Tips | What is the difference between heat transfer and sublimation?
1. The temperature and time of hot stamping are different
Generally speaking, the heat transfer temperature is between 130-150 degrees and the time is about 6-10 seconds, while the sublimation temperature is between 200-230 degrees and the time is about 15-20 seconds.
2. The fabrics of hot stamping are different
Heat transfer printing can be hot stamped(heat pressed) on all fabrics such as knitted, textile, nylon, non-woven, and Oxford cloth. And sublimation can only heat press on light-colored or white polyester fabrics, and the more polyester-containing ingredients, the brighter the color.
3. The touch feel after hot stamping is different
There is hot melt glue on the back of the heat transfer printing, so the hot stamping on the fabric feels like something is attached to the surface of the fabric, and it feels a little hard. Sublimation is the penetration of ink into the fabric, so it feels soft to the touch.
4, the color is different
Heat transfer can achieve the effect of a photo. As long as a clear original file (vector) is provided when doing heat transfer, it can achieve the effect of a photo. The effect of sublimation is not as clear as that of heat transfer. The higher the polyester content of the fabric the brighter the color. Of course, it is also related to the temperature and time of heat press. The higher the temperature of heat press, the longer the time, the brighter the color.
5. The washing fastness is different
Generally speaking, the washing fastness of thermal transfer printing is better than that of non-sublimation paper, and the quality is mainly based on: elasticity and washing fastness. Sublimation A-grade products can reach washing fastness level 4 or above, B-grade products can reach 4-grade color fastness, and C-grade products can also reach 3-grade color fastness, depending on production needs.
