Dye sublimation printing means printing out the image and then using heat to infuse the image onto a surface, in this case your own T-shirts. Most transfer paper is the same size as your regular printer paper (Letter size or A4 depending on your country). Before purchasing an unusual size, make sure your printer can handle it. Light transfer paper is used for light or white shirts. [1] X Research source Dark transfer paper is used for any shirt that is darker.
If you only have the image in a physical form, scan it and save it to your computer as a jpeg file. Alternatively, take a photograph and transfer it to your computer. If you’re going to be selling the shirts through your own online T-shirt business, only use your original designs or photos.
Do not reverse the image if you are using transfer paper for darker shirts. This type of transfer paper transfers the image exactly as it appears. If you’re not sure whether the reverse setting worked, print out a test piece on ordinary paper. It should come out as the mirror image of the look you want.
When printing with your transfer paper, you need the right kind of printer like an inkjet printer. [3] X Research source If the two sides of your transfer paper look different, print onto the blank side. One side may have a logo, design, or thermal indicators on it. Switch to “landscape mode” if the image is wider than it is tall.
To get an accurate cut, use a ruler and an Exacto knife.
Most ironing boards are not suitable, due to the metal bars or grating on the surface. Use a surface that can withstand heat. Don’t try to iron over a laminate countertop. A cutting board can also work.
For best results, use an iron with at least 1200 watts of power. [4] X Research source
Wash and dry the T-shirt first if necessary.
Placing the image face down will allow the image to be transferred so that it’s not a mirrored image when it gets transferred to your shirt.
Iron from 30 seconds to several minutes, according to the instructions that came with your specific transfer paper. Try not to move the iron around as much as you normally would when you’re ironing clothes. You do want to provide heat to the entire surface of the image, but you need to provide constant heat to ensure the iron-on sheet binds to the shirt. [5] X Expert Source Corey Fish, MDPediatrician & Chief Medical Officer, BraveCare Expert Interview. 1 April 2020. Some types of transfer paper have thermal indicators that will change colors when the area is hot enough.
Peel off the paper to reveal your image underneath.
Inkodye works best with cotton shirts so be sure to set your iron to the cotton setting. Iron the shirt until you’ve removed all wrinkles, especially on and around the area you plan to print on. Use a dry ironing method without steam.
Cardboard works well because it’s flat and won’t let the ink bleed through to the other side of the shirt. Plus, when you’re done, you can just throw it away.
The area inside your frame is where you’ll paint on the ink. The frame ensures that no ink gets outside of the area. If you don’t want any extra inked area around your photo, use a frame that’s slightly smaller than your image. A smaller frame ensures that the ink won’t bleed out past your photo. Make sure not to tape the image down. It will get stuck. And run your fingernail along the taped edges if you used tape to ensure there are no gaps.
Make sure that your bowl isn’t absorbent, you don’t want the dye seeping into it. Try to do this in a ventilated room that isn’t exposed to a lot of natural light. About 2. 5 tablespoons (40 ml) can coat an 11X11” cotton square.
Evenly apply the dye to your desired area on your shirt, and use a steady hand while you’re applying it. Also, don’t soak your shirt, or the paint might bleed underneath the the edges of your frame. [7] X Expert Source Corey Fish, MDPediatrician & Chief Medical Officer, BraveCare Expert Interview. 1 April 2020. Inkodye is fairly colorless so pay close attention to how much you are applying. After you’ve covered the desired area, grab a paper towel and blot the area to soak up any excess dye.
You can keep the frame on if you used tape and you think some of the dye may have bled through.
Smooth out the area with your hand. You want your negative to make good contact everywhere with the dye. Use straight pins on the edges of your negative to keep it in place. Alternatively, you can place a piece of acetate over the top of your negative.
Expose your print to direct sunlight for 10-15 minutes. It’s best to do this when the sun is strongest around 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. You may have to expose your print for longer if it’s cloudy out. After about five or so minutes you’ll begin to see the image darken.
Removing the negative in subdued lighting will help to keep the print intact.
Washing will remove any extra Inkodye from your shirt and make your print look nice and fresh. Use warm to hot water for best results. You may want to wash it twice to remove all the residue. After your shirt is clean, it’s ready to wear!
