Sublimating on Cotton 101

Sublimating on Cotton and Dark Garments 101

Sublimation is often the go-to choice for vibrant, long-lasting prints. However, traditional sublimation only works on high-polyester fabrics, leaving cotton enthusiasts searching for solutions to achieve bold designs on their favorite cotton and dark garments. Fortunately, there are effective ways to sublimate on these substrates! This guide will explore the primary method: Sublimation HTV.

Sublimation HTV – Bringing Sublimation to Cotton

Materials You Will Need:

1. Sublimation HTV

   Sublimation-compatible heat transfer vinyl (HTV) allows sublimation designs on cotton or dark garments. Available options include:

   • Clear HTV
   • Siser Holographic Pearl
   • Glow-in-the-Dark EasyWeed
   • Siser Sparkle
   • Siser Glitter

   Each type offers a unique effect—select the one that best fits your project’s style.

   

   Frosty Clear Dye Sub HTV

   

   Siser Dye Sublimation Glitter 12" HTV

   

   Siser Holographic Pearl

2. Sublimation Print

A quality sublimation printer like the Sawgrass SG500 or SG1000 is perfect for creating your designs. If you don’t have a sublimation printer, consider ordering custom sublimation transfers from our website.



Sublimation Transfers

3. Heat-Resistant Tape

Keeps your design in place during pressing, preventing ghosting or shifting.



Sublimation Heat Tape

4. Heat Press

For best results, use a heat press with adjustable pressure. The 16x20 Auto-Open WALAPress is ideal for consistent pressure and a convenient auto-open feature.



WALAPress 16x20 Auto-Open

With these supplies, you’re ready to create vibrant sublimation designs on cotton!

Step-by-Step Guide for Sublimation HTV

1. Design and Print (or Purchase) Your Sublimation Transfers
• Design your artwork using compatible software and print it in reverse on sublimation paper.
• Alternatively, order custom sublimation transfers directly from our website—your artwork will come ready to press.

2. Press the Sublimation HTV onto the Cotton or Dark Garment
• Cut the sublimation HTV to fit your sublimation transfer.
• Place the HTV onto your cotton fabric and press with a heat press to adhere the HTV to the garment, creating a base layer.

3. Transfer Your Sublimation Design
• Position your sublimation print over the HTV layer, securing it with heat-resistant tape for stability.
• Place a layer of parchment or Kraft paper on top to protect your press.
• Press again to transfer the design onto the HTV, showcasing vibrant colors on the cotton or dark fabric.

4. Final Peel
   • Carefully peel away the sublimation paper, revealing a long-lasting, colorful sublimation print that holds up through washes.

Watch a video on this process here:  Sublimation on 100% Cotton and Dark Garments with HTV | Clear, Glow-in-the-Dark, and Holo Vinyl
Using Sublimation HTV is a simple, cost-effective way to transfer sublimation designs onto cotton or dark fabric without compromising comfort or design quality.

For a more specialized approach, use a Sawgrass printer with EasySubli HTV and Ink for premium results. Here’s how:

Gather Your Materials:

1. Sawgrass Printer with EasySubli Ink
2. EasySubli HTV
3. Heat Press

Sawgrass Sublimation Printer SG1000 and Siser EasySubli Bundle

Siser EasySubli

Steps by Step Guide to Sublimating on Cotton with Siser EasySubli

1. Design Your Artwork
• Create your design with compatible software. EasySubli Ink works on cotton, polyester, and dark fabrics, producing vibrant results when paired with EasySubli HTV.

2. Print Directly on EasySubli HTV
• Print your design directly onto EasySubli HTV (no sublimation paper required). Cut to shape using a vinyl cutter and weed the excess material.

3. Place the printed EasySubli HTV onto your cotton or dark fabric and press with a heat press at the recommended temperature.
• Create your design with compatible software. EasySubli Ink works on cotton, polyester, and dark fabrics, producing vibrant results when paired with EasySubli HTV.

4. Apply EasySubli to Cotton
• Place the printed EasySubli HTV onto your cotton or dark fabric and press with a heat press at the recommended temperature.

5. Peel and Reveal
• Peel the EasySubli HTV while warm, revealing a vibrant image with the look and feel of traditional sublimation.

Watch a video on Siser EasySubli here: The Guide to EasySubli

Why Sublimate on Cotton or Dark Fabrics?

Polyester garments are popular for their durability and vibrant colors, but cotton offers a breathable, natural feel that many people prefer. Sublimating on cotton preserves this comfort while ensuring quality, broadening design possibilities across different fabrics. Additionally, sublimating on dark garments unlocks creative opportunities beyond traditional sublimation, with the added appeal of bold, eye-catching colors that truly stand out.

Both Sublimation HTV and EasySubli HTV offer unique benefits. Sublimation HTV is quick and cost-effective, while EasySubli provides a professional finish ideal for detailed designs. Try these methods and enjoy the flexibility and creativity that sublimation on cotton and dark fabrics brings to your projects!

Ready to try sublimation on cotton or dark garments? Start experimenting with these methods and bring your creative vision to life on cotton apparel!