most important would be the T-shirt that will be printed on. Again, this is a critical piece of material needed, and people can choose from multiple fabrics and designs of the T-shirt they would like. In addition, there are many other items that the T-shirt printing company can use for sublimation.
What Kind of Items Can I Use for Sublimation?
Several different items can be used for sublimation specifically. Here are the most common that are used for the process of T-shirt printing sublimation:
Sweatshirt
Sweatshirt hoodie
Crew neck
V-Neck
Henley
Crewneck
V-Neck T-Shirt
Henley Shirt
Henley Sweatshirt
As one can see, there are so many sublimation options, making it an easy process for T-shirt printing and one that offers a lot of customization and variety for the customers requesting custom printing.
How to Use a T-Shirt Sublimation Printer
Now that the design and the machinery have all been set up, it's time to think about how the business owner uses a T-shirt sublimation printer to make their designs. Luckily, it's quite a simple process, even for absolute beginners in the industry.
Create the Design
The first step is to make sure that the design is created using software of one choice. The most common and effective typically is Adobe Photoshop because of the significant customization and the specifications that can be created to make the design as high quality as possible.
Print the Design with Sublimation Ink
The next step is to print the design with sublimation ink. Business owners do not even need a good printer that only prints sublimation ink because there are a variety of printers that will be able to use sublimation ink interchangeably. Just print it, ensure that the sizing is correct, and ensure it's all set up for the next step.
Use Transfer Tape to Center the Design on the T-Shirt
While the T-shirt printing machine for small business is heating up, the next step is to ensure that the design is centered using the transfer tape and that the device is heating up for use. Make sure to put the design square on the design of one's choice, and ensure that it is the correct size. If needed, it is possible to reprint at this step and then reapply using transfer tape.
Heat Press the Design into the T-Shirt
The next and most crucial step is to put the design into the heat press and press down, following the directions of the heat press machine and ensuring that the design sublimates from the design print to the T-shirt. This may take a few seconds, depending on the device of choice. After waiting, remove the T-shirt and check to ensure the design is correct and centered.
Tips and Tricks for Optimal Results
Before getting started with sublimation, business owners need to be sure that they follow a few specific tips to ensure that no matter what happens, the design will always turn out perfect and their customers will always be satisfied. So here are some final tips to help T-shirt printing businesses create optimal products.
Use the Right Ink and Use Transfer Tape
One of the most important is to remember to use suitable tape and proper printing Inc. Some of the most common mistakes people make are assuming they can use just any ordinary ink to print their designs, which leaves lower-quality designs on the T-shirt instead of the higher-quality designs that people want. It's also essential to ensure that transfer tape is included in the process because this can lead to a lack of centering of images and other challenges.
Make Sure the Equipment is in Tip-Top Shape
One of the worst things to do is to use an outdated heat press machine or potentially not as efficient as other machines. Always check to ensure that the device is still in working order and that there are no challenges or delays. This is why shopping for the correct machine at the beginning of one’s business is always the best decision to ensure long-term success.
Avoid Leaving the Machine Unattended
As always, people should never leave machines unattended while they are running. Likewise, business owners should always be close to the device while running because letting it run for too long can destroy the design and burn the T-shirt. In addition, leaving it unattended could leave safety hazards if it's not switched off. Practice common sense safety, and the machine will never have issues.
Are You Ready to Start Making Cool T-Shirts with Sublimation?
With all this in mind, maybe it's time to start thinking about your own eco-friendly t-shirt printing business. With the right T-shirt sublimation printer and the right T-shirt printing business equipment, anyone can find success in this industry.
For more information and to get started on searching for heat presses in other sublimation equipment, feel free to check out our wholesale website to learn more and to get an idea of what's available in the industry that could be profitable to you in the future as a business owner.
