Does Sublimation Printing Last?

If you want to customize your clothes, accessories, or any particular decoration product, sublimation printing is a great way. It is an ideal printing technique that utilizes heat and pressure to transfer ink from a piece of paper onto the desired item. The ink melts to the surface of the item to create a permanent, colorful design.

However, like the rest, it can wear out after some time, but how many washes can it last? Most sublimation designs last for a long time as compared to iron-on transfers. Still, the longevity of the design or print depends on a range of factors. 

Today, we will dive into the lifespan of a sublimation print design and how you can make it last longer.

Factors that Affect How Long Will Sublimation Prints Last

Most of the time, sublimation designs last a very long time. However, the lifespan of the sublimation printing designs varies depending on a few essential facts. Below, we will discuss these factors in detail.

Quality of Ink

The first factor that can affect the life of a sublimation printing design is the quality of ink used. Most low-quality or cheap inks can begin showing signs of wear and tear, fading, or peeling after just a few washes. On the other hand, a high-quality ink may be more expensive than the previous one but will make the design last longer and withstand numerous washes before weakening.

If you want your sublimation printing design to last, use high-quality ink specifically for sublimation printing.

1. Type of Fabric

Another contributing factor to the longevity of your sublimation printing design is the type of fabric you use. Some fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, are more responsive to sublimation ink than other types of fabrics. The ink sticks better to the fabric, which ensures the design lasts longer and holds well even after washes. 

These fabrics are most common in sports clothing and other athletic wear, demanding durability, reliability, and moisture-absorbing capabilities. This serves well, as the fabric holds the design well. 

Moving over to the natural fabrics, such as cotton, are less responsive to sublimation ink. It causes the design to damage and show signs of wear and tear sooner.

2. Maintenance and Care

Lastly, care and maintenance are also important factors that affect the longevity of designs. Even though sublimation designs are intended to last quite a reasonable amount of time, you will still have to properly care for and wash them to maintain their shape, quality, and looks. 

When washing, it is better to use cold water, avoid harsh chemicals, detergents, or cleaners, and avoid ironing or drying them on high heat. This will help the designs last longer and remain vibrant and beautiful even after multiple washes.

Tips and Tricks to Make Lasting Sublimation Designs

If you want to make your sublimation printing designs last longer, or at least as long as possible, there are a few quick tips and tricks you can adopt. These will help you preserve your designs and enhance the quality and overall look of your sublimation printed designs.

1. Use High-Quality Ink

As we discussed earlier, the quality of the ink is one of the most essential factors that majorly contribute to the longevity of your designs. If you want your designs to last as long as possible, it is best to use high-quality inks that are specifically for sublimation printing.

These inks are specially designed by companies to hold out against the heat and pressure during the sublimation printing process and everyday use. If you are unsure about the ink to use, look at the sublimation ink guide. It will help you pick the right one based on your needs, demands, and sublimation printer.

Some of the best ink options for 2024 are as follows:

Hiipoo Ink – It dries fast and does not leave streaks. 

Cosmos Ink has a good shelf life and excellent color accuracy.

Printers Jack Ink offers the broadest color gamut and brings true reproduction.

Sawgrass Sublijet HD – It is a very professional ink with premium quality.

Epson UltraChrome DS Ink is ideal for textile-based image designing and printing. 

2. Choose the Right Fabrics

The following important tip is to choose the right kind of fabric to print your design on. You must know that polyester and nylon are the best fabrics for sublimation printing. They are more durable and heat-resistant than other fabrics. However, if you want to use natural fabrics like cotton, choose a top-level quality and tightly woven fabric.

It will be more resistant and hold up great to the sublimation printing process.

So, the best choice for fabric is polyester, followed by nylon and spandex. 

3. Purchase a Good Quality Sublimation Printer

The next important tip is to invest in and purchase a good quality sublimation printer to improve the quality and longevity of your designs. A good quality sublimation printer will evenly distribute the ink to make the design appear even and ensure the design is properly infused into the fabric.

It helps prevent cracks, fading, or overtime peeling that will render your design useless. You must use printers specifically meant for sublimation printing because these models have the right tools and options to create beautiful and vibrant designs.

If you are confused about which printer to get, look at the best sublimation printers 2024. The list includes well-balanced printers, the best inkjet options, and the best budget deals for a wallet-friendly investment.

Some of the best options for sublimation printers are as follows:

Sawgrass SG500 – It is the best overall printer.

DND DS620A – It is great for photos.

Epson SureColor SC F170 – The best sublimation printer for beginners.

Epson EcoTank ET 2720 – It is the best inkjet printer.

Canon Selphy CP1500 – It is a great budget-friendly option.

4. Provide Proper Care and Maintenance 

The last contributing factor is proper care and maintenance of your sublimation printed designs and the items. It means using good quality gentle detergents, washing them in cold water, and keeping them away from high heat during drying or ironing.

It is best to avoid harsh chemicals and detergents and avoid ironing on high heat. It can damage the fabric and make the design fade away or peel off quicker than usual.

Conclusion

The lifespan of your sublimation printed designs mostly depends on the quality of the ink, the printer you use, the type of fabric, and the care and maintenance of the after-printed cloth and accessory. 

However, by following our tips mentioned above and tricks, you can make sure the designs remain intact for a long time. Also, it will help maintain the quality of the fabric and make it withstand more frequent washes. We have pointed out the best options for sublimation ink, the type of fabric, and the sublimation printer.

You can choose one of our recommendations to get the best results. Of course, you can do your own research and see which fits your needs because the final choice is yours.