Common problems in sublimation — and how to solve them

Most people achieve very good results using sublimation as a printing process; they obtain consistent results every time. The images are clear, the colors are vivid, and they match what is on the monitor.

If you do not have the desired results, read the article below and you probably have one or more of the problems listed

Sublimation is a process that involves many steps, and many users encounter problems. Below are some of the most common issues, along with their solutions.

1. Problems related to the printer's printheads (Nozzle Check)

Possible issues

• The colors in the image do not match those on the monitor (for example, the image has a red, blue, or other color tint).
• Lines appear on the printed image.
• The image may have incomplete or uneven areas.

If you encounter these problems, there is a high chance that one or more printheads are not functioning properly.

It is recommended to perform a printhead check from the printer options (Print Nozzle Check) at the beginning of the workday to check if any of the printheads are clogged.

This is what a proper image looks like and one with a red tint:

Solution

This issue can be resolved very easily. You need to perform a printhead cleaning from the printer options (Clean Nozzle) and then print another Nozzle Check to check the results. Sometimes it is necessary to perform more than one printhead cleaning.

This is how a proper Nozzle Check should look:

And this is how a Nozzle Check that shows problems should look:

2. Issues related to sublimation paper

Possible issues

Sublimation requires a special transfer paper, different from normal paper. Make sure you use the correct paper, as they are very similar and can be easily confused. Make sure you print on the correct side.

Sublimation paper has two layers: one of specially treated paper and another layer made of a ceramic powder, which does not allow the ink to pass through the paper and stain the press platen.

This is an image with a mug printed with normal paper:

The results of printing on the wrong side of the paper are similar to the results of printing with normal paper.

Issues related to storing sublimation paper

Possible issues

• Blurred spots appear on the paper (as if a drop of water fell on the paper).
• The ink starts to migrate (similar to what happens with ink on blotting paper).

It is very important that sublimation paper is stored in proper conditions. Sublimation paper has a porous consistency and absorbs moisture very quickly. Make sure the paper packaging is always sealed.

Solution

If the paper has already absorbed moisture, you can solve the problem by pressing the sheet of paper at a high temperature on the flat press for 10 seconds.

3. Issues related to sublimation parameters (time, temperature, pressure)

Most blanks require an individual set of parameters. Pressure, temperature, and time are the most important parameters in the sublimation process.

Follow the Green Print parameters if you use our products, or if you use products from other suppliers, use the parameters provided by them. It is possible that for the same type of product, the parameters may differ.

Possible issues

• In the image printed at too high a temperature, the colors start to have a brown to black tint or the image may appear pixelated in some areas.
• Images printed at too low a temperature will appear colorless or will have white spots on the photo.

It can be observed in the image printed at too high a temperature how the colors start to have a brown to black tint or the image may appear pixelated in some areas.

Images printed at too low a temperature will appear colorless or will have white spots on the picture.

Solution

Adjust the temperature, time, and pressure according to the recommended parameters for each product and test until the result visually matches the correct example.

4. Issues related to ink

Possible issues

If you use regular ink instead of sublimation ink, the print will look like in the image below or nothing will transfer.

Be very careful not to mix regular ink with sublimation ink. Before changing the ink in the containers (in the case of CISS systems), the system must be completely cleaned. Ink from different suppliers should also not be mixed, as their consistency may differ and unwanted results may occur.

Solution

• Use only sublimation ink for printing.
• Do not mix different inks or inks from different manufacturers.
• Completely clean the CISS system before changing the type of ink.

5. Issues related to mirror printing

Possible issues

Most sublimation products (mugs, plaques, t-shirts, puzzles, etc.) require printing on the sublimation paper to be done in mirror mode. Only transparent glass objects that are printed on the back side do not require mirror printing.

If images or texts appear reversed on the final product, the cause is usually the lack of the mirror print setting.

Solution

Make sure that the mirror print option is enabled for all products that require it (mugs, t-shirts, puzzles, plaques, etc.).

6. Issues related to heat presses

6.1. Platen staining

Possible issues

First of all, you must be careful about staining the platen with ink. When the platen is stained with ink, some of it will transfer onto the printed object. This is most common with sublimation on polyester or cotton t-shirts.

Solution

The iron platen must be protected with a Teflon sheet, which prevents ink transfer onto the metal/ceramic platen of the heat press. A sheet of sublimation paper or even regular paper can also be used to protect the platen from staining.

6.2. Overloading and electrical supply

Possible issues

Heat presses are high consumers of electricity. Voltage fluctuations or overloading can lead to temperature variations and inconsistent results.

Solution

• To extend the lifespan of heat presses, take a 10-minute break every hour of use.
• Make sure that the electrical network does not have excessive voltage fluctuations.
• It is recommended that the press be connected directly to the wall socket and not through extension cords.
• If you still use an extension cord, do not connect more than one heat press to it.

7. Completion of the sublimation process

Possible issues

After removing the printed object from the press, the paper must be peeled off quickly to prevent ink "smearing." Ink smearing occurs when, after removing from the press, the paper moves and the ink transfers beyond the image.

Some manufacturers recommend immersing the product in water after removing it from the press. We do not recommend this process for Green Print products. This process can lead to microcracks that may reduce the physical strength of the product.

Solution

• Peel the paper off the object immediately after removing it from the press, without letting it move on the surface.
• Avoid immersing the product in water immediately after pressing, to prevent the appearance of microcracks.

8. Information

There are plenty of tutorials on the internet, whether video or text/image, that can be very useful to you. The world of sublimation consists of products specially designed for this printing process. We recommend using social media such as YouTube for video tutorial clips.

Videos for the printing process can be found for most sublimation products, printed with different types of heat presses, whether classic or vacuum.

For additional information, do not hesitate to contact us at the email address office@green-print.ro or at the phone number 0728 350 300.

You can find us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/greenprint0.

You can find us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@Green-Print

If you are a beginner in this field, do not lose patience if you encounter problems. It is absolutely normal to have unsatisfactory results at first. Sublimation is a craft that requires intensive practice to master properly.

The Green Print team wishes you a pleasant and trouble-free experience!