In this second part of our guide, we delve into more advanced and specific questions that arise when you have been working with sublimation for some time. Discover how to solve technical issues, improve your workflow, and maintain the quality of your products.

Advanced equipment maintenance

How can I extend the lifespan of my printer's printhead?

The secret lies in preventing the injectors from becoming clogged. Here are some recommendations:

• Use the sublimation printer regularly: This prevents the ink from drying in the nozzles.
• Perform regular maintenance: If you don't have frequent orders, print at least twice a week.
• Control the ambient humidity: Use a humidifier to maintain the humidity level above 40-50%. This prevents the drying of the inks.

Why does my printer print with horizontal stripes?

Stripes or banding may appear if:

• The paper is not completely flat and touches the print head.
• The injectors are partially blocked.

☝️Solution: Perform a printhead cleaning and, if necessary, trim the edges of the paper to remove any potential irregularities.

Optimization of color and print quality

Why is it difficult to reproduce exactly the same colours in repeated works?

The variation in colours may be due to multiple factors, such as:

• Changes in the paper or ink used.
• Time, pressure, and temperature settings on the press.
• Alterations in the colour profiles of the software.

☝️Solution: Keep a detailed record of the settings used for each job (production sheets) and maintain a constant inventory of your materials.

How to adjust colours to meet my clients' demands?

It is advisable to work in RGB values to ensure compatibility with most printers. If the client requests Pantone or CMYK colours, use a conversion chart and seek their confirmation before printing.

Problems and solutions in different materials

Can I sublimate any polyester material?

Yes, but some surface finishes can make the transfer difficult.

👨‍🏫 Practical Tip: Conduct a preliminary test on samples and protect the iron with Teflon sheets to prevent residue.

How does sunlight affect sublimated products?

UV rays can deteriorate colours over time.

☝️Solution: Apply a UV protective coating to enhance resistance to sunlight, especially for outdoor products.

Practical tips to improve production

How to avoid mistakes when sublimating textile garments?

• Clean the garments with a lint roller before sublimating.
• Use protective sheets between the paper and the garment to prevent accidental stains.
• Ensure the design is securely fixed with heat tape.

Is there a way to correct errors on already sublimated objects?

Sublimation is permanent, which means there is no way to erase mistakes. However, you can try to overprint the design if the error allows, but it is not advisable.

How to sublimate curved or stitched materials?

For irregular surfaces like purses or bags, place a pad inside or under the object to level it. This ensures that the design remains flat and undistorted.

What to do if I need to print on an already sublimated garment?

Avoid it if possible, as the second print can damage previous designs. If necessary, perform all sublimations in a single process, adjusting the placement and design of the elements.

How to sublimate large formats or murals?

If you don't have large format equipment, divide the design into smaller sections and transform them into tiles. This technique is ideal for murals or decorative tiles.

Sublimation is a versatile yet challenging technique. We hope these answers help you overcome issues to make the most of your equipment and materials.

Do you have any questions or tips you would like to share? Leave us your comment and let's talk about sublimation! You can also contact our Customer Service team for more information or to resolve any concerns.

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See you in the next post!